Truffle shop The Cocoa Tree, reopened in downtown Franklin last year after more than 10 years away from Williamson County. They reopened in the former Ivey Cake location, 100 4th Ave N (which was The Cocoa Tree’s first shop, opening in 2004).
Now not only are they offering handcrafted truffles, they are hosting pop-up dinners, the next one slated for Saturday, March 17th inside Franklin Mercantile Deli, their retail neighbor, located in the same building as The Cocoa Tree.
This will be their second pop up following an incredibly successful sold-out pop up dinner on Valentine’s Weekend. The recipes are created by The Cocoa Tree founder and co-owner, Bethany Torino and are inspired by her love for all things chocolate. Torino said the response to the Valentine’s dinner was amazing, with many guests commenting that their Cocoa Rubbed Center Cut Sirloin was the best steak they had ever had.
“St. Patrick’s Day has so much inspiration with hearty, colloquial foods. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to build a menu around it! The art of the perfect cocoa inspired menu is balance. I want my food to be classic, not kitschy. The cocoa and chocolate elements are perfectly placed within highlights of the meal so they don’t bog down the entrees. A perfect example of this is my Cocoa Seared Irish Stew topped with chocolate glazed carrots. The Cocoa in the stew provides an earthy depth of flavor and the chocolate glaze brings the dish to life in the most decadent way,” said Torino.
Cost of the dinner is $75 per person which begins at 6 pm. Beer, water, and tea are included in the meal, wine is available as an additional purchase.  To Make a Reservation for the St. Patrick’s Day dinner,  email [email protected] or call 615.906.6716.
See the menu below.
Kale Salad w/ Turnip and Cabbage
Drizzled with McCreary’s Guinness Vinaigrette
Yeast Dinner Roll w/ Chocolate Butter
Cocoa Seared Irish Beef Stew
Poured over Baked Potato
w/ Chocolate Glazed Carrots
Dark Chocolate Pudding
w/ Irish Whiskey Sweet Cream
Can chocolate lovers continue to expect The Cocoa Tree pop up dinners? “We are planning to host one pop up per month. I build the menu around a main dish concept that I am interested in transforming into a cocoa-infused adaptation” said. Torino.
