San Diego, CA—October 5, 2013—As a special vote of thanks to all our Science Rock Stars who helped make the first year of our after-hours parties for adults 21 and older a rollicking success, we happily return to the yummiest of subjects, Chocolate! Our next Science on the Rocks party will investigate Chocolate Unwrapped: The Science of Flavor on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30PM! Don’t miss out; a truly decadent time was had by all at last year’s The Sweet Science of Chocolate; Tap This: The Art of the Brew; Pizza, Pinot and Pi and That's Hot: The Fleet's Summer Sizzler, and we intend to continue the party!

Local chocolatier Will Gustwiller of Eclipse Chocolate will pair something yummy (beer truffles, perhaps?) with a Green Flash Brewing Company surprise revealed by Director of Beer Education, Dave Adams. Sips will feature the Flash’s Hophead Red, Serrano Chilli Stout and West Coast IPA, Aztec Brewing’s Cacao Chocolate Porter made with organic cacao nibs and Chipotle IPA made with smoked Jalapeno Peppers, Helm’s Brewing Company’s Hop the RIPA & Beeruccino, Manzanita Brewing Company’s Riverwalk Blonde and Witch's Hair Pumpkin Ale (with Chaotic IPA as backup) and St. Archer’s eponymous Blonde and IPA; Manzanita Distillery will tempt you with their Moonshine. Sip wines of the world from PRP Wines International. Or pick your own pleasure and hit the no-host full bar from BarWorks, offering beer, wine and cocktails. Taste culinary treats: Coffee Chocolate Stout Braised Beef Brisket with Sweet Potato Mashers from Ritual Tavern and Mini Chocolate Parfaits & Blackened Chicken Orzo Pasta from East Village Tavern and Bowl.

As always, there will be fun, scientific chocolate- and beer-related hands-on activities! Satisfy your hunger for knowledge with a presentation by Dr. Linemeyer, VP of Biology for Senomyx, on the science behind your taste buds––Senomyx discovers and develops innovative flavor ingredients using cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Francisco Villarreal provides scientific justification for chocoholics with his insights on the health benefits of chocolate. 

Our chief mad scientist Heather Wilkens is bringing back her Team Greenwood to make ice cream in a flash using liquid nitrogen. Party guests will test how sight and smell affect taste in a Skittles Taste Test, blindfolded and holding their nose as they taste a mystery Skittle—how well can you discern the differences between Grape, LemonGreen, Apple, Orange and Strawberry? Or try a Strawberry DNA Extraction—deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA for short, is the molecule that controls everything that happens in our cells.  DNA is a like a blueprint—it contains instructions for the cells in our bodies. Plants and animals have DNA, and we’re going to find it! 

Burn off the calories by shakin’ it to the sounds of DJ Will Hernandez and Drumbeats by Dre. Get caught in the act by Xavier Bailey Photography and 1 Look Back Photography, or photostrip with friends at Smile Pop Party’s photo booth. At evening’s end, get a discounted luxury ride home from Uber. We would also like to acknowledge generous donations from Which Wich and Tim Altbaum Productions.

Chocolate Unwrapped: The Science of Flavor will bring on the fun on Thursday, October 17, from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. All proceeds benefit the Fleet’s nonprofit mission of furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. Tickets are $25 general admission for nonmembers; $22.50 for students and military; and $20 for Fleet members, staff and volunteers, and Balboa Park employees.

Tickets for this adults-only party are on sale now through Eventbrite at science-rocks-chocolate-unwrapped.eventbrite.com, and at the Fleet ticket counter, open at 10AM daily. Or purchase by phone by calling the Fleet’s Client Services Department at (619) 238-1233 x 806. This event is open to adults ages 21+ only. I.D. is required. A cash bar features beer, wine, and cocktails. Space is limited and prices increase the day of event—if not sold out, tickets at the door will be $30; no discounts apply. For more information, visit our website at www.rhfleet.org/events/science-rocks. For up-to-the-minute news, visit www.Facebook.com/ScienceontheRocks.

Science on the Rocks is Sponsored by Mossy Toyota

and San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union

We have discovered the scientific formula for a perfect night out: Take one part fun with friends and slowly mix in two parts intriguing interaction. Then add a scoop of nibbles and a cup of libations. Cover all ingredients with music and laughter. Let it simmer to perfection. And voila! You have Science on the Rocks—a delightful evening of unexpected activities, delicious tastes and indulgent experiences for adults ages 21 and up. Science on the Rocks is held on select Thursday evenings, and each event features a unique theme.

It’s not a party unless your friends come, right? Well, they’re invited, too! Please take a moment and spread the word about Science on the Rocks by “Liking” our page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceOnTheRocks; join the event and invite all your Facebook friends to come, too; and share our website link with all your favorite party people: www.rhfleet.org/events/science-rocks.