The makers of this type of chocolate take extra effort to learn about where the fruit is grown. They strive to create unique and excellent tasting chocolate. Since the cacao beans (actually seeds) are coming from farms in specific areas of the world, the taste experience is quite different for each location. Terroir, along with techniques used by the chocolate makers, allows for wonderful variety. These chocolate makers are also not always chocolatiers (people who work with ready-made chocolate and turn it into different treats). The entire process of creating chocolate from the fermented and dried beans is the focus. Making chocolate is easy but making excellent chocolate is extremely difficult.

My name is Nicole and I am based in Guelph, ON. Like a lot of people, I have always enjoyed eating chocolate but it wasn’t until I moved to Victoria, B.C and discovered The Chocolate Project that I realized how amazing chocolate can really taste. After joining a chocolate club and learning a lot from The Chocolate Project folks I also discovered how damaging the chocolate industry can be to people and the environment. There is lots of information available now (including the movie ‘The Dark Side of Chocolate‘) to shed light on the need for better chocolate. Luckily, a growing craft chocolate movement is flourishing with dedicated makers who work directly with farmers and/or mindful sourcing to insure they are being paid fairly and the cacao trees are being grown sustainably. My wish is to curate delicious bars from these talented makers and help more people discover the beauty of excellent chocolate.

Taste of Spring: Tea and Chocolate Pairing

Sunday May 5, 1:30-3:30pm

Guelph Civic Museum – 52 Norfolk St

Purchase Tickets – $20

Royal City Brewery – beer and chocolate pairing event

Tuesday May 14, 7-9pm

199 Victoria Rd S

Purchase Tickets – $40