Video
Choco Talk-o
SueEllen Mancini | Sad Girl Creamery
ChocoLAte: From Beans to Bliss
NHM Online Presents ChocoLAte: From Beans to Bliss, a video series celebrating the diversity of Los Angeles and its people through the lens of chocolate.
Where desserts are concerned, chocolate is unparalleled in its dynamism. A box of chocolates is just as apt to be presented on a first date, as it is to be devoured after the last. It can be offered in celebration or sympathy, in congratulations or condolence. Equally as dynamic is the city of Los Angeles, one of the world’s most diverse repositories for culture and cuisine. ChocoLAte: From Beans to Bliss seeks to inspire, captivate, and tap into the deep-rooted love for chocolate that flows through the veins of this vibrant city.
A Choc-Full More to Explore!
Los Angeles, a haven for desserts and their creators, offers a sweet escape into a world of indulgence. Dive into the links below to discover more, and follow us on social media for insights into the incredible people and businesses that unite communities through the magic of sweets. Have a favorite spot? We'd love to hear from you! If there's another L.A. chocolatier spreading love through their creations, join the conversation on social media and tag us @NHMLA with #chocolateinLA.
John Kelly Chocolates
Embark on a chocolate adventure at John Kelly Chocolates, where you'll find two delightful havens in Hollywood and Santa Monica! Their truffle fudge takes center stage, a signature treat that harmonizes a velvety texture with an unparalleled depth of flavor in every heavenly bite. Dressed in chocolate and elegantly presented in luxury gift boxes, it's a sweet symphony that promises both indulgence and sophistication. Because, after all, who said chocolate can't be both sweet and swanky?
Cacao Mexicatessen
Indulge your senses at Cacao Mexicatessen, nestled in Eagle Rock! Take a delightful journey through their exquisite mole, where the union of fruits, nuts, chiles, and chocolate creates a symphony of flavors. It's a marriage that dances gracefully from simple ingredients to intricate complexities, surprisingly not overwhelming the palate. Trust us, it's a chocolatey waltz you don't want to miss!
LetterPress Chocolate
Come together to enjoy different flavors and aromas of chocolate from Letterpress Chocolate. Join them in Los Angeles, for a tour and tasting event, where you can enjoy the different tasting notes of their bars (whether it be fudgy, fruity, nutty), smell the strong chocolate aroma, and feel the creamy texture as your body relaxes and the stress of your day melts away.
Stay Cocoa-Nected for More Stories and Upcoming Events
We will be sharing stories of chocolate, community, and connection all year. Below is a glimpse of our upcoming features.
May will feature Chocovivo, a chocolate shop founded by Taiwanese-American businessperson Patricia Tsai. Patricia was a CPA-turned-chocolatier whose business focuses on bean-to-bar chocolate products, with ingredients sourced from communities in Mexico with whom Chocovivo maintains close and strong ties. Patricia also focuses on chocolate's healing and holistic properties at her store, offering chocolate skin care products, chocolate tastings and pairings, and even a chocolate meditation experience.
Danny Zahir, Creative Director of Edelweiss Chocolates in Los Angeles, continues a sweet legacy dating back to 1942. From its Hollywood heyday, Edelweiss has been an iconic confectionery. With recipes and equipment tracing back 82 years, Danny and his family infuse their own cultural touch, offering delights like the Dark Chocolate Rose Marshmallow, a nod to their heritage with the subtle fragrance of rose water. In the heart of Beverly Hills, Edelweiss Chocolates stands as a timeless blend of tradition and innovation, crafting small batches of delectable chocolates for a new generation of enthusiasts.
Albert Daniel, founder of Albert’s Petite Sweets, has taken an anything-but-linear journey to chocolate stardom. Initially a personal trainer, Albert started out by making cake pops as a thank-you gift for his clients. He loved the joy it brought them and realized this was his true passion. Albert’s inspiring story highlights the triumph of passion over adversity and creativity over the routine.
Siblings by chance, foodies by choice! In the Fall, you will meet the culinary dream team – Paulina, Bricia, and Fernando Lopez, the magical trio behind Guelaguetza Restaurant! These flavor maestros are turning up the heat with their scrumptious Oaxacan delights, and when it comes to mole, they're on a chocolate-infused mission. Get ready to savor the sweetness of family, food, and a whole lot of chocolate joy.
Mac Daniel Dimla of Providence Restaurant takes bean-to-bar chocolate to a whole new level, crafting confections with a passion as rich as the cocoa he sources. His commitment to sustainability is as impressive as his chocolate artistry, as he leads the charge with a zero-waste chocolate program. With each bite, indulge in guilt-free pleasure, knowing you're savoring a taste of the future where every cocoa bean is cherished and the planet is treated as sweetly as his creations.
Heidi Lucero, a proud member of the Acjachemen Nation, stands as a cultural alchemist within the rich tapestry of traditional Native foodways. In this feature, we delve into her culinary expertise, with her recipe taking center stage that celebrates the fusion of chia and cacao. Using these elements as a bridge, Heidi artfully guides us into traditional Native foods, showcasing her intimate relationship with plants and the earth—a vital thread in the fabric of her community and culture. Her recipe provides an accessible and inviting journey into the delectable heritage of Native cuisines, and a celebration of tradition and sustainable meals that harmonize with the earth. Heidi Lucero, a true culture bearer, invites us to savor the essence of tradition.
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