SEATTLE — As the first fair trade organic chocolate maker on the continent, Theo Chocolate has been in the business of bringing people and their beans closer together since 2005. The flagship store in Fremont is also a bit of a tasting room and chocolate-flavored community center.
"It's all an experience," said Experience Guide Andrew Garza. "We want people to feel something when they're eating chocolate. And I feel if you know where it's coming from and how it's made, it's a little easier to make that connection with chocolate."
Garza's tempering demonstration will put you in a good temper. Tempering is the process that turns chocolate liquid into chocolate gold.
"I'm gonna pour about one-third of this onto the marble," Garza said as he tipped a container of liquid dark chocolate onto a cool work surface.
The chocolate is carefully cooled on the countertop until it's just the right temperature and ready to decorate with a variety of toppings.
The tempering process is just one way customers can get closer to their chocolate. Theo also offers "Chocolate Story Time" for kids aged two to six, and "Cocoa College" for an in-depth look at the process from bean to bar. It's tailored for teens, adults, or families with children over the age of six.
With fun activities for any age, Theo has you covered - in chocolate.
"Kids, adults, any chocolate lover is welcome to come on in," Garza said.
Theo Chocolate's flagship store and confection kitchen is located at 3400 Phinney Ave N in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. It's open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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