If you love chocolate the way we love chocolate, Cacao’s shop off of SW 13th avenue in Portland is a chocolate lover’s paradise. We had heard from numerous friends that the ‘drinking chocolates’ at Cacao were to die for. Jade and I were planning a cheesecake recipe that incorporated chocolate for my birthday so it was the perfect excuse to go and pick out something special.
They have a vast collection of artisan chocolates in every percentage and variation you can imagine. They even have chocolate beauty products! After speaking with the associate behind the counter, he helped us narrow down our choices to three types of baking chocolate.
The first was a 65% Venezuelan “Maracaibo.” It had a subtle rich taste and we were told its perfect for cooking or baking with. The second was a 68% Bolivian “Cru Sauvage.” It had hints of vanilla and coffee, and once it hit the back of your pallet, the most wonderful and subtle dried plum. The third and last was the rich and flavorful 74% Dominican “Hacienda Elvesia.” It had the gentle warmth of tobacco mixed with orange and citrus. They were all so amazing it was hard to choose. But of the three we ended up deciding on the the first, the 65% Venezuelan.
The best part of our trip however was sampling the drinking chocolates we had heard so much about. These were not your ordinary mugs of hot cocoa. They were rich, intense blends of artisanal chocolates with hints of spices. There were three types of drinking chocolates; Rovoli Dark, Cinnamon Infused Dark Milk, and the Spicy Dark. The Rovoli is most pleasant for those who don’t enjoy too much intensity. The Cinnamon Infused was a mix of two different percentages of chocolate. But my favorite had to be the Spicy Dark, which had a mix of 72% Ecuadorian dark chocolate, coconut milk, cream and mil, infused with cayenne pepper, ginger, smoked paprika and black tea. It was absolutely amazing. The best part of the experience of drinking was when you swallowed, because that is when you felt the true intensity of the heat as it went down your throat.
Suffice to say, next time we’re around 13th avenue, we’ll be going to Cacao for a treat.
I’m so glad to know about this great-looking shop in Portland, and delighted to see that they carry Taza! If you ever make it to Boston, you have to take a tour of their factory. Mind-blowing, and it smells AMAZING. The best place for hot cocoa here is Burdick’s, which is (perhaps too) conveniently down the street from my office.
http://www.burdickchocolate.com/stores-and-cafes-cambridge.aspx
Ooo! Thanks so much for the tip! I’ve actually never been to Boston. The hubby and I will definitely have to plan a trip there…
oooh, yum, the whole place looks awesome & I love the sound of all the different chocolate
Ohhh my we are seriously excited to visit this place. I read about it a month ago and you’ve solidified my excitement about it. Beautiful photos!
It’s such a gem Sarah!
Now that looks like a very dangerous store! I think we might have to visit it…
Oh, Briana, it is SO dangerous! You have to go! It’s the perfect place to find a special treat. It’s only a few blocks away from Powell’s…
I love your pictures! They are so nice.
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Thanks for sharing the good place. I really hope to visit there (if possible cuz.. I am in Korea