Theonistas Unite!

VEGAN DELIGHTS

Theo chocolate was featured at a PCRM fundraiser last night at the Max Art Studio.

The amazing creations that The Diva of Dairy-Free Desserts: Fran Costigan made for this event were all vegan, all organic, and all the sweeteners and chocolates were fair trade.

 

 

The Little Cakes

Deep Chocolate Cupcake Bites with Chocolate Fig, Almond Fennel Icing (made with Theo Fig Fennel, Almond Chocolate)

Fran’s Ultimate Chocolate Mini Cakes to Live For Glazed with Theo 75% Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache and fresh organic raspberries.

Gluten Free & Good! Chocolate Cupcakes with Cocoa Fudge Icing

Extra Orange Cupcake Bites with Chocolate Orange Caramel Ganache (made with Theo 75% Chocolate) and some with  Orange Agave Caramel Glaze 

 Friandise

Spicy Orange Ginger Crisps

Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles (made with Theo 75% and soy milk base) in a thin chocolate shell, cocoa dusted

Curry Spiced Dark Chocolate Truffles (made with Theo 75% and coconut milk base), cocoa dusted.

These sound so YUM, I wish I could have been there to taste them ALL!

NEW LIMITED EDITION FOR SPRING

We have some adorable spring and Easter offerings available for a limited time in our retail store!

 

Box of 10 Solid Molded Easter Chicks
Available in milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
$7.99

Box of 4 Solid Easter Eggs
Available in all milk chocolate, all dark chocolate, or the variety pack with one each of: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark chocolate orange and white chocolate with pistachio.
$7.99

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Available in these three shapes: bunny, sheep or egg.
$6.99

These treats are the perfect thing for filling up your Easter baskets, or just to celebrate spring!

HOT TIP: The best part of the bunny: the bunny belly

MOVING PICTURES

There have been all kinds of great videos popping up on the intewebs & beyond lately. This one is on The Practical Guide to Healthier Living on the MSN health & fitness site.

I'm not sure if you will be able to view this one if you aren't on facebook & a fan of PCC, but who doesn't want to be a fan of PCC??

AND our very own doctor chocolate (Andy McShea) was on King 5 Evening magazine last night. Find out what makes chocolate so decadently delicious!

A VERY SPECIAL MOVIE NIGHT AT THEO

SHOWING: Cinema Paradiso

This evening is dedicated to the memory of Navaal Ramdin. All profits from this event will be donated to the Ramdin Children's Education Fund. Please join us for this special night in honor of Alex, Shivana and Rohan Ramdin. We will have lots of special Theo treats to snack on while you watch!

MARCH 27, Friday @ 6:30
Seating begins at 6:30, movie will start at 7:15

MINIMUM SUGGESTED DONATION: $20
Reservations are required, please call us at 206-632-5100

SPRINGING AHEAD

Let's hear it for chirping birds, gentle breezes, sunny afternoons, and freshly made confections! Spring begins officially next week (March 20th)and we will begin offering our spring seasonals: lime coriander and jasmine pearl. 

Lime Coriander Ganache is made with toasted coriander and fresh lime juice. Zesty lip-smacking sweet-tart, with an interesting herbal note from the coriander, this confection screams sunshine!

Jasmine Pearl Ganache is infused with organic jasmine pearl green from Rishi Tea. Its heady, floral aroma will make you swoon with delight!

Rose Caramel, a perennial favorite, will continue to be made through springtime as well. A great reminder to get outside, enjoy the emerging flowers, and be thankful for the sunshine.

These lovely springtime treats are available in our retail store in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle!

CONFECTION WORKSHOP

Confection Workshop in the Theo kitchen with Autumn Martin

Have you ever been interested in making your own chocolate confections?

We are excited to offer you the opportunity to spend the day with Chocolatier, Autumn Martin for a hands-on confection making class. You will learn how to make ganache, temper chocolate and enrobe the fillings! You will explore different methods for decorating and wrapping your delicious creations and you can take home the fruits of your labor! All materials and a light snack are included.

Space is limited to 10 people, so make your reservation soon!

We are offering this class on two dates:

MARCH 14, Saturday @ 11am-4pm
MARCH 28, Saturday @ 11am-4pm

PRICE: $125 (+tax) per person.
Reservations are required, please call us at 206.632.5100 to make your reservation. Due to the extreme popularity of this event we require a 7 day cancellation for full refund.

SLOW MONEY

An evening with Woody Tasch author of Slow Money

Please join us for a discussion with Woody Tasch, chairman of Investor's Circle, a nonprofit network of investors that has facilitated the flow of $130 million to 200 sustainability-minded, early stage companies and venture funds. His new book, Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money presents the path for bringing money back down to earth—philosophically, strategically and pragmatically, and with an entrepreneurial spirit that is informed by the work of thousands of CEOs, investors, grant-makers, food producers and consumers who are seeding the restorative economy.

Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money investigates an essential new strategy for investing in local food systems, and introduces a group of fiduciary activists who are exploring what comes after industrial finance and industrial agriculture. Catalyzed by the book, our lively discussion will entertain questions like:

Could there ever be an alternative stock exchange dedicated to slow, small, and local?
Could a million American families get their food from CSAs?
What if you had to invest 50 percent of your assets within 50 miles of where you live?

MARCH 10, Tuesday @ 6:30-8pm
PRICE: FREE. *Reservations are required.

DINNER AT TILTH
Following our discussion we will host a special dinner with Woody Tasch at award winning chef
Maria Hine's Wallingford restaurant, Tilth.

MARCH 10, Tuesday @ 8:30pm
PRICE: $70 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required, limited to 20 people.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL US AT 206.632.5100

GANACHE DEMONSTRATION

Robert over at cornichon.org posted some great video footage over on YouTube featuring our chocolatier Autumn Martin doing a ganache demonstration for a food blogger event at Theo last night.

FREE TOUR TUESDAYS

Theo Chocolate Factory

These days, we all need a little break, so come and share the love with us as we open our factory for 3 Tuesday evenings in March for 2 free tours! Our shop will remain open until 8:30 pm on these evenings.

On March 24th, this event will also feature an OPEN HOUSE on our Chocolate Academy program, with Dean of Beans, Kristy Leissle on hand to answer all of your questions about the classes we are offering!

FREE tour Tuesday dates are: March 17, 24 & 31
FREE tour times are: 6pm & 7pm
So check your calendars, and then call us at 206-632-5100 to make a reservation!

A FEW FUN BLOG POSTS

Naomi's Mind is a big fan of our Bread & Chocolate bar, Everyday Just Living wrote a great post: If Willy Wonka Were A Social Activist, He’d Work For Theo, & Nari Nari called us cheap, in the best sense of the word (we hope ;D ).

NWSource wants to know what you splurge on in spite of the recession? Theo chocolate is on the list!

CHOCOLATE ACADEMY

Ladies and Gentleman,
We are are thrilled and delighted to announce the spring sessions of Chocolate Academy here at Theo Chocolate! 4 different focuses, 3 classes each, choose the session or class that most interests you or sign up for the whole kit & kaboodle!!

Series 1 is CHOCOLATE SCIENCE
Learn the science behind the flavor and health benefits of this complex fruit.

CHOC 101: The Real Thing
CHOC 102: Sinful and Good for You?
CHOC 103: Chocolate for Nerds

Series 2 is CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD
Journey through the history, culture, and economics of the global cacao and chocolate industries.

CHOC 201: History of Chocolate
CHOC 202: Journey to Africa
CHOC 203: Inside the Industry

Series 3 is THE ART OF CHOCOLATE MAKING
Learn the secrets of making bar chocolate, confections, and drinks.

CHOC 301: Factory Secrets
CHOC 302: Beyond the Bar
CHOC 303: Homemade Chocolate

Series 4 is FOR CHOCOLATE CONNOISSEURS
Delve into the sensations of eating chocolate, its culinary uses, and more creative realms!

CHOC 401: All Things Chocolate
CHOC 402: Chocolate Indulgence
CHOC 403: Exotic Erotic

ABOUT OUR CLASSES
Classes are conducted at Theo Chocolate 3400 Phinney Ave N., Seattle, WA
Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm
Class formats range from lecture style to workshop to hands-on demonstrations
All classes involve eating chocolate, often in flavors and forms you won’t find anywhere else
Each class can be taken on its own or as part of a thematic series

CERTIFICATIONS
Complete a full series and earn a certificate of expertise for that theme
Complete all classes in Chocolate Academy and earn a Theo Degree in Chocolatology

Download a PDF of the full Chocolate Academy Curriculum with dates prices & course descriptions

INTERWEBING

Hey everybody, Theo is twittering, come follow us & we will follow you!

We also started a Theo page on facebook, so if you have a facebook profile, come be a "fan" of Theo & we will keep you updated on upcoming events and special offers.

...speaking of upcoming, we are also adding our events to upcoming, so if you use that, you can keep an eye on us there as well!

LIVING SMART & CHOCOLATE WITH A HEART

Theo Chocolate was included in a piece about Organic Valentine's on WUSA in the metro DC area.

And, The Christian Science Monitor has a great post about  fair trade certified chocolate. They interviewed Theo's own Debra Music for their article!

CAFFE VITA LAUNCHES THEO BLEND

Theo Chocolate and local coffee roaster Caffé Vita spent months working together to develop this lush blend - which pairs beautifully with chocolate but also has the charm of a superb daily cup.

This coffee showcases two distinct coffees - a Fair Trade organic coffee from the foothills of Peru, and a Fair Trade organic coffee from the dense jungles of East Timor. Expect warm, enticing aromas of sweet vanilla and mild tobacco. Delicate herbal tones up front layered upon hints of baking spice and subtle smoke with dark chocolate undertones throughout. And a sweet, supple medium to full bodied coffee balanced with moderate acidity tapering in to a smooth, lingering finish. This unique blend is featured in our renowned Coffee Dark Chocolate bar.

AVAILABLE AT ALL CAFFE VITA LOCATIONS, AS WELL AS ON THEIR WEBSITE

WINE + THEOBROMINE = LOVE

Join Theo Chocolate & The Tasting Room for a little talk about our love of chocolate and wine. Share this experience with a lover or simply bring your love of the two to this popular event. You’ll get a little wine education from TTR’s very own Sarah Carlson, and chocolate talk with Rebecca Buck-Douville of Theo Chocolate.

Participants will explore different confections (some rumored to be aphrodisiacs) and how they pair with some of our boutique produced wines. We’ll start out with a little sparkling reception and roll into the special flight of wines and chocolate.

WHEN: Thursday, February 12th at 6 pm

WHERE: The Tasting Room 1924 Post Alley (between Stewart & Virginia), Seattle 98101

COST: Tickets are $25 per person. $20 per person for wine club members.

Space is very limited so make your reservation by calling 206-770-9463 or emailing [email protected]

SEXY SOIREE

I know you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting for more details about our Sexy Soiree! Well wait no longer, this event is going to knock your socks off! Please join us for a fabulous evening hosted by Ben De La Creme that will feature chocolate body painting demonstrations by the babes at Babeland, aphrodisiac inspired libations, interactive chocolate art, a raffle for some super special prizes, and a Zipcar hosted photo booth! Babeland will have a display of their sexy wares for sale, and as if that weren't enough, to top it off we will be enjoying the DJ stylings of the dentist, so we can all shake it a little before wrapping up the evening. As always there will be chocolate to taste and we will be offering some other things to nibble on. Make your reservations in advance, or just come on by.

FEBRUARY 13, Friday @ 7-10pm
COST: $16 (tax included) in advance or $18 (tax included) at the door Reservations are suggested, but not required. This event is 21 & up.

LIMITED EDITION FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

We have some wonderful limited edition items available only at our retail store for this Valentine's Day. Come on in and stock up!

RASPBERRY CRUSH

This LIMITED EDITION one ounce bar is a delicious blend of Theo white chocolate and organic raspberries. A rich, decadent treat, and the perfect thing to share with your favorite crush.

CINNAMON DARK CHOCOLATE HEARTS

Spicy little cinnamon chocolate hearts are the perfect token of your affection on Valentine’s Day. These spicy little mouthfuls are just a dollar each, so you can give them away by the handful!.

 THEO CHOCOLATE HEART & KEY

The perfect gift for your valentine! Give your sweetie a solid milk chocolate heart and the dark chocolate key that opens it. All wrapped up with a bow and ready to give, who can resist?

...and last but not least, don't forget about Cupcake Royale's Deathcake Royale, which uses Theo Chocolate and Stumptown coffee, I love that Seattle magazine refers to it as A Delicious, Local Menage a Trois, Ooh la la! The folks over at Cupcake Royale roll out this delicious treat on special occasions (such as Valentine's Day). Don't miss out!!

APHRODISIAC COLLECTIONS

We are excited to announce the return of our VERY popular limited edition aphrodisiac collection, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Theo Chocolate’s 18 Piece Aphrodisiac Collection

Our Aphrodisiac Collection features 9 unique confections created with herbs and spices recognized for their aphrodisiac qualities. From sensual rose to spicy chile, these confections will WOW even the most discriminating chocolate lover. Available as an 18 piece collection with 2 each of these flavors: rose caramel, saffron caramel, ginger ganache, ghost chile caramel, tequila ganache, licorice ganache, fig fennel ganache, damiana ganache, and madagascar ganache. These little gems are all wrapped up in gorgeous art, perfect for gifting.

Theo Chocolate's 6 Piece Aphrodisiac Caramel Collection

This year we are offering a 6 piece caramel collection for all of you caramel lovers! This collection features a brand new ghost chile caramel, that we developed based on the massive popularity of our limited edition ghost chile bar (which has been flying out of our retail store since it was introduced in October), as well as our rose & saffron caramels.

Both of these collections are available at our retail store, on our website, and at select retailers. GIVE. SHARE. ENJOY!

CAFFE VITA VALENTINES ARTIST SERIES

Caffe Vita is offering a very special Valentines Artist Series.

Seattle artists Robert Mercer and Joey Veltkamp will hand illustrate and personalize our Vita + Theo coffeehouse confection box for someone special. You chose the artist. Robert Mercer is nationally renowned for his work on The Shins album Wincing The Night Away, and Joey Veltkamp has become a Seattle legend for his adorable and often hilarious illustrations. $50/box - includes the six coffeehouse confections. Your lover/passionate friend can then have more than just chocolate to remember you by...

Available exclusively at the four Seattle Caffe Vita locations. Orders must be placed by February 7th. We have sexy little order sheets at each location.

Or just grab a box of these damn good chocolates sans the art. Coffeehouse inspired flavors include: Café Au Lait, Shot in The Dark, Cup of Joe, Eggnog, Gingerbread, and Hazelnut Mocha. $13.25/box. Available online.

STITCH & SALE: SUCCESS

We were thrilled by the amazing turnout at our very first Stitch & Sale here at Theo last night. We barely had enough chairs to accommodate everyone. Thanks to everyone who came out to join us for a fun evening of stitching & chatting & snacking, we will definitely be scheduling another crafty evening soon & we will keep you posted!

CHOCOLATE CONFESSIONS

Theo Chocolate is proud to be supporting the upcoming performance of Chocolate Confessions:

 

About Chocolate Confessions: Welcome to the chocolate shop of Coco Bliss, where a mixed assortment of hilarious customers share their deep, dark secrets. In this one-woman musical comedy, you'll meet over a dozen unique characters and hear amusing anecdotes about chocolate, like how M&M candies came to be, the surprising origins of the chocolate chip cookie, and a courtroom drama of chocolate on trial for its sins.

Chocolate Confessions has appeared in 25 cities across the country to rave reviews. Created by actress Joan Freed, the show recently completed its highly acclaimed 10-week run at Portland's World Trade Center Theater, as well as performances for the National Conference of the League of Women Voters and the Northwest Conference of the Red Hat Society. 

SHOWTIMES:

Chocolate Confessions
Saturday, Jan. 31 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2:00 pm
at the Northshore Performing Arts Center

$24 Adult
$20 Senior
$15 Under age 25
BUY TICKETS

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVENTS AT THEO

JANUARY 10, Saturday @ 3–6pm
THE BIG ROAST
Join Caffe Vita and Theo Chocolate as we take you through the roasting of both cacao beans and coffee beans so you can intimately experience how we develop the flavors in both. We will also be celebrating the release of a complex new custom coffee for chocolate lovers and our new coffee-centric confection collection. This event will start at Theo and finish at Caffe Vita on Capitol Hill (round trip transportation will be provided). Every attendee will receive a 6 piece box of our new handmade Theo Chocolate and Caffè Vita confection collaboration.

Cost: $50 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

JANUARY 16, Friday @ 6:30–9:30pm
AN EVENING WITH Evert Sodergren
Please join us for a very special evening with Evert Sodergren, better known as the “dean” of the Pacific Northwest woodworkers, to our retail store to display some of his extraordinary hand crafted furniture. Evert will join us to display and discuss some of his extraordinary hand crafted furniture. Sweet and savory bites will be served.

This event is free, no reservations are required.

JANUARY 23, Friday @ 6:30–9pm
MOVIE NIGHT @ THEO
Join us for a showing of the original 1971 classic film: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder. We will be serving up hot chocolate, popcorn and other special surprises. Be sure to bring your own camping chair, or cushion to sit on, and snuggle up in front of the fire.

Cost: $15 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

JANUARY 28, Wednesday @ 6–9pm
STITCH & SALE
Join us and bring your knitting or crochet project! We’ll provide snacks made with Theo Chocolate and we encourage you to bring your own Theo creation and recipe if you like! Socialize and stock up on select chocolate on sale.

This event is free, no reservations are required

JANUARY 30, Friday @ 6:30–8:30pm
PORT & CHOCOLATE
Come and enjoy port and chocolate by candlelight with Theo and our co-host David LeClaire. This evening will bring a warm glow to your cheeks and tummy as we enjoy 4 styles of this wintry favorite: Ruby, Tawny, Late Bottled Vintage and Vintage paired delectably with Theo treats.

Cost: $40 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

JANUARY 31, Saturday @ 11–4pm
CONFECTION WORKSHOP
Have you been interested in making your own chocolate confections? Come learn with us just in time for Valentine's Day gifting! We are excited to offer you the opportunity to spend the day with Chocolatier, Autumn Martin for a hands-on confection making class.  You will learn how to make ganache, temper chocolate and enrobe the fillings! You will explore different methods for decorating and wrapping your delicious creations and you can take home the fruits of your labor! All materials and a light snack are included. Space is limited so make your reservation soon!

Due to popular demand, there is a 7 day cancellation policy for this event.
Cost: $125 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

FEBRUARY 7, Saturday @ 11–4pm
CONFECTION WORKSHOP
We are offering this popular event two times, just in time for you to learn how to make decadent valentine sweets for your sweetie.

Due to popular demand, there is a 7 day cancellation policy for this event.
Cost: $125 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

Date & Time @ TBA
SEXY SOIREE
Come join us for a very special valentines day celebration in partnership with Babeland, guaranteed to be an exciting evening, stay tuned for more details!
Cost: TBA  *Reservations will be required

FEBRUARY 20, Friday @ 6:30–9pm
MOVIE NIGHT @ THEO
We will be showing the sexy & surreal Mexican film: Like Water for Chocolate. We will be serving up hot chocolate, popcorn and other special surprises. Be sure to bring your own camping chair, or cushion to sit on, and snuggle up in front of the fire.
Cost: $15 (+ tax) per person. *Reservations are required

*To make a reservation, for any of our upcoming events please call us at 206.632.5100. Pre-payment is required to reserve your spot, and please be advised that we need 48 hours notice of cancellation in order for you to receive a full refund (unless otherwise noted).

EVENTS AWAY FROM THE FACTORY

JANUARY 23,24 & 25 Eugene, OR
Good Earth Home, Garden & Living Show

JANUARY 24 & 25 Seattle Whole Foods Roosevelt
Customer Appreciation Days

JANUARY 24 & 25 Los Angeles, CA
Go Green Expo

FEBRUARY 4 (6-8pm) Seattle Mario’s 1513 6th Ave. 
Come pamper yourself at this decadent ladies night featuring style & sweets!

FEBRUARY 12 Seattle Whole Foods Roosevelt, Bellevue, Redmond & Westlake
Jane Goodall Passport Events featuring Theo Chocolate

FEBRUARY 14 Woodinville, WA
Join us on Valentine’s Day at the Alexandria Nicole Tasting Room.

FEBRUARY 14 & 15 Prosser, WA
Join us in wine country where Theo chocolate will be featured at Alexandria Nicole Winery.

FEBRUARY 14 & 15 (10am-6pm) Benton City, WA
Sensual flavors and textures of wine and chocolate pair off and create seductive experiences at Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard in Eastern Washington on Valentine's Weekend.

Owners Keith and ReNae Pilgrim host the annual Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend at their winery, often referred to as "the most beautiful in the Northwest". Events during this weekend include the release of 2005 ONYX, Keith Pilgrim's signature Bordeaux blend made exclusively from our world famous Red Mountain vineyards. As a special component this year, Theo's Chocolate of Seattle will be tempting guests while educating them about their blends and unique approach to chocolate.Guests will be invited to "guess" sample chocolates for a chance to enter a drawing to win a bottle of the remarkable new 2005 vintage of ONYX.

CIRCO SEGURO

Our friends over at Circus Contraption are having a very special event next friday night:

This December, ten circus artists from Seattle, San Francisco and Boulder traveled to Guatemala to teach trapeze, juggling, music and acrobatics to children whose families live and work on the city garbage dump.

Our fundraising party, "Circo Seguro" opens with a viewing of "Recyled Life," a documentary about the population we worked with, followed by a slide show of our own trip.  We will tell stories about the wonderful children we met, as well as about the amazing organization we partnered with, Camino Seguro, which serves these  families all year. Children are encouraged to attend, and will have the opportunity to participate in some of the songs and circus activities we taught the children in Guatemala. Circo Seguro promises to be a very warm, educational and inspirational evening. 

Friday January 9th, 2009

7:30 pm  Doors open
8:00  Documentary "Recycled Life"
8:45  Slide show and stories
9:30  Variety show
10:30  Music, dancing and activities

All Ages
$20 suggested donation
Circus Contraption's Circus Factory
With Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave. N
www.brownpapertickets.com
An Aerial Army of Love Project

SWEETNESS

We had an excellent Theo sale and social on Monday night & we want to thank everyone who came by to sip, nibble and shop, in spite of the cold weather.

In other news:

The environmental news blog Grist, wrote a very nice article about Theo Chocolate.

We were also featured in the Consumer Reports "gifts that give back" list.

KICKING OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Theo Chocolate staff enjoyed a convivial festive evening of music, libations, and giggles last friday night. In addition to celebrating the hoiday season together, we were also shared a toast to our 100th conche! Last but not least, Laura (our director of operations) made a short video to share, and commemorate Theo Chocolate 2008.

WHAT'S NEW?

We are excited to introduce our latest collaboration with Caffé Vita. As a part of celebrating this new relationship, we want you all to know about our BIG ROAST event on January 10th from 3-6pm:

Caffé Vita and Theo Chocolate will take you through the roasting of cacao and coffee so you can intimately experience how flavor develops in the bean. We will also be celebrating the release of a complex new custom coffee for chocolate lovers. We will start out at Theo, and then go to Caffé Vita on Capitol Hill (round trip transportation will be provided). Every attendee will also receive a 6 piece box of our new handmade Theo Chocolate & Caffé Vita “coffee + chocolate = love” confection collaboration.
$50 per person (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

For all you coffee & chocolate lovers out there, you MUST check out the COFFEE+CHOCOLATE PER MONTH CLUB over at Caffé Vita.

COLLEGE LIFE & THE MUNCHIES & DAD

Harvard University's Freeze College magazine is a fan of Theo Chocolate.

Our Big Daddy's have also been getting allot of attention lately, most recently from nerve and edge.

HAPPY BIRD MEAT DAY

Everyone here at Theo wishes you a warm, cozy, and safe Thanksgiving!

Before we start the long holiday weekend I leave with a few "Theo in the bologsphere" links:

Fancy Food & Culinary Products chose our 3400 Phinney coconut curry bar as their editor's choice.

On Sunday, the Seattle Daily photo described the dramatic color of the sky as "theo chocolate colored".

DEATHCAKE ROYALE

Generally speaking I pretty much get my fill of chocolate around here. I don't really find myself in need of any outside sources of chocolate, since I work in a chocolate factory!However, I do find myself seriously tempted by Cupcake Royale's Deathcake Royale (which just happens to be made with Theo Chocolate). Get your orders in NOW while you still can!!

ON A MISSION

We made the cover of the Seattle PI this morning! We are thrilled, delighted and very proud of Andy! Tom Paulson also wrote another article about our founder Joe Whinney & Theo's fair trade practices: Theo hopes to start a cocoa revolution. Enjoy!

FAIR TRADE CONVERGES AT THEO

The United Students for Fair Trade Convergence took place in Seattle a couple weeks ago. Theo Chocolate was very proud to host many of the producers here at the factory for a special tour. The participants were here from as far away as Uganda, Mexico, Nicaragua and one of our very own suppliers, Juanita Baltodano Vilchez, was here from Costa Rica. With the help of multiple translators we had a very spirited conversation about the complex processes of getting  raw materials from the farm to the grocery store shelves and consumers. I think everyone emerged from the discussion with heightened respect for all members of the supply chain. You can read more about Juanita & Theo Chocolate on the Whole Foods blog.

Jaunita Baltodano Vilchez in Costa Rica

BLOGOSPHERE ROUND UP

Thanks to beautiful child for including Theo Chocolate in their favorite things (holiday season)!

According to ZOMG, candy the new Starbucks Chai Truffle doesn't quite measure up to our 3400 Phinney Chai bar.

Theo came up in a heated discussion about criollo and forastero, over at 70%. You can read more about The Great Forastero vs Criollo Debate, over at The Chocolate Life.

...and last but not least Theo's own chief scientist Andy McShea was interviewed by Crosscut about The Science of Chocolate. Enjoy!

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

A great little write up about the Jane Goodall Institute's gala in Washington D.C. For more information check in at The Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots.

TASTE TESTING

The folks over at chocablog recently blogged about their experience tasting, our 3400 Phinney bread & chocolate bar, and now they have a very nice post about our hazelnut crunch bar. Thanks for all the love!

SHOPPING & CHOCOLATE

Fremont Universe wrote a little post about how some local Fremont businesses & Theo Chocolate were featured in the recent issue of Domino Magazine.

BREAD & CHOCOLATE

chocablog wrote a great post about our 3400 Phinney bread & chocolate bar (which happens to be one of my personal favorites!). If you haven't tried it yet, I HIGHLY recommend you do so immediately.

CHOCOLATE AS COMFORT

The American Feast blog wrote a post about Seven Healthy Comfort Foods for Anxious Times Theo Chocolate is on the list. Feelng anxious? Stock up on some of your favorite Theo bars!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

We are honored and proud to have been voted The BEST chocolate, by Evening Magazine's Best of Western Washington. Thank You to everyone who voted!!

THE SCIENCE OF CHOCOLATE

This past weekend we taught thousands of people how to make chocolate at the Pacific Science Center. Theo Chocolate's Nathan and Autumn looked awesome in their lab coats! We roasted nibs to perfume the air with the intoxicating scent of cacao and let participants grind the beans in the mortar and pedestal.

Also, for all you "cacaoheads" out there, there are two young theobroma cacao trees in the butterfly room with beautiful blooming flowers. We encourage everyone to go and visit.

THEO FAN MAIL

Our head roaster Nathan shared a fan letter he received via snail mail all the way from Leesburg, Virginia recently, and I would like to share an excerpt with you:

"Theo story of the week... I have bought quite a few Venezuela bars since my time in Seattle. I have yet been able to break the bar into 6 neat pieces according to the indention's on the bar. Last week I feel like I had some kind of small victory in my life... I broke the bar into 6 perfect little baby bars! If I died today I think I would feel OK with how my life has turned out."

We are so happy to been a small part of this monumental victory!

IT ONLY TAKES ONE PERSON TO START A REVOLUTION

An excellent video about organic food: The Organic Debate

UPCOMING EVENTS at THEO & AWAY

We are thrilled and excited to offer you lots of fabulous fall and wonderful winter events over the next few months.If any of these event appeals to you, be sure and contact us for more information, or to reserve your spot!

NOVEMBER 14 @ 8pm
COZY MOVIE NIGHT
We will be showing the sexy movie, Chocolat, and serving up hot chocolate and snacks. Bring some pillows to curl up by the fire.
$15 per person (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

NOVEMBER 15 @ 11am
GANACHE DEMONSTRATION
Have you ever wondered what ganache is or how it is made? Then this demonstration is for you! Our head chocolatier Autumn Martin will steward you through the entire process of our ganache making from flavor development to decorating!
$20 per person (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

NOVEMBER 20 @ 6:30-8pm
WINE & CHOCOLATE
Come and taste amazing wine & chocolate pairings with an innovative approach presented by Pike and Western Wine shop. Please call Pike & Western 206.441.1307 for reservations.
$40 per person

NOVEMBER 22 @ 1-4 pm
NORTHWEST WINE & CHOCOLATE
We will be doing a Theo Chocolate and northwest wine pairing event at Alexandria Nicole Cellars, in Woodinville. Please call 509.786.3497 for more information.

DECEMBER 6 @ 11am-4pm
CONFECTION WORKSHOP
Have you been interested in making your own chocolate confections for holiday gifts or as a treat just for you? We invite you to spend the day with our head chocolatier, Autumn Martin for a hands-on confection making class. You will learn how to make ganache, temper chocolate and enrobe the fillings!  We will explore different methods for decorating and wrapping your delicious creations and you will walk away with the fruits of your labor! All materials and light snacks are included. Space is limited so make your reservation soon!
$125 (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

DECEMBER 11 @ 6:30-8pm
CHEESE & CHOCOLATE
Who knew? These two decadent foods are complex and wide ranging in flavor profiles but we have discovered some pairings that will inspire sensory shock waves. The experts from Delaurenti’s superb cheese department will help guide us through a revelatory tasting.
$25 per person (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

DECEMBER 15 @ 6-9pm
THEO SOCIAL & SALE
Theo will be staying open late to accommodate your last minute shopping needs. Come and take advantage of some very special sale prices, while enjoying complimentary samples of our signature sipping chocolate. No reservations necessary, just come on by!

DECEMBER 19 @ 6:30-8pm
PORT & CHOCOLATE
Come and enjoy port and chocolate by candlelight. This evening will bring a warm glow to your cheeks and tummy as we enjoy 4 styles of this wintry favorite: Ruby, Tawny, Late Bottled Vintage and Vintage.
$40 per person (call 206.632.5100 for reservations)

JANUARY 3 @ TBA
THE BIG ROAST
Caffe Vita and Theo Chocolate will take you through the roasting of cacao and coffee so you can intimately experience how flavor develops in the bean. We will also be celebrating the release of a complex new custom coffee. Details still evolving but SAVE THE DATE for this unique insider experience.

EVENTS AWAY FROM THE FACTORY

OCTOBER 25th & 26th
Tricks, Treats and Science Feats
Pacific Science Center • Seattle, WA

NOVEMBER 1st
Vegetarian Food Festival
Reggie Lewis Athletic Center • Boston, MA

NOVEMBER 5th
Seductive Chocolate Supper Cooking Class
Whole Foods Roosevelt Square • Seattle, WA

NOVEMBER 8th & 9th
Green Festival
Washington DC Convention Center • Washington DC

NOVEMBER 8th, 9th & 10th
Chocolate Show
Pier 94 • NYC

NOVEMBER 14th,15th & 16th
Green Festival
SF Concourse Exhibition Center• San Francisco, CA

DECEMBER 13th
Eco Gift Expo
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium • Santa Monica, CA

GREEN GIFTING

We made it onto the ecosalon blog post about green gift ideas, we are proud to be amongst the many wonderful gift suggestions they compiled.

NEW CHOCOLATE UNIVERSITY CLASSES

For all of you who have graduated from our first 3 sections of Chocolate University. We are excited to announce the new advanced series. Are you ready to take it to the next level?

Chocolate 301
The History of Chocolate
From Currency and Conquest to Sweet Confection
Hosted by Dr Kristy Leissle
October 9th, 6-8pm

In their various uses across cultures and time, cocoa and chocolate have had a long, spicy, and oftentimes turbulent history. We begin our discussion with the Latin American origins of cocoa as a food and its various uses in Mayan and Aztec culture, including its role in conquest and ritual. We then investigate chocolate's introduction and adoption into European cuisine and the dramatic changes in chocolate manufacture and trade that accompanied rising European demand, which led to many of the confection styles and flavorings we still enjoy today.

Chocolate 302
Focus on West Africa
The Culture of Chocolate among Cocoa Farmers
Hosted by Dr Kristy Leissle
October 22nd, 6-8pm

With origin bars from Ghana and Ivory Coast, Theo celebrates the importance of West Africa to the chocolate industry. As the world's largest cocoa producing region, West Africa has a vibrant culture and politics around cocoa and chocolate. We examine cocoa's introduction to Ghana and that country's incredible rise in production, as well as present-day cocoa husbandry in the region, including women's important roles in farming. Our discussion then explores the fascinating cultural meanings of chocolate in Ghana and its role as a food among the farmers who grow so much of our cocoa.

Contact us for more information, or to register.

 
Coming Soon! FALL CHOCOLATE CLASSES
Chocolatier Autumn Martin will be teaching some "chocolate how-to" classes this Fall/Winter. Please stay tuned for the schedule in our next newsletter.

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!

Hey Everybody!

Theo Chocolate has been nominated for Evening Magazine's 16th Annual Best of Western Washington
VOTE for YOUR favorite chocolate HERE!

NEW & LIMITED

NEW SEASONAL CONFECTION FLAVORS
We are excited to introduce two new confection flavors for fall. We have said farewell to basil, jasmine, and lime coriander until next summer and we are welcoming in Pear Balsamic and Chinese 5 Spice.

Pear Balsamic
A tantalizing combination of juicy pear pate de fruit-made with fresh, organic Washington Bartlett pears-and tangy balsamic vinegar dark chocolate ganache. A feast for the senses! It is enrobed in milk chocolate.

Chinese 5 Spice
Infused with the intriguing Chinese combination of star anise, fagara, fennel, clove, and cassia. It gets a spicy kick from African cayenne and is garnished with a flourish of Chinese chile. POW!

LIMITED EDITION CHOCOLATE OFFERINGS
Let Theo Chocolate transport your taste buds and your spirit with our new Limited Edition offerings, available exclusively in our Theo retail store. Our talented team of chocolatiers will tempt you with inspired new treats every week.

AVAILABLE  October 1:

 

Mendiants are perfect discs of chocolate topped with blends of fruit, nuts and spices. They are gorgeous to behold and even lovelier to eat! Try all 3 flavors;
 
Sautéed Date Mendiant
Thin strips of organic Medjool dates sautéed in olive oil and sea salt blend, situated sweetly atop a perfect disc of our blended Madagascar and Ivory Coast Chocolate

Mole Mendiant
Inspired after Mole de Negro. Pumpkin seeds, dried currants, smoked sea salt, ancho chile, pasillo chile and guajillo chile nestled atop a perfect disc of our blended Ghana and Madagascar chocolate

Ginger, Cranberry and Pistachio Mendiant
Slip into fall with this flavor combination.  Crystallized ginger, dried cranberries with lightly toasted pistachios atop a perfect disc of our blended Madagascar and Ivory Coast chocolate

 AND

Caramel Dipped Pears
Northwest-grown juicy organic Starkrimson pears enrobed in buttery, spice infused caramel. The caramel apple finally grows up! Unbelievably YUMMY and decadent! 

APPROVED BY MOM

ChefMom has a post about healthier kid-friendly snacks, and Theo Chocolate made the list! Thanks MOM!!

GOOD FOR ALL

We are delighted to announce a partnership that we are especially proud of with iconic environmentalist, anthropologist and humanitarian, Dr. Jane Goodall. The partnership between Theo and the Jane Goodall Institute is inspired by "Cocoa Practices," a ground breaking Theo Chocolate initiative that brings together small-scale farmers, larger producers and NGO's from the world's cocoa producing regions. It is designed to give farmers the tools they need to grow high quality cacao while conserving indigenous wildlife and other natural resources in the tropical rainforest eco-systems that provide both their livelihoods and their home.

As a leader in the environmental movement for decades, Jane has created her own "Good for All" seal to support products that reflect her personal commitment to high quality, ethical production in the developing world. Theo has created two amazing new chocolate bars that carry Jane's seal - a 70% Organic, Fair trade dark chocolate and 45% organic, Fair trade milk chocolate bar. Both are 3 oz, priced at $3.99 and available NOW in our store! BUY Theo Jane Goodall bars HERE Proceeds from the sale of the chocolate bars will benefit cocoa farmers and Jane's Institute. YOU will benefit by casting a meaningful vote with your dollars and by eating the yummiest chocolate we have ever made!

Joe and Deb had the good fortune to spend time with Dr. Goodall and her team in New York city last week as she announced our project on the Martha Stewart Show. We were able to give our chocolate bars out to the studio audience of over 200 people and the reviews were fantastic. It was really fun to see a throng of people spill out onto the streets of New York, all munching on Theo Chocolate! Much more thrilling than that, however, was the honor of spending time with Jane. She is extraordinary, and made a very deep impression on both Deb and Joe.

EDUCATION AND COLLABORATION

Traca Savadogo from the Seattle Food Examiner wrote a piece about attending one of our Chocolate University classes, and our new collaboration with Jane Goodall.

GUSTO FOR CHOCOLATE

Flavor Gusto has written a wonderful blog post about the history of chocolate, with a shout out to Theo Chocolate. Thank you, Kathryn!!