Claudio Corallo/ by Shelley Lance, Blog Editor
What a surprise to encounter this sublime chocolate shop located on a strip of Westlake Ave that does not instantly spring to mind when you think: chic retail. (Though clearly this area will be changing rapidly with the upcoming development of South Lake Union.) Robyn and I strolled inside and were greeted by the manager and chocolate maven, Marie-Francoise Barnhart (photo bottom), who filled us in on the Claudio Corallo story. Apparently Claudio himself has been growing cacao pods on the tiny African island of Principe for a decade, giving the cacao pods the same careful attention usually given to “olives that produce great olive oil or grapes that yield fine wine.” The chocolate is made right on the island where the cacao pods are grown- no small feat involving many generators and much patience since there is no electricity.
Claudio Corallo chocolates are sold retail at various shops including this flagship store where you can taste the chocolates before you pick some up for yourself. The quality is truly world class. We tasted the 100% chocolate- which means no sugar and therefore not one most people would nibble on- yet no bitterness at all- completely suave and smooth. The 73.5% was the most delicious for chocolate enjoyment, and some of these chocolates were flavored with things like orange and raisins. The gengibre (ginger) is mind-blowing. Ginger is a strong flavor, yet it was perfectly balanced by the smooth, mouth-filling chocolate. Their cocoa nibs were exceptional also- again very mild and not at all bitter. Perhaps the most amazing tastes were the special large, shelled cocoa beans that Marie showed us- similar to the nibs but not cracked into bits. She handed one to each of us and said “they taste like olives.” I thought that was pretty hard to believe- then I got the haunting olive taste at the edge of my palate. Remarkable! Marie suggested they would be good on a cheese plate, and I think she’s right.
Another beautiful item was a small box of chocolate discs with bits of ginger, orange zest, and hazelnuts embedded in them. What a sensational hostess gift! Marie also offered us luscious tastes of chocolate macarons and brownies that were made with Claudio Corallo chocolate.
Stop by the shop soon and taste this top quality artisan chocolate which I believe must rate among the very best chocolates in the world. And here it is available right in our own backyard! On Westlake Ave!
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