Do you have a goal to fall in love?
And the desire to build a successful business?
Perhaps a goal to become a chocolatier?
How about creating a life that blends all of these together, much like a creamy chocolate ganache?
Well, it just dawned on me that I know of at least 3 wonderful artisan chocolate businesses run by couples who met, became chocolate makers, and are delighting in success. One thing they all have in common is a commitment to their communities and using the best natural ingredients.
And I know of two others that had 20+ years of success, with the couple working side by side.
Enjoy an oxytocin rush from a few of these chocolate love stories …
Black Dinah Chocolatiers
Black Dinah Chocolatiers is one of those treasures you discover only so often. And it’s as hidden as a treasure, located on a tiny island in northern Maine, near Acadia National Park, called Isle au Haut (pronounced something like Eel-a-ho).
Not only is the story of how Kate and Steve met, moved, and went into chocolate sweet but, they say, “At Black Dinah, we make our ganache by infusing locally produced cream with a wide variety of locally grown, organic herbs, flowers and fruits, and whole spices.”
Isle au Haut is quite a haul although Kate says it’s worth it and “there is a wonderful inn on the east side–The Inn at Isle au Haut. Diana is a fabulous cook and a gracious host.” But if you can’t make the voyage, you can experience their chocolates in several locations on the mainland.
Local delight: Chocolates sprinkled with Maine sea salt. (Best to order in winter, when the salt won’t melt from humidity!)
Recchiuti Confections
Recchiuti Confections, run by the team of Michael and Jacky Recchiuti, started as a San Francisco Farmer’s Market booth and has grown to a chocolate company craved worldwide. As I recall, Michael “is” the chocolate and Jacky leads the beautiful design work.
In his blog Michael tells the story: “I was able to introduce my chocolates to the fine palates of the market committee, who decide the vendor trend. Once they tasted my chocolates, I was asked to be a part-time vendor during the winter months. Once spring rolls around, I would have to make room for all of the farmers returning to the market….my little booth became this hub of local fixes and everyone championed me to stay thru the summer and become a full time high-end chocolate vendor. The locals and tourists flocked to the market and also for their weekly fine chocolate fix, life is good and the market has helped put Recchiuti Confection on the local radar.”
Make sure to visit Recchiuti Confections at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Or better yet, mail order some for a sneak preview.
Local delight: Creativity Explored Box decorated with artwork from artists from Creativity Explored in San Francisco.
John and Kira’s
In particular John and Kira’s raspberry and mint flavors stand out in my mind. Although the lady bugs and bees may be the cutest chocolates I’ve ever seen. They are a great example of a local business finding success by integrating community into their products—and giving back to the community as well.
Local delight: The Garden Mint variety infuses “real mint leaves picked by the student gardeners at Drew Elementary and UC High School.”
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