What’s Cookin’: Seattle, Chocolopolis

Upper Queen Anne finally has a good bagel shop pho joint chocolate shop. With all the chocolate options around the city, Seattle’s becoming a bit of a chocolopolis. And now you can visit a real Chocolopolis.

Chocolopolis isn’t exactly new. The online site sells over 200 artisan bars. But in speaking with founder Lauren Adler, it was clear that she was excited to go brick-and-mortar—anxious to interact with customers in person and to share her passion for chocolate. Lauren’s a bit of an educator. When we met, she brought three chocolate bars and explained how to evaluate them pre-tasting—based on color, smoothness/air bubbles, and the sound of cracking off a piece. Then she stressed the importance of letting the chocolate melt in the mouth to discern the notes in it. Our favorite of the three, the Domori Carenero Superior (from Italy), had hints of raisin that we enjoyed.

Lauren hopes Chocolopolis will be an educational experience for those who enter. Compared to stores with strictly local offerings, hers will have a whole world of chocolate and information that, as she puts it, “tells the story of chocolate.” But in the end, she urges shoppers to “buy what you like and enjoy it.” Lauren grew up liking Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut bar, offering that as proof that it’s personal taste that counts; as with wine, there’s no need to be snobby, or fall prey to snob appeal, when it comes to chocolate.

We snapped this photo while the store was still “wrapped” like a chocolate bar, covering the sweet treat inside. But now the store is “unwrapped”—with limited hours (primarily afternoons) until the official grand opening on July 15. Seattlest will have a further report, but we encourage you to check out Chocolopolis and let us know what you find (and eat!).

Chocolopolis // 1527 Queen Anne Avenue North // 282-0776