Chocolate has always been an enormous passion of mine. Ever since I was a young child in Italy, I remember chocolate as a favourite.
And I love it in all its glorious forms and shapes. Especially working with it as a liquid, paste, or block.
It’s this undying desire for chocolate that has made me create and work so tirelessly to get my luxury confectionery boutique shop Lavolio to where it is today; available at such places as Fortnum & Mason, Partridges, Ocado and Amazon. Among many others!
It was thinking about this interest in chocolate that I have, that I thought I should share with you a little bit about what I know about chocolate in today’s blog. And also tell you a bit about my favourite places in London for anyone who is as passionate for chocolate as I am.
Chocolate is made by roasting and then grounding cocoa seeds. And that’s something we’ve been doing for at least 3 thousand years now.
The earliest evidence of chocolate that we know of, comes from Mexico, where the Olmecs were drinking chocolate all the way back to 1900 BC.
In fact, chocolate was consumed all over Mesoamerica then, and was even loved by the Mayans and Aztecs.
Chocolate is today one of the most popular food types and flavours in the world and it is widely used as a gift too.
It is the favourite option for many holidays and celebrations, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day.
I completely understand and agree with the trend; why not give those you love the most, that which you love the most?
And that’s why here at Lavolio, I get particularly busy during the holidays!
It’s certainly a delight seeing everyone wanting to give chocolate as gifts to those they care so much about.
And when you know you’re giving someone much more than a box of chocolate… Perfect!
Now, if you’re looking for chocolate in London, some of my favourite places… Aside from my favourite; Lavolio Boutique Confectionery, where I get to enjoy chocolate handmade in just the way I love, I would heartily recommend these places:
Artisan du Chocolat: Where they ground their own beans, and make chocolate with varied options such as with buffalo and almond milk, as well as offering options for people on special or sugar-free diets.
La Maison du Chocolat: Starting out in Paris back in 1977, the Maison du Chocolat is gorgeous. If you’re ever there, make sure to try the signature Coffret Maison Dark and Milk. It’s a gorgeous box of delights and it will certainly make you love chocolate even more.
Mélange: Not only can you try some of the most exquisite chocolates in London, but you can also learn how to make it. Melange offers classes on how to make your own chocolate. And they also offer various chocolate-tasting workshops.
Melt: A fantastic option if you’re curious about chocolate but might not be feeling so daring as to try and make your own, as at Melt, you can watch your chocolate being made and then wrapped.
Now you know a little bit about what I like to do in my spare time, when I’m not making sure to offer you some of the most exquisite and unique chocolate delights, I spend that time, surrounded by more chocolate!
