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Cocoa West Chocolatier |
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On tiny Bowen Island just outside of Vancouver is a chocolatier whose products rival those in any chocolate obsessed city such as Paris. Joanne Mogridge and Carlos Vela-Martinez specialize in organic chocolates made using Old World traditions and New World flavors. |
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What
motivated you to open a chocolate business? |
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Deciding to open my own chocolaterie was a 'quality of life decision'. I wanted the freedom to choose where to live and work and how to achieve my dreams. I have always loved dark chocolate and thought I could explore that interest further and share that with others through my business.
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I know this is the place where we usually talk about bonbons or bars but I have to mention Cocoa West's Chocolate Suite. Just around the corner of the shop, Joanne and Carlos have designed and built a little bit of heaven for overnight stays on Bowen Island. And you get Cocoa West's organic truffle and hot chocolate delivered to your room. |
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Did
you have any formal training in chocolate making? |
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I am a professional photographer who made a career change in my mid-thirties. When I realized that one of my dreams was to have my own chocolate business, I decided I needed to get some industry experience and began working for a retail chocolate shop.
I knew then that I wanted to be able to make beautiful chocolates, and I began to search the culinary schools for a chocolate program. But in 1999 there were really no programs to speak of -- I could see that the best way for me to learn would be to work for a Maitre Chocolatier.
So, with no chocolate experience or even formal culinary training, just a very committed and enthusiastic attitude, I approached a well known Vancouver Chocolatier, told him what I wanted to do and I was hired. For just over two years I was trained in the Belgian stlye of chocolate making, and am grateful for the knowledge that I acquired. |
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Where
do you get your inspiration for the different flavors and textures
you include in your chocolates? |
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Ideas just come. I think that they are influenced by the world around me, and the food that we eat. Combinations begin to form in my mind when I am not even really thinking about them and then they surface in quite often very interesting ideas. We tend to use mostly local flavours and of course everything is organic.
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If you
had to describe your product line in a couple of sentences, what would
that be? |
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We make gourmet chocolates in both the Belgian and French traditions. They are completely organic, something I believe in strongly. We also make certified organic hot chocolate mixes.
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What
is your personal favorite out of all the products you make and why? |
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This week I would have to say it is our 'First Place Pie' a round truffle with a layer of milk chocolate ganache made with apple and pear purees, and a layer of dark ganache all rolled in toasted organic cashews. |
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