One of my favorite things in Miami’s food scene is the small, local, artisanal chocolate shops. Here’s some information on three of my favorites.
CAO is a “bean-to-bar” shop. They import fine cacao and use only that and sugar to manufacture chocolate bars. In business for a decade now, their small shop near Dadeland not only offers their products for sale but also offers chocolate tasting classes. Founded a decade ago by 2 Venezuelans, Ricardo Trillos and Anelith Ortega, CAO Chocolates makes chocolate with cacao not only from Venezuela but also from Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Tanzania, Ecuador, and Madagascar.
Garcia Nevett (formerly Chocolate Fashion)
Another shop founded by Venezuelans, Garcia Nevett was originally in the Bird Road warehouse district. They recently rebranded with the names of the two sister founders and moved into a lovely retail location in South Miami. Specializing in Venezuelan chocolate, they craft gorgeous chocolates and alter their collection seasonally to reflect the flavors of South Florida and the nearest holiday.
Also founded by a Venezuelan, Romaticos Chocolates, is on Coral Way between Brickell and Coral Gables. In addition to beautiful and flavorful chocolates, they specialize in custom chocolates for corporate clients and special occasions and offer fun options such as “scrabble” boxes that spell out “thank you” and “I love you” in chocolates.
So the next time you are craving chocolate or need to get some for a gift, consider one of Miami’s local chocolate shops.
