+ Why do I need to book an appointment?

I do not have regular retail hours since my business revolves events. Either virtual and in-person chocolate tastings, tutorings, and chocolate classes and events. I also wish to encourage a different kind of retail experience. Craft chocolate requires you to stop and take your time, rather than grab-and-go.

However, you are more than welcome to visit by appointment when I am not hosting an event! In fact, I love having people visit to browse, learn, and taste. No purchase necessary if all you wish to do is take a look and learn.

+ Can you tell me more about the chocolate?

The bars here are made from scratch from the cocoa bean (AKA "bean-to-bar") by artisan craft chocolate makers. The cacao used is fine cacao (highly aromatic and not bitter), ethically sourced. These brands are not Fairtrade certified, which is a good thing, as they go beyond the standards of Fairtrade. Many bars include organic cacao and ingredients. Ingredients are real, simple, and clean.

The dark chocolate sold here is not bitter, and the milk chocolate is not overly sweet. The chocolate here differs greatly from the chocolate you're used to no matter where in the world you come from.

Single-origin dark chocolate bars contain cocoa beans, sugar, and possibly extra cocoa butter (fat from the cocoa bean). Milk chocolates contain the same as well as milk powder. These bars contain only the ingredients they need for flavour to shine.

Majority of chocolate bars and products are:

• Vegan/dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Nut-free

Keep in mind not all bars are made in gluten-free and nut-free facilities, so may contain traces. I do have a few brands that do have a nut/gluten-free facility.

Only a few specific bars contain added lecithin, from either non-soy derived and GMO-free sources. 99% of bars are soy-free and lecithin free. Only a few specific flavoured bars contain lecithin. Lecithin is naturally found in seeds and eggs, and added to some chocolate that becomes too thick during manufacturing. There is no well documented evidence of harmful effects of lecithin, especially since they are found naturally in many of our foods. The issue in fine chocolate has more to do with a craftsmanship point of view (some see lecithin as "cheating" in a way), and not so much as a health issue.

Please inquire if you have any more dietary questions about the chocolate.

+ What can I do while I'm here?

• Explore the space
• Browse and sample products
• Purchase products
• Ask for guidance in choosing and understanding the chocolate
• Relax in the tasting room while you enjoy your chocolate or read a chocolate book.

You are not expected to purchase anything when you visit. I'm happy to have you here to learn and see what it's all about.

Since most people are new to craft bean-to-bar, I'm happy to stick by your side and guide you, or if you wish to take time to browse on your own, let me know!

You may also simply come in for a quick purchase as well if you know what you want.

+ What time can I come by?

General drop-in hours: Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM. If you prefer outside these hours simply contact me first to ask.

+ How long can I stay?

When you book, you have a guaranteed 30 minute window from the start of your appointment. But you're welcome to stay much longer if I don't have any events booked, especially if you simply want to relax in the tasting room to enjoy your bar with a cup of tea and read a book.

You don't have to come right at the time of your appointment, but you have a window of 30 minutes to visit. You can stay the whole time, or you can simply come and go.

If I don't have any prior engagements (tastings, orders, etc.) you are welcome to stay longer if you wish. This just depends on my availability at the time.

If you are going to be very late or have to cancel, please text or email me and let me know. Sometimes I may go out of my way to be here when you request, so please be considerate.

+ What form of payments do you accept?

At the moment I accept most major credit cards, debit, and apple pay. I do not offer paper receipts, only digital ones sent to your email or phone.

+ What if I just wish to quickly purchase bars

You're welcome to come and purchase what you need right away. However, if this is the case I also recommend the online shop and having it shipped to your door!