I was lucky enough to attend the Northwest Chocolate Festival this year [Saturday, October 3, 2015]. The event was overwhelming but completely fun. Chocolatiers from all over the world had tasting booths spread over two floors of the convention centre.

Today’s chocolate indulgence – TCHO – was on the top floor. And, even though I was in the first wave of eager tasters chocoholics, there was already a line at their booth when we approached it during our first pass. So I skipped. I hadn’t heard of them before. I didn’t know why they had so much hype [turns out they’ve won a bunch of awards]. And I’m not one for standing in lines when there is so much other chocolate to be discovered.

Michael and I – rather overwhelmed halfway through the second floor – took a break for a late lunch and a walk around sunny lovely Seattle. We went back to the festival for another hour in the late afternoon. There was still a line at TCHO’s booth. So now I had to wait because what could be SO amazing, right?

Well, probably needless to say, this is some excellent chocolate. The booth had sold out of the bars I wanted, of course. So I bought the taste teasers pictured above.

The Madagascar (yellow wrapping) is right in my wheelhouse at 67% Cacao. It is lovely. Dark, yet sweet. Smooth and filled with bright citrus notes.

The Peruvian was the surprise (for me at least) (orange wrapping). 68% Cacao. Smooth, creamy, yet dark and really fruity. But without any annoying perfume. Lovely, lovely chocolate.

I would not be surprised to see these bars pop up in a Dowser novel. They get a definite recommend from me!