Joe Whinney, CEO and founder of Theo Chocolate spoke at The Refinery on November 20^th about his journey and his company.

Theo Chocolate is a fair-trade, certified organic bean-to-bar chocolate producer in Seattle. They were one of the first to create organic chocolate in the Seattle area.  The company’s values, philosophy and transparency is matched only by the passion of the people who work there. The Theo Chocolate Factory offers tasting tours to the public, when in Seattle, join one of their tours.

Chef Mike Carter at The Refinery used Theo Chocolate to create some savoury appetizers and sweet desserts that included his Creme Brulee and Goat Cheesecake. Bartender Lauren Mote of The Refinery made a special wine and chocolate cocktail made with Theo’s Jane Goodall 45% Organic Milk Chocolate and Vista d’Oro Walnut Wine, Farmstead wines were featured as well along with the amazing Theo chocolate.

Most of the city’s die hard foodies were in the room tasting and talking with their fellow foodie friends about the chocolate, desserts, cocktails and wine and the great pairings in hand. This was an inspiring event one that I hope will be repeated.

By: Richard Wolak