As everyone probably knows by now I am a chocoholic and the minute I hear about a new chocolatier or anything chocolate for that matter, I’m intrigued. Koko Monk is a new chocolate boutique located in Kitsilano that was founded by Paul Dincer who began with a passion for creating handmade, painted chocolates with complex flavour profiles.

I had first tasted Paul’s chocolates at the Vancouver Farmers Market on Main street last summer, where he was selling his chocolates under Levni Chocolates. The minute I tasted one of those chocolates it made an impact on me, being invited recently to taste Paul’s chocolates in his new boutique it was an invitation that I accepted without hesitation.

At this media tasting we were each served a selection of six chocolates from his collection to taste. Paul guided us through tasting each of the chocolates one by one, he wanted us all to experience each of the flavours in this complex structured tasting.

The 6^th chocolate in the tasting was his most expensive in the collection, Koko Monk Smoking Hearts which he presented to us in his exclusive presentation case. He then told us that the Smoking Hearts is a Raspberry-infused chocolate containing 12-year single malt scotch, guava, coconut, mango, then smoked a second time.

My favourites from the selection I tried were the Bachanalia with balsamic vinegar caramel with sea salt; along with the Brunette Bangle with curry and coconut and finally the Smoking Heart.

Koko Monk is located at 1849 West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano. You can find them on twitter @LevniKokoMonk

By: Richard Wolak