James5

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or to email alerts. Thanks for visiting!

As indicated in my previous post, I recently had the opportunity to have a hot drink at Coco Loco, a relatively new fair trade, organic chocolate bar in High St Northcote. Similar to Max Brenner and other cool chocolate bars, this place oozes style but does it all fairly and ethically using 100% fair trade and organic products - you can even get everything in vegan using their homemade cashew milk in place of dairy. It’s a justice-buyers dream come true.

Coco Loco was started and is run by Khaled, his grandfather was a chocolatier, and inspired him to continue in the fine chocolate tradition. He has done a great job of establishing a funky cafe, the setting is beautiful with tea candle lit tables and warm inviting cups to cradle your hot drink in. Khaled is a great host, friendly and more then willing to have a chat or let you chat. This is how all cafes should feel!

The menu is expansive, with more then enough options to fill your chocolate or coffee needs. Truffles, pastries, hot chocolates (both white and dark) and coffees are all on option. As well as chocolate and cheese fondue for a more substantial treat. Prices are above average when compared to non-fairtrade options, but not wildly expensive for a fair trade treat.

I had a delicious Cocolero truffle and CocoParamour vanilla hot chocolate. Both were beautifully presented - the cups and saucers are wonderful to hold and look at - and tasted fantastic. Though my opinion may be influenced by the lack of chocolate I have access too, I thought these were fantastic. Be warned, however, the drink I had was strong - not for the weak chocolate drinker. I think our Aussie chocolate culture is used to a sweet, creamy chocolate that may not reflect the European or African approach of bitter, cocoa flavour. So remember to tell Khaled how you like your chocolate and add sugar! Unfortuneatly, they had run of the pastries on the night I went - and none of my group was in the mood for fondue so I can’t tell you how awesome they are, but they sure looked tempting.

So if you are looking for a sweet, unique place to grab a hot or cold fair trade drink or fair trade dessert pop in to Coco Loco at 219 High St Northcote. Good food, good ethics, good people - Coco Loco has it all. Just watch out if you’re expecting super sweet chocolate - it’s chocolate but not as we know it.

Popularity: 4% [?]