I'm not a chocolatier, a pastry chef, nor have a cacao PhD - even though sometimes I like to pretend I'm Juliette Binoche in Chocolat whenever I'm in my kitchen. I am however, a chocolate fiend. So when I noticed The Pod by Cocoa Compassion on Cedar St in Dobbs Ferry not far from where hubs and I had our antique+vintage shop, I had to visit.
The Pod by Cocoa Compassion's owner- Joy is 100% in support of working closely with family-run cacao farmers in The Caribbean, some Central American countries and Africa and sourcing the best quality chocolate bars and powders to these neck of the woods and beyond. What's more, the owner donates a portion of her profits to charitable organizations in NYC. With her chocolate, the owner bakes her own delicious 'Compassion Chocolate Cookies' that are filled with scrumptious dark chocolate chunks, other pastries and her hot chocolate- which is to-die for.
When you come to The Pod, you're actually home: sit on the sofa lounge a bit if you want and strike up a conversation with the owner- who's a hoot and damn well knows her cacao. I learned a thing or two maybe three because of her. The shelves are stocked with dark chocolate bars and powders for purchase and specialty gift items as well.
By the way, Joy rents(?) the small space up front for pop-up events+vendors selling their handmade jewelry, silk scarves, etc.- just double-check if this is something she's still doing. If you're looking for somewhere to have a tasty hot chocolate, want to indulge in a one of her cookies or come in for the positive vibes, The Pod is a must. read more