Establishing one's own Chocolate Cafe is challenging for any chocolatier. As
a photographer changing careers to follow her dream, Joanne Mogridge set for
herself a path of learning and mastering an entirely different craft. She
sought one of Vancouver's leading chocolatiers to educate her. Under the
guidance of Mâitre Chocolatier Greg Hook, Joanne developed her technique and
became adept in the art and science of creating fine chocolates.
With her husband Carlos, Joanne founded Cocoa West Chocolatier in 2002. An
island community just 5 kms from the shores of Vancouver, is an idyllic, if
surprising, location for a fine chocolaterie. "It's been very rewarding",
Joanne says of the local response to the shop. "The people of Bowen have
become quite proud of our chocolaterie being a part of their community." And
Bowen's enthusiasm for Cocoa West's artisan chocolate is rippling beyond the
shores of the island into the Lower Mainland and farther afield. "We get
many islanders bringing their guests here to show us off. It makes us feel we
're contributing to
the local culture."
In the summer of 2007 Joanne and Carlos introduced the Chocolate Suite becoming Bowen's first "bed & chocolate". This boutique accommodation by Cocoa West Chocolatier blends a beautifully appointed suite with the indulgence of chocolate in the heart of Bowen's creative community, Artisan Square. Click here for more info...
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