Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced chew-WOW) is the first Venezuelan Chocolatier based in the United States and Southern California’s premier artisan chocolatier.
Founded in 2002 by Master Chef Michael Antonorsi and his brother Richard, Chuao Chocolatier is pioneering “fusion chocolate” through a commitment to unusual, unexpected and delicious flavors using highly prized Venezuelan chocolate and fresh natural ingredients.
The Venezuelan brothers, now San Diego residents, named the company Chuao Chocolatier after the legendary cacao-producing region of Chuao (pronounced chew-WOW) located in central Venezuela. Chocolate is part of their heritage, as their ancestors once ran a small family farm that was an important part of the criollo cacao plantation industry.
Initially, the company started with a single boutique in Encinitas, CA featuring a one-of-a-kind confectionary menu offering chocolate bars, bonbons, truffles and hot chocolate. Their signature flavor was Spicy Maya, a modern twist on the Mayan’s ancient hot chocolate recipe made with pasilla chile and cayenne pepper. The Spicy Maya flavor has since extended into a chocolate bar, brownie, bark, rolled almonds and gelato.
Unusual flavor combinations are at the heart of Chuao Chocolatier’s unique experience including: Chevere: a silky goat cheese and Pear Williams buttercream with a touch of crushed black peppercorns inside a dark Venezuelan chocolate bonbon and Modena: a dark chocolate bonbon filled with a soft caramel deglazed with a strawberry pulp and balsamic vinegar from Modena.
Over the past five years, Chuao Chocolatier has expanded the menu to include numerous hot chocolate beverages, pastries, gelato and decadent seasonal creations. They’ve grown from one to five cafe locations in San Diego County and one boutique in Miami, FL.
Today, you can discover Chuao Chocolatier creations around the United States at fine specialty retailers including Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, Wegman’s, Crate & Barrel and Cost Plus World Imports as well as premier restaurants, hotels & resorts including Omni Hotels nationwide, La Costa Resort & Spa, Coupa Cafes, Ritz Carlton and more.
