Our bar of the week is one of those rare chocolates made in the same country in which the cacao beans were grown.  República Del Cacao's Manabi bar is produced in Quito from Arriba Nacional cacao grown in the western province of Manabi.  In case you'd like to have a closer look at the area, the bar's packaging includes the GPS coordinates of the relevant farm.

Although Manabi is a 75% dark chocolate, its profile is what you might call "relaxed".  Soft fruity flavors unfold slowly as the chocolate melts, growing into a mild but well-rounded sweetness that fades just as laconically.  This gentle, fresh-tasting chocolate is perfect for spring palates.

Come by and try República Del Cacao's Manabi at our Braven store on Thursday, April 28, or at our Queen Anne store on Saturday, April 30.