Cacao 70 Montreal

Noting the popularity of chocolate bars in parts of Asia and Australia, Easy Ying – the owner and the concept creator of Cacao 70 – was particularly surprised that nothing remotely similar had yet surfaced in Montreal’s diverse restaurant and culinary scene. So, he endeavored to create a unique and novel experience for those who had never been while bringing something new to the table for those who have. What differentiates the place from their competitors (say, Juliette & Chocolat) is the fact that all the raw materials used both inside and outside the restaurant are recycled and their selection of chocolate and raw cocoa is seemingly limitless and variety driven (their cocoa comes from Venezuela to Costa Rica to Tanzania to Ghana). While conceding to the fact that the restaurant’s look and concept seems to be more fitting for trendier areas like Mile End or the Plateau, it is their hope that Cacao 70 can perhaps kickstart the revitalization of the West end of St. Catherine street much like Joe Beef, Jane’s and The Burgundy Lion have done for Griffintown. They’re off to a good start, that’s for sure.

The atmosphere is warm (thanks to the lovely and knowledgeable staff – ask Allysia for suggestions if you don’t know what to order), the space is large and the decor is rustic chic (unfinished wood slats, a chalkboard noting the restaurant’s specialties, a bookshelf filled with artfully placed books, magazines and jars of chocolate, vintage looking burlap sacks with the Cacao 70 logo imprinted front and center), making it a perfect stop for a romantic date, a catch-up session with a friend or even somewhere to grab a late night sweet snack.

From Left to Right: Dark, Semi-Sweet and Sweet Cocoa

We sat down to three cups of warm cocoa – one made of dark, one of semi-sweet and one of sweet chocolate. These were notably different – you might not think you can taste the difference but once having them one after the other, it is clear each has a distinct taste. I particularly liked the darker chocolate – I’m just a big fan of the stronger, deeper flavors that are less sweet. My companion is a huge chocoholic (me – less so) and loves anything chocolate. He was more into the Cacao 70 sweet cup – which was by all means great as well.

Roast Beef Crepe With Mushrooms and Cheese

Going on to try the roast beef crepe with mushrooms and cheese, we found the thickness of the crepe and the saltiness of the dish just right. Balanced with the mixed salad which had a sweeter sauce, we gobbled the whole thing up in spite of eating a full meal just before coming for the tasting (We hadn’t done our research properly and had mistakenly thought that the place sold mostly hot chocolates and not much else. Boy, were we wrong!).

Cuba Cocao 70

Next came the hot cocoa – we each got a serving of the 70% Cuba. Coming in goblet-like cups, they were rimmed in chocolate. Allysia explained the reason to us: so that when we drink from the glass, we’d have chocolate smiles! Cue the cute, fuzzy feelings. So adorable. Little things like that really show that the whole concept has been thought out to a T which I totally appreciate. The way to go about eating this dish is to use a spoon and get a little taste of the base – what gives the real flavor to the chocolate drink; the Cuba 70% had hints of cinnamon and bitterness and a slight spiced aroma which I loved. Once that’s done, you mix in the lighter chocolate to make it drinkable and voila! There you have it.

Cacao 70 Chocolate Pizza

Finishing off with a chocolate pizza, we were taken by surprise as to what it actually was. Upon first hearing about the chocolate pizza, we assumed it was a round, pizza shaped hardened piece of chocolate. Nope! This place is teaching me new things. It is baked dough topped with a variety of delicious ingredients. Our pizza came with bananas drizzled with chocolate sauce with sides of marshmallows and strawberries to add as we wished. There was also a lighter chocolate sauce to further add if we found the existing sauce to be too strong or thick.

Cacao 70 offers a unique dining experience that revolves around one of the world’s most loved desserts: chocolate. We will definitely be back.

*Special thanks to Easy and Allysia for having us come by.

From Left to Right: Dark, Semi-Sweet and Sweet Cocoa

Roast Beef Crepe With Mushrooms and Cheese

Cuba Cocao 70

Chocolate Pizza