Antica Dolceria Bonajuto Chocolate Bar with Cinnamon

In the gorgeous and bustling town of Modica, Sicily, is a little gem of a shop, tucked away at the end of a short alley.  Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, founded in 1880, is part chocolate shop, part museum, with beautiful built-in cabinets containing displays of the historic chocolate-maker’s craft; old photos; memorabilia from the store’s history; and tons more stuff that could hold my attention for hours.

Pierpaulo Ruta is the shop’s current proprietor, having learned the chocolate-maker’s craft from his father and grandfather.  He is the 6th generation in his family to run the business, which dates back to 1827, when itinerant chocolate makers would travel from house to house grinding and forming chocolate to order.

He uses the low heat method of chocolate production where all the subtle, fruity flavors of the cocoa fruit are preserved, along with the texture of the sugar granules.  The experience of eating chocolate is transformed into something completely unlike what we are used to—it doesn’t melt in the mouth.  It comes apart in bits that dissolve on your palate and release their flavor as you chew.  These bars will make you re-think what chocolate is about, and remind you that it had an entire life and history of its own before the Swiss made it the confection we know best.  Really, really special!

Size: 3.5 oz