Cocoa Legato Launches in Seattle with a Sweet Harmony of Music and Chocolate
Cocoa Legato, a unique bean-to-bar chocolate factory and café that seamlessly integrates live music performances, is set to open its doors on April 26th in downtown Seattle. This innovative establishment aims to offer the community delectable, sustainable chocolate while celebrating and supporting Seattle’s vibrant independent music scene.
A Harmonious Blend of Passions
Founded by Seattle-based musician and chocolatier Aaron Lindstrom, Cocoa Legato embodies the fusion of two profound passions: music and chocolate. Lindstrom’s vision is to craft chocolate that resonates with rhythm, sourcing high-quality, ethically obtained cacao from small farms in South America. This endeavor not only pays homage to his Colombian heritage but also amplifies the city’s dynamic music culture.
“I wanted to create something that amplifies my city’s vibrant music scene and incredible artists while also honoring my Colombian heritage,” said Lindstrom. “Tasting chocolate should be a symphony for your senses. The rich smell, captivating visuals, the fun feel of the chocolate bar design, mouthwatering taste, and now the sound. For the last decade, I’ve been fortunate to work professionally in both fields, and I’m thrilled to bring my love of chocolate and music together on one playlist.”
Culinary Innovations and Collaborations
Cocoa Legato’s menu is a testament to creativity, featuring items that intertwine chocolate with both sweet and savory dishes. Patrons can indulge in offerings such as Chocolate Grilled Cheese, Salad with Cocoa Nib-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette, and a Chocolate Mousse Flight. Complementing these delights, the café will serve vegan pastries and a curated selection of coffee from Caffe Vita, Seattle’s esteemed independent coffee roaster since 1995.
Scott Baldwin, National Sales Manager at Caffe Vita, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Aaron and Cocoa Legato as we share the same aspirations of bringing the community together and providing the best hand-crafted products in an encouraging space for community connection and collaboration.” He further emphasized that the space aims to create a warm gathering place where friends and families can indulge in fresh roasted delights while supporting local artists, showcasing the best of both worlds in the heart of the Greenwood neighborhood.
A Symphony of Flavors
Each chocolate bar at Cocoa Legato offers more than just taste; it provides a multisensory experience. By scanning a QR code on the packaging, customers can access a song by an independent Seattle-based musician, curated to enhance the tasting journey. This feature also connects patrons to the artist’s musical catalog, merchandise, and social media, fostering ongoing support for local talent.
The initial lineup includes five distinctive chocolate bar flavors:
- Piano Bar: Colombian Dark Chocolate – 70% Cacao
This bar evokes nostalgia with its rich cocoa notes, warm fudgy tones, and a subtle hint of fruit, reminiscent of a cherished album from childhood. - Guitar Bar: Peruvian Dark Chocolate – 80% Cacao
Bold and vibrant, this bar resonates with bright tropical fruit flavors and delicate citrus undertones, showcasing the exceptional cacao from Cusco, Peru. - Cello Bar: Sea Salt – 70% Colombian Cacao
The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the inherent flavors of the Colombian chocolate, creating a harmonious balance akin to a remastered classic. - Snare Drum Bar: Nib Crunch – 70% Colombian Cacao
Featuring Colombian cocoa nibs dancing across dark chocolate, this bar offers an explosive combination of nutty flavors, crunchy textures, and enriched sweet tones. - Microphone Bar: Espresso (Feat. Caffe Vita) – 70% Colombian Cacao
A collaboration with Caffe Vita, this bar infuses Cold Shot Espresso into Colombian cacao, resulting in a bold, cozy, and unexpectedly creamy vegan dark chocolate.
These bars will be available for purchase in-store and through online presale, with additional flavors anticipated in the coming months.
Engaging the Community
Beyond offering unique chocolate and musical pairings, Cocoa Legato is committed to fostering a sense of community. The café area is designed as a welcoming space where patrons can enjoy live performances from local artists, aligning with the company’s mission to support and showcase Seattle’s music scene. Additionally, the venue plans to host chocolate classes in the evening, covering topics such as tasting, pairing, and making, further enriching the cultural fabric of the neighborhood.
Membership Opportunities
For those looking to deepen their engagement, Cocoa Legato offers a membership program with various tiers, each providing exclusive perks and rewards delivered seasonally:
- Cassette ($25 per season):
Includes a member-exclusive small batch chocolate bar, a free drink upon pickup, 10% off in-store and online purchases, discounts on chocolate tours and classes, and a complimentary Cocoa Legato t-shirt. - CD ($50 per season):
Encompasses all Cassette benefits, plus four additional bars from the classic line, two free tickets to public Chocolate Factory Tours per season, and access to bi-annual Members Only Vinyl & Chocolate Night. - Vinyl ($100 per season):
Offers all CD perks, along with exclusive artist merchandise, a private chocolate tour for up to ten guests per quarter, and tickets to live shows every quarter. - Backstage Pass ($500 per season):
The ultimate package, including all Vinyl benefits, plus the opportunity to create a custom chocolate bar in the factory, a golden ticket granting 20% off all in-store items, and additional privileges at events.
These memberships not only provide members with delectable treats and experiences but also contribute to sustaining the local arts and chocolate-making communities.
A Sweet Addition to Seattle
The opening of Cocoa Legato marks a significant addition to Seattle’s culinary and cultural landscape. By intertwining the art of chocolate making with the city’s rich musical heritage, the establishment offers a novel experience that appeals to both chocolate enthusiasts and music lovers alike. As the doors open on April 26th, Cocoa Legato invites the community to partake in a symphony of flavors and sounds, celebrating the harmonious blend of taste and melody.
