…for chocolate.

It all started last Saturday night. Justin and I went to Victrola Coffee for some, well, coffee. However, I had more in mind. Like the Theo chocolate they USED to carry. I can’t believe they stopped stocking it, and I definitely couldn’t get some of their delicious chocolate off of my mind. They have flavors like coconut curry, bread and chocolate, nib brittle, vanilla, and a variety of dark chocolates–not flavors you can get in most places.

The good news is, they are based in Seattle. I thought about ordering online, but with Justin’s latest book order having been stolen, I thought about visiting the factory store. It’s a small building with tours, samples, and a small retail space, but before I go too much into the building, I have to talk about getting there.

I had planned to get there at about 4:30 (30 minutes before it closed) after washing the car. However, with 4 cars in front of me at the car wash and a considerable distance to the location (what I thought was 44th and Phinney), I didn’t get to park until about that time. However, after looking lost and asking the coffee shop down the street where the store was, I found out that it was on 34th instead. I had already parked and walked a couple of blocks.The store closed at 5. I was supposed to pick up Justin at 5 in the U District. I decided to book it down the hill.

The blisters on my feet after walking for 10 or 15 minutes began to throb once I set foot in the store (with 2 minutes to spare). I sampled a few chocolate pieces, glanced around, and, feeling rushed, chose to take home a box with Pearl Jasmine, Burnt Sugar, Scotch, and Ginger-flavored chocolates. If I could do it over again, I would have gotten mint, fig fennel, vanilla, and ivory coast (or perhaps peanut butter or earl grey?). I also got the tried-and-true nib brittle and bread-and-chocolate bars. As I was checking out, I noticed a warm feeling on my heels. I took a peek and my heels were bleeding! Not wanting to keep them open any longer, I limped out of the door and stared at the road ahead of me. I came more than 10 blocks down a hill. It was after 5 and I was late in picking up Justin. I had to trek up the hill quickly with my new-found chocolates (oh, joy!) and my feet on fire.

Next time, I will either order online or park near the building. My feet shall never bleed for chocolate again!