Before the beginning

The light bulb moment

There I was dreaming of my life that could be, eating a piece of chocolate cake, when I started thinking about where chocolate came from, where did it grow? how was it made? how is it used in different cultures?  These were academic questions, but as it turns out chocolate is one of those things that is bigger then the generic chocolate bar sitting on the supermarket shelf.  It has intrenched itself in the global culture so firmly that cocoa beans are traded on the commodities market.  Whole countries rely on the beans as their cash crop.  It is used in various cultures as a savoury spice, a sweet dessert or a liquid beverage.  You can trade, eat,drink, mold, shape, paint, cook and study it.  Like coffee and wine, chocolate has come of age.  No longer is it defined by dark, milk or white.  We have single origin beans from a particular country, a particular region and even particular plantations and harvest.  No longer is it only for desserts, no longer is it only matched with nuts and caramel.  Intoxicating infusions with spices from  around the world have opened up a whole new way to see chocolate.  I was so excited that I had found the thing that could incorperate all my interests.  Chocolate.

"I had found the thing that could incorporate all of my interests"

In the beginning there was chocolate
After extensive research , training in the basics of confectionery at the Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School in Melbourne, and a whole lot of self education and experimentation, I was ready to begin.  When I founded the Curious Chocolatier in 2008, I was devoted to creating quality chocolate gifts and chocolate-based food items that made people happy,brought people together and made people connect.  I wanted the receivers of my chocolate to look at the packaging and smile because they loved the artists work, or that it reminded them of a great time in their life.  I wanted it devoured in secret by someone who couldn't bare to share.  I imagined great friends nibbling on my chocolate as they reminisced about their lives.  I wanted to push the traditional ideas of how chocolate can be used.  I wanted to stir the chocolate pot.  I am sure all of these imaginings and more have come true.  Why?  because people say so.  The success of our signature Designer bar range has led to this point, namely The Curious Chocolatier online store.  

"I was devoted to creating quality chocolate gifts and chocolate based foods that make people happy"

And the chocolate was good
I continue to be inspired by the world around me, by it's people, culture, food and art.  I could not be happier or more tired.  Starting a store of any kind is not for the fainthearted, but fullfilling the dream helps me get through the sleepless nights.  I continue in addition to the online store to doing in-store tastings with our stockists.  Maybe I will see you there.  This website has allowed me to share my chocolate lifestyle with you.  I hope you enjoy the products, and even incorporate some of our recipes into your repertoire.

"I could not be happier or more tired"

Heidi Ross

Owner/Chocolatier