EXPANDING THE COMMUNITY

I recently raved about the arrival of my new favorite Jewish bakery – Bakey – coming to Newton Centre (where it has taken the physical space – but not the place – of Galit’s Treats).

Now I get to share news of an amazing eatery that started in Newton that is expanding to Boston’s South End.

Cacao Chocolate Bar & Cafe is bringing both a store and café to 570 Columbus Avenue in Boston.

Co-owner Perla Rosario grew up on a cacao farm in the Dominican Republic and is a graduate of the Hurley Elementary school, the new location will represent a bit of a homecoming for her homemade treats and chocolatier heritage. As Perla’s business and life partner Leo Baez grew up around cashew farms in the Republic, it also makes sense that the cacao-coated nuts are among the store’s best-sellers. However, there are plenty more treats to try either in the cozy, cocoa-colored café or at the convenient pickup window.

From bean-to-bar chocolate from all over Latin and South America to hand-crafted caramels, vibrant marzipan, brimming barks, chai cups, a growing selection of fresh pastries, that features croissants from Hyannis’ Pain D’Avignon, coffee drinks, teas and tonics, and an entire menu of what has been called the best hot chocolate in the area that includes the famed frozen hot chocolate that once brought throngs to the also dearly departed Serendipity 3, Cacao will also bring the sense of community that has made it such a. favorite regular stop for so many in the Newton area and that will surely make it a star in the South End.

Sweet!