Thursday, December 27, 2012
We're baaaack!
Thanks for the vacation, folks!
We got a lot of blissful sunshine and family time over the week in California, and are now gladly back in Portland, where by some miracle the sun is also shining.
Online ordering options are back up, and we are expecting our delivery of cacao any day now, so we will be making a fresh batch (No.291, I think)in the next few days and shipping orders on Monday.
Hope your holidays were awesome, or if you celebrate Kwanzaa, that they will be, and Happy New Year!
Peace,
Rochelle and River
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Going on Holiday!
Hello Rox Chox fans,
I hope that this post finds you well. I wish I had thought ahead to give you more warning- so I apologize if this takes you by surprise and you find yourself stranded over the holidays with no Rox Chox.
We are taking a holiday! Rox Chox will be unavailable for business December 18th-26th. If you would like to order online, please do so by the end of the day on the 17th. We will ship to you on the 18th and then be on our way to Los Angeles to be with family.
We will temporarily remove the shopping buttons and replace them on the 27th, when we will be available to make and ship you a fresh batch of Rox Chox again.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! See you in the New Year!
Rochelle and River
I hope that this post finds you well. I wish I had thought ahead to give you more warning- so I apologize if this takes you by surprise and you find yourself stranded over the holidays with no Rox Chox.
We are taking a holiday! Rox Chox will be unavailable for business December 18th-26th. If you would like to order online, please do so by the end of the day on the 17th. We will ship to you on the 18th and then be on our way to Los Angeles to be with family.
We will temporarily remove the shopping buttons and replace them on the 27th, when we will be available to make and ship you a fresh batch of Rox Chox again.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! See you in the New Year!
Rochelle and River
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A Charming new Seattle location to get your Chox fix!
There is a lovely location in Seattle, tucked away in an unassuming modern-looking building, where I have heard you will get the most old-fashioned personal attention and holistic healing advice and assistance. It is called Sugar Pill, and it is the source of many specialty needs and extras, and a showroom of delightful sights and smells. It is a special place for those who desire something distinctive in the departments of Culinary, Mercantile, and even Apothecary. Its proprietor, Karyn Schwartz, who is of much specialized knowledge, recently discovered Rox Chox... so now you can buy our chocolate there as well. Happy happy O So very Happy Holidays, Seattle.
Big News: New Flavors!
The time has come! We have had so many requests for a coconut-free flavor that I have been busy experimenting and finally hit upon two combinations that are delicious enough that I scaled it up for our first limited-edition premiere. The new flavors are: "Dibs on Nibs", made with these cacao nibs of so many colors:
And "Ginger":
for which I used all of this vibrant Peruvian magical root. I had never peeled this much ginger at once before yesterday, so I googled 'peel ginger', thinking 'there must be an easier way?' and it turns out, there is! A simple spoon did the trick. The skin is so much more delicate than I'd thought.
Both of our new flavors are free of coconut and salt, so they are accessible to even more people of restricted diets - hooray! Nothing makes me happier than when someone says, 'Oh, but I can't have ___' and I can respond with 'But this treat is free of ____' and I see their face light up with joy. I know that feeling all too well, and I am really looking forward to seeing those smiles on your faces at the:
People's Holiday Craft Fair, December 12th, 2-7pm. 3029 SE 21st, Portland OR 97202, when we will premiere these two new flavors in a limited edition! Come by for a taste.
Shortly after this fair, we will also make them available online and to our retail locations. Thank you for fueling our creative fires, chocolate lovers. We are so happy to give you some sweetness.
And "Ginger":
for which I used all of this vibrant Peruvian magical root. I had never peeled this much ginger at once before yesterday, so I googled 'peel ginger', thinking 'there must be an easier way?' and it turns out, there is! A simple spoon did the trick. The skin is so much more delicate than I'd thought.
Both of our new flavors are free of coconut and salt, so they are accessible to even more people of restricted diets - hooray! Nothing makes me happier than when someone says, 'Oh, but I can't have ___' and I can respond with 'But this treat is free of ____' and I see their face light up with joy. I know that feeling all too well, and I am really looking forward to seeing those smiles on your faces at the:
People's Holiday Craft Fair, December 12th, 2-7pm. 3029 SE 21st, Portland OR 97202, when we will premiere these two new flavors in a limited edition! Come by for a taste.
Shortly after this fair, we will also make them available online and to our retail locations. Thank you for fueling our creative fires, chocolate lovers. We are so happy to give you some sweetness.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tender Loving Empire ! Gifting season ! Visit !
We have an exciting new location where you can buy the Rox Chox 1.5 oz Bar and the 4.0 oz Phenomenon: Tender Loving Empire, 412 SW 10th Ave. This lovely little store is jam-packed with beautiful, locally made crafts and music and is also their record label headquarters, a screen printing studio and an art
gallery. If you are in Portland, I really really really suggest visiting this gem of creative brilliance. Especially now that it is officially gift-buying season.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Los Angeles is getting stocked up in Rox Chox!
Some exciting news today... We have three new LA-area accounts! We are one lucky chocolate company. And the Los Angeles area just got a whole lot sweeter! (or will next week anyways when we ship these out)
Figueroa Produce Market in Highland Park: 6312 North Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90042
Organix LA in Eagle Rock : 1731 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA, 90041
This is an article on the Huffington Post on those two stores, which are owned by the same awesome group of people with a stellar mission. Founder Luis Quismorio is quoted saying "It's a great feeling to know that we're providing fairly priced, organic, and healthy foods so that it's reachable to all income levels." He, Anthony Bermudez and Ruben Perez founded Figueroa Produce Market first, over four years ago and just opened its sister store Organix last year.
And then we have another store, on the other side of town:
One Life Natural Foods in Santa Monica! 3001 Main St Santa Monica, CA 90405
Figueroa Produce Market in Highland Park: 6312 North Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90042
Organix LA in Eagle Rock : 1731 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA, 90041
This is an article on the Huffington Post on those two stores, which are owned by the same awesome group of people with a stellar mission. Founder Luis Quismorio is quoted saying "It's a great feeling to know that we're providing fairly priced, organic, and healthy foods so that it's reachable to all income levels." He, Anthony Bermudez and Ruben Perez founded Figueroa Produce Market first, over four years ago and just opened its sister store Organix last year.
And then we have another store, on the other side of town:
One Life Natural Foods in Santa Monica! 3001 Main St Santa Monica, CA 90405
Manzanita News and Espresso!
One of the coziest and accommodating coastal places to relax with a cup of tea or (yum!) hemp milk latte, Manzanita News and Espresso has been my go-to coastal location for years, and now will be a place for people to get Rox Chox! They have a stellar selection of news sources, artful cards and jewelry and make awesome in-house cookies!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
"A jem in a food desert"
For this post, I would like to quote an anonymous reviewer of our newest retail location, the New Earth Health Food Store in Compton, California, which has been going strong for 30 years!:
"This place is a jem! I couldn't believe how well-stocked their room of herbs, teas, etc. was. They sell hard-to-find healthy products in a virtual food desert. The nearest Whole Foods or Trader Joe's is anywhere between 25 and 30 minutes away and they have products that you can't even find in those stores. Don't get me wrong, it is a tiny store. Their refrigerated items are much more limited, but they have a bulk nut section that is organic with prices that rival much larger stores. They sell food, sundries, and some prepared foods. I would definitely recommend this place. I can see why they've been in the neighborhood for 20-something years. Who knew there was health food in the hood???"
It was reviews like this that made us send them a sample, and now we are so happy they said yes, because starting next week, Rox Chox will be available to the folks in Compton, which is really close to River's roots in Long Beach. <3 Everyone deserves a healthy treat.
"This place is a jem! I couldn't believe how well-stocked their room of herbs, teas, etc. was. They sell hard-to-find healthy products in a virtual food desert. The nearest Whole Foods or Trader Joe's is anywhere between 25 and 30 minutes away and they have products that you can't even find in those stores. Don't get me wrong, it is a tiny store. Their refrigerated items are much more limited, but they have a bulk nut section that is organic with prices that rival much larger stores. They sell food, sundries, and some prepared foods. I would definitely recommend this place. I can see why they've been in the neighborhood for 20-something years. Who knew there was health food in the hood???"
It was reviews like this that made us send them a sample, and now we are so happy they said yes, because starting next week, Rox Chox will be available to the folks in Compton, which is really close to River's roots in Long Beach. <3 Everyone deserves a healthy treat.
Friday, October 19, 2012
People in New York! Park Slope Food Co-op carries Rox Chox!
Brooklyn, New York, you are in luck!
After an entire year of follow-up calls to the Park Slope Food Co-op, they finally ordered! They had wanted to order as soon as they tasted this Chox, but the world works in mysterious ways. A year was well worth the wait for us, and now all the awesome folks of Park Slope are in for a delicious surprise!
We are so excited to make Rox Chox available at our first retail location in New York, and especially because The Park Slope Food Co-op is such an amazing place. True to the following swoon-worthy Mission Statement, they will be selling Rox Chox at an awesome price! @goodfoodcheap isn't their handle on twitter for nothing! (also @foodcoop) If you live in the Brooklyn area and haven't joined the PSFC yet, I would highly recommend that you check them out! We are so thrilled!
We respect the environment. We strive to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on the world we share with other species and future generations. We prefer to buy from local, earth-friendly producers. We recycle. We try to lead by example, educating ourselves and others about health and nutrition, cooperation and the environment.
We are committed to diversity and equality. We oppose discrimination in any form. We strive to make the Coop welcoming and accessible to all and to respect the opinions, needs and concerns of every member. We seek to maximize participation at every level, from policy making to running the store.
We welcome all who respect these values.
After an entire year of follow-up calls to the Park Slope Food Co-op, they finally ordered! They had wanted to order as soon as they tasted this Chox, but the world works in mysterious ways. A year was well worth the wait for us, and now all the awesome folks of Park Slope are in for a delicious surprise!
We are so excited to make Rox Chox available at our first retail location in New York, and especially because The Park Slope Food Co-op is such an amazing place. True to the following swoon-worthy Mission Statement, they will be selling Rox Chox at an awesome price! @goodfoodcheap isn't their handle on twitter for nothing! (also @foodcoop) If you live in the Brooklyn area and haven't joined the PSFC yet, I would highly recommend that you check them out! We are so thrilled!
Park Slope Food Coop Mission Statement
The Park Slope Food Coop is a member-owned and operated food store-- an alternative to commercial profit-oriented business. As members, we contribute our labor: working together builds trust through cooperation and teamwork and enables us to keep prices as low as possible within the context of our values and principles. Only members may shop, and we share responsibilities and benefits equally. We strive to be a responsible and ethical employer and neighbor. We are a buying agent for our members and not a selling agent for any industry. We are a part of and support the cooperative movement. We offer a diversity of products with an emphasis on organic, minimally processed and healthful foods. We seek to avoid products that depend on the exploitation of others. We support non-toxic, sustainable agriculture.We respect the environment. We strive to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on the world we share with other species and future generations. We prefer to buy from local, earth-friendly producers. We recycle. We try to lead by example, educating ourselves and others about health and nutrition, cooperation and the environment.
We are committed to diversity and equality. We oppose discrimination in any form. We strive to make the Coop welcoming and accessible to all and to respect the opinions, needs and concerns of every member. We seek to maximize participation at every level, from policy making to running the store.
We welcome all who respect these values.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Two Charming places to get Rox Chox!
New places to get your Rox Chox fix:
The Woodsman Tavern on Division Street in our hometown Southeast Portland, a real quaint and classy joint, located right next to Stumptown Coffee, which pairs deliciously with Rox Chox! This is the counter-top where you will see the Chox, and the front of the shop:
Also:
AJ Remedy Teas, Seattle's Organic Tea Company and Cafe, which I have yet to visit, but am really looking forward to seeing!
Open 7am-11pm every day located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood at the corner of 15th Ave East & Harrison.
The Woodsman Tavern on Division Street in our hometown Southeast Portland, a real quaint and classy joint, located right next to Stumptown Coffee, which pairs deliciously with Rox Chox! This is the counter-top where you will see the Chox, and the front of the shop:
Also:
AJ Remedy Teas, Seattle's Organic Tea Company and Cafe, which I have yet to visit, but am really looking forward to seeing!
Open 7am-11pm every day located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood at the corner of 15th Ave East & Harrison.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
We ship to Canada!
Hello and Hooray!
We just recieved word from a Canadian that their order of Rox Chox reached them without any tariffs or customs charges, in exactly one week, so we are updating our policy to offer shipment to Canada!
Oh, my fellow Canadians, you're gonna like this chocolate...
xo,
Ro
We just recieved word from a Canadian that their order of Rox Chox reached them without any tariffs or customs charges, in exactly one week, so we are updating our policy to offer shipment to Canada!
Oh, my fellow Canadians, you're gonna like this chocolate...
xo,
Ro
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Holy Moly, Powell's Books on Burnside!
If you live in or have visited Portland, you know of the amazing Powell's Books, the 'City of Books' that takes up a whole city block and is a Portland institution. Words cannot describe how thrilled we at Rox Chox are to be delivering to Powell's on Burnside for the first time tomorrow. It is locally-loved hot spot and also a tourist destination, so will expand visibility for our chocolate exponentially. It also means so much to us personally.
When I, Rochelle, moved to the Portland area with my parents and sisters, it was 1989. As fate would have it, that was the same year that River moved to Portland from Los Angeles. We didn't know each other then- I was only nine years old- but we were connected by Powell's Books. River lucked out and got a job working there almost right away, which really provided an awesome introduction to this city and life as an independently thinking adult. I lucked out by having a really amazing mom who would bring us to Powell's on special trips to the city and let us pick out a book of our own. We would spend hours there, back when the kids' section was in the Gold Room, reading and agonizing over the decision of which book to buy. Perhaps River and I saw each other then, but gladly we didn't meet until we were both fully grown adults!
During high school when my friends and I rode the bus to 'The City', of course we visited Powell's. We would sneak into the (you-know-which) section, grab a book, and giggle in hushed whispers a few aisles away. In college I focused on art and the Pearl Room was like my living room. As an adult now, I peruse the business section as needed, but mostly you can find me in the Purple, Red, or Blue Rooms. River hasn't worked for Powell's for some time now, but whenever we have a few hours of free time, Powell's is our go-to date destination of choice.
We have been selling Rox Chox at the Powell's on Hawthorne location for over a year now, and for their birthday party they will be giving away 300 mini Rox Chox squares -- October 19th, first come first serve!
Now our Rox Chox are going to be sold at the main Burnside location in the Green Room and the Orange Room! It's like we've come full circle, and our rainbow is complete. Really amazing.
When I, Rochelle, moved to the Portland area with my parents and sisters, it was 1989. As fate would have it, that was the same year that River moved to Portland from Los Angeles. We didn't know each other then- I was only nine years old- but we were connected by Powell's Books. River lucked out and got a job working there almost right away, which really provided an awesome introduction to this city and life as an independently thinking adult. I lucked out by having a really amazing mom who would bring us to Powell's on special trips to the city and let us pick out a book of our own. We would spend hours there, back when the kids' section was in the Gold Room, reading and agonizing over the decision of which book to buy. Perhaps River and I saw each other then, but gladly we didn't meet until we were both fully grown adults!
During high school when my friends and I rode the bus to 'The City', of course we visited Powell's. We would sneak into the (you-know-which) section, grab a book, and giggle in hushed whispers a few aisles away. In college I focused on art and the Pearl Room was like my living room. As an adult now, I peruse the business section as needed, but mostly you can find me in the Purple, Red, or Blue Rooms. River hasn't worked for Powell's for some time now, but whenever we have a few hours of free time, Powell's is our go-to date destination of choice.
We have been selling Rox Chox at the Powell's on Hawthorne location for over a year now, and for their birthday party they will be giving away 300 mini Rox Chox squares -- October 19th, first come first serve!
Now our Rox Chox are going to be sold at the main Burnside location in the Green Room and the Orange Room! It's like we've come full circle, and our rainbow is complete. Really amazing.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Close to home & heart, a new store in SE Portland
The Sheridan Fruit Co, on SE Martin Luther King Boulevard in Portland, OR is now also host to a selection of Rox Chox. That makes it currently the closest grocery location to where Rox Chox is made, a mere twelve to fifteen blocks or so. Just a little jaunt on the delivery bike!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Two new locations... Keep 'em coming!
Chico Natural Foods, Chico CA: www.chiconatural.com
And:
Friendly Street Market, Eugene OR
Www.friendlystreetmarket.com
As ever, requests are appreciated! :-)
And:
Friendly Street Market, Eugene OR
Www.friendlystreetmarket.com
As ever, requests are appreciated! :-)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
New Portland Locations!
New locations! Portland, we are getting you more covered in Rox Chox:
Cherry Sprout Produce Market on NE Sumner St at Albina got their first delivery today and will be giving away free sample morsels on Friday. They are carrying our Bars and Squares.
Foster & Dobbs in Irvington will be getting their first delivery of Bars later this week.
Want some in your neighborhood? Let your favorite store know!
Cherry Sprout Produce Market on NE Sumner St at Albina got their first delivery today and will be giving away free sample morsels on Friday. They are carrying our Bars and Squares.
Foster & Dobbs in Irvington will be getting their first delivery of Bars later this week.
Want some in your neighborhood? Let your favorite store know!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Rox Chox up in lights in two big West Coast Cities!
Great news! Rox Chox will be in Seattle proper and northerly Los Angeles next week. We just shipped our first order of bars and squares to Full O' Life in Burbank, California and next week our first order for Central Co-op's Madison Market goes out with the awesome distributor Earthly Gourmet. Central Co-op will carry all three sizes of Rox Chox, from the tiny square to the four-ounce Phenomenon, which is a real hunk (of chocolate).
Another upcoming location is the Briar Patch Co-op in Grass Valley, California (paints quite the picture, eh?). Chox fans in these three locations, sit tight for a week or so to give your grocers time to get them onto the shelves... then, by all means, dig in!
In related news, we have decided after some deliberation to not pursue those accounts which require distribution on the East Coast as it is too costly at this time. We will instead be searching out other stores which will take direct distribution. Stay tuned, and if you have recommendations, we are all ears and eyes at roxchoxpdx@gmail.com
Also, if you are on twitter, hit us up! Getting quite the network going @RoxChoxCo and giving out updates like what music we listened to while making which batches (today was Beyonce.. yeah B!) and when new shipments head out to new locations.
Another upcoming location is the Briar Patch Co-op in Grass Valley, California (paints quite the picture, eh?). Chox fans in these three locations, sit tight for a week or so to give your grocers time to get them onto the shelves... then, by all means, dig in!
In related news, we have decided after some deliberation to not pursue those accounts which require distribution on the East Coast as it is too costly at this time. We will instead be searching out other stores which will take direct distribution. Stay tuned, and if you have recommendations, we are all ears and eyes at roxchoxpdx@gmail.com
Also, if you are on twitter, hit us up! Getting quite the network going @RoxChoxCo and giving out updates like what music we listened to while making which batches (today was Beyonce.. yeah B!) and when new shipments head out to new locations.
Friday, May 11, 2012
New & Upcoming locations: Mt. Shasta, NYC, Seattle
Hello!
Good news from the land of Chox: we are getting more situated and secure in our business, so we will still be bringing you delicious Rox Chox indefinitely!
This week; we got a P.O. Box, ordered some set-up cartons for sturdier display boxes, made and delivered a lot of Rox Chox, got more network-tastic on the twitter front, enjoyed some much-needed long-lost sunshine, and added some new stores to our list of vendors.
Berryvale Natural Foods in Mt. Shasta City will soon receive their first Chox delivery! I visited this lovely natural foods market on one of my Pdx-to-SF-and-back-grad-school trips last summer. They have an awesome fresh juice bar and deli and a great raw specialty foods section, and while I was there for lunch I gave a sample to the buyer. Yesterday morning i had risen especially early to make calls to the East Coast and happened to glance for a moment at the card for Berryvale. I thought, "oh, that's longer-term, they wanted the new packaging," and moved on to the next task. Just as I was about to head over to the production & shipping portion of this biz, the phone rings. Surprise: they haven't been able to stop thinking about our chocolate, and they want it now!
Some more stores we are super stoked about are; Madison Market in Seattle, The Park Slope Co-op in New York City, and Wild by Nature in Long Island. They have all said yes, pursuant to our securing distribution, so it's in the works! Pretty soon we'll be able to make one of those t-shirts that says: "Rox Chox: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York.". Since we're so fashionable. Let us know where you would like to buy Rox Chox, and we will send them a sample.
Berryvale Natural Foods in Mt. Shasta City will soon receive their first Chox delivery! I visited this lovely natural foods market on one of my Pdx-to-SF-and-back-grad-school trips last summer. They have an awesome fresh juice bar and deli and a great raw specialty foods section, and while I was there for lunch I gave a sample to the buyer. Yesterday morning i had risen especially early to make calls to the East Coast and happened to glance for a moment at the card for Berryvale. I thought, "oh, that's longer-term, they wanted the new packaging," and moved on to the next task. Just as I was about to head over to the production & shipping portion of this biz, the phone rings. Surprise: they haven't been able to stop thinking about our chocolate, and they want it now!
Some more stores we are super stoked about are; Madison Market in Seattle, The Park Slope Co-op in New York City, and Wild by Nature in Long Island. They have all said yes, pursuant to our securing distribution, so it's in the works! Pretty soon we'll be able to make one of those t-shirts that says: "Rox Chox: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York.". Since we're so fashionable. Let us know where you would like to buy Rox Chox, and we will send them a sample.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Rox Chox News: new locations in Arcata and Eugene OR, and Oak Park IL
We got one of those great emails today- an order from a new vendor, Marche Provisions in Eugene, OR. I also shipped a first order out to Arcata's North Coast Co-op, which is coincidentally at the center of its city, just like Marche Provisions. And, due to a customer request, we will also be shipping a first order to The Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park, Illinois. Getting right into the heart of things!
In other exciting news, we were interviewed by a food-and-arts writer from the SE Examiner yesterday, and a few weeks ago by a writer from BePortland.org. Word is spreading! Looking forward to reading their perspectives on our chocolate story.
Speaking of stories, I've been reading 'Chocolat', by Joanne Harris, and really enjoying it as a narrative, as visually and viscerally evocative prose, and as a window into the person I am becoming more of every day: a love-propagandizing chocolatier!
When I am tempering chocolate I ask my mind to clear, I focus on my breath and simply enjoy the swirling seductive smooth waves of cacao. I give thanks and hold my love and gratitude for this gift of right living high in my heart. When River and I make Chox together, the kitchen is full of our giggles, affectionate quips, and endearing admonishments. We love our work. Maybe that shows in the taste of our creation, and as a friend recently told me, is part of why people love it so much.
In other exciting news, we were interviewed by a food-and-arts writer from the SE Examiner yesterday, and a few weeks ago by a writer from BePortland.org. Word is spreading! Looking forward to reading their perspectives on our chocolate story.
Speaking of stories, I've been reading 'Chocolat', by Joanne Harris, and really enjoying it as a narrative, as visually and viscerally evocative prose, and as a window into the person I am becoming more of every day: a love-propagandizing chocolatier!
When I am tempering chocolate I ask my mind to clear, I focus on my breath and simply enjoy the swirling seductive smooth waves of cacao. I give thanks and hold my love and gratitude for this gift of right living high in my heart. When River and I make Chox together, the kitchen is full of our giggles, affectionate quips, and endearing admonishments. We love our work. Maybe that shows in the taste of our creation, and as a friend recently told me, is part of why people love it so much.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Demotastic! Sundance is great, excited to visit Olympia!
Riv and Ro had a great time last weekend giving away samples at Sundance Natural Foods in Eugene, where there are lots of mellow chocolate-loving folks, and an awesome deli. We had so much fun on our little demo road trip, in fact, that we just scheduled another for Olympia, just in time for the Procession of the Species. On Saturday we'll see the Procession of artfully crafted creatures, and do some touristy relaxing non-work, and on Sunday we will give Rox Chox out. Come see us, or send your Olympian friends: west side co-op from 11-1pm, east side co-op from 3-5. Chox it up to yumminess!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
More stores, stat!
Well folks, we are happy to announce our latest location: the two Community Food Co-ops in Bellingham, WA! So if you are in BC Canada, that is your best bet, right across the border.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Vegansaurus!
Thanks to Megan at Vegansaurus for a very thoroughly descriptive review of Rox Chox. I especially like the way she makes a distinction between Rox Chox and sinful chocolate bars, placing Chox in a class of its own as a great snack.
And in answer to your question, Megan, Yes! Our raw friends do like mostly raw. In fact, David Wolfe (whose book/work of art The Sunfood Diet Success System is totally amazing, btw) advocates an 80% raw diet.
And in answer to your question, Megan, Yes! Our raw friends do like mostly raw. In fact, David Wolfe (whose book/work of art The Sunfood Diet Success System is totally amazing, btw) advocates an 80% raw diet.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Yessss... we are in the Midwest!
The Dill Pickle Co-op in Chicago, Illinois has said "All the staff here love your chocolate!" so we are very happy to announce that Rox Chox will be on its way to the Windy City this week. Thanks to my friend Alisa for recommending this great new co-op. We love Chi-town!
Let us know where you would like to be able to buy Rox Chox in the store: roxchoxpdx@gmail.com
Let us know where you would like to be able to buy Rox Chox in the store: roxchoxpdx@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sno-Isle Co-op, Olympia Food co-op, and Go Outside!
This triad of picturesque names evocative of the mountains which surround them describes the new locations where you may now purchase Rox Chox. At the Eastside Olympia in bulk, for starters, at the Sno-Isle Co-op in Everett, and at Go Outside in La Conner.
And! Very exciting news-- the Berkeley Student Food Collective is going to discuss our chocolate with their board of directors! Yeah, I bet they want to offer a sugar-free superfood to their superpowered brainiacs.
Guess what else? This multi-tool does a screen shot as well! So here's a picture of the route from the Rox Chox Raw Lab in Portland to the Sno-Isle Co-op in Everett, Washington. A short hike, when you put it in perspective. I like the looks of those snowy mountains in Canada- we've got some ground to cover yet, Chox! You can also see by this picture that I am up far too late playing with my new gadget. To bed, to bed!!!
And! Very exciting news-- the Berkeley Student Food Collective is going to discuss our chocolate with their board of directors! Yeah, I bet they want to offer a sugar-free superfood to their superpowered brainiacs.
Guess what else? This multi-tool does a screen shot as well! So here's a picture of the route from the Rox Chox Raw Lab in Portland to the Sno-Isle Co-op in Everett, Washington. A short hike, when you put it in perspective. I like the looks of those snowy mountains in Canada- we've got some ground to cover yet, Chox! You can also see by this picture that I am up far too late playing with my new gadget. To bed, to bed!!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
International Chocolate Lover
Hey Friends,
We have yet to figure out the whole international shipping tariff situation, so until further notice, if you would like to receive our chocolates outside of the continental United States, please email us a special request at roxchoxpdx@gmail.com and we'll find out how much the shipping will cost and get back to you.
Thanks!
We have yet to figure out the whole international shipping tariff situation, so until further notice, if you would like to receive our chocolates outside of the continental United States, please email us a special request at roxchoxpdx@gmail.com and we'll find out how much the shipping will cost and get back to you.
Thanks!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
All the minerals in Cacao, explained. Wow.
Magnesium: Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium is one of the great alkaline minerals. It helps to support the heart, brain, and digestive system (it fights constipation). Magnesium is also important for building strong bones. Magnesium balances brain chemistry and has a strong influence on feelings of ease and happiness. This is likely the primary reason women crave chocolate during the monthly cycle. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium! Cacao has enough magnesium to help reverse deficiencies of this mineral.
Iron: Cacao contains 314% of the U.S. RDA of iron per 1 ounce (28 gram) serving. Iron is a critical mineral in nutrition. Iron is part of the oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin that keeps our blood healthy.
Chromium: Chromium is an important trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar. Nearly 80% of Americans are deficient in this trace mineral. Chromium plays a significant role in detoxifying the liver from alcohols which build up during the fermentation process of sugars and starchs when we overeat or make bad food choices. It has a major influence on blood cleanse.
Anandamide: Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical) is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise. Anandamide has so far only been found in one plant — Cacao. Anandamide is known as “The Bliss Chemical” because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies’ ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that, when we eat cacao, natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer.
Theobromine: Cacao usually contains about 1% theobromine. Theobromine is an effective anti-bacterial substance and kills streptococci mutans (the primary organism that causes cavities). Theobromine is a chemical relative of caffeine but is not a nervous system stimulant. Theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system making the heart’s job easier. This is one of the major reasons why cacao is an important part of a heart healthy diet.
Antioxidants: Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world. These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins. By weight, Cacao has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, acai, pomegranates, and goji berries COMBINED.
Cacao Also Contains the Following Important Unique Nutrients:
Manganese: Manganese helps assist iron in the oxygenation of the blood and formation of hemoglobin. Interestingly, manganese is also concentrated in tears.
Zinc: Zinc plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas, and skin. Additionally, zinc is involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions throughout the human body.
Vitamin C: Cacao must be raw to contain vitamin C. All cooked and processed chocolate has no vitamin C. A one ounce (28 gram) serving of Cacao Beans supplies 21% of the U.S. RDA of Vitamin C. However, Cacao goes really good with fruits and greens that are high in Vitamin C and should be consumed together, there are yummy smoothies in our recipe section.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Cacao contains essential omega 6 fatty acids when it is RAW.
Phenethylamine (PEA): Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in abundance in cacao. Because PEA is heat sensitive, much of the PEA in conventional cooked and processed chocolate is missing. PEA is the chemical that we produce in our bodies when we fall in love. This is likely one of the main reasons why love and chocolate have such a deep connection. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.
Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is heat sensitive and therefore it is “cooked out” in many high protein foods and in conventional processed chocolate.
Serotonin: Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. Serotonin is similar in its chemistry to tryptophan and melatonin. Serotonin helps us build up our “stress defense shield.”
Does Cacao Contain Caffeine?
Specialists have different opinions about the subject. David Woolfe quote: ‘… Contrary to popular opinion, cacao is a poor source of caffeine. A typical sample of Cacao Beans or cacao beans will yield anywhere from zero caffeine to 1,000 parts per million of caffeine (less than 1/20th of the caffeine present in coffee)….’
Credit for the above passage goes to Supertzar from the chat section of Davidicke.com. Thank you!
Iron: Cacao contains 314% of the U.S. RDA of iron per 1 ounce (28 gram) serving. Iron is a critical mineral in nutrition. Iron is part of the oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin that keeps our blood healthy.
Chromium: Chromium is an important trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar. Nearly 80% of Americans are deficient in this trace mineral. Chromium plays a significant role in detoxifying the liver from alcohols which build up during the fermentation process of sugars and starchs when we overeat or make bad food choices. It has a major influence on blood cleanse.
Anandamide: Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical) is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise. Anandamide has so far only been found in one plant — Cacao. Anandamide is known as “The Bliss Chemical” because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies’ ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that, when we eat cacao, natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer.
Theobromine: Cacao usually contains about 1% theobromine. Theobromine is an effective anti-bacterial substance and kills streptococci mutans (the primary organism that causes cavities). Theobromine is a chemical relative of caffeine but is not a nervous system stimulant. Theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system making the heart’s job easier. This is one of the major reasons why cacao is an important part of a heart healthy diet.
Antioxidants: Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world. These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins. By weight, Cacao has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, acai, pomegranates, and goji berries COMBINED.
Cacao Also Contains the Following Important Unique Nutrients:
Manganese: Manganese helps assist iron in the oxygenation of the blood and formation of hemoglobin. Interestingly, manganese is also concentrated in tears.
Zinc: Zinc plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas, and skin. Additionally, zinc is involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions throughout the human body.
Vitamin C: Cacao must be raw to contain vitamin C. All cooked and processed chocolate has no vitamin C. A one ounce (28 gram) serving of Cacao Beans supplies 21% of the U.S. RDA of Vitamin C. However, Cacao goes really good with fruits and greens that are high in Vitamin C and should be consumed together, there are yummy smoothies in our recipe section.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Cacao contains essential omega 6 fatty acids when it is RAW.
Phenethylamine (PEA): Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in abundance in cacao. Because PEA is heat sensitive, much of the PEA in conventional cooked and processed chocolate is missing. PEA is the chemical that we produce in our bodies when we fall in love. This is likely one of the main reasons why love and chocolate have such a deep connection. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.
Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is heat sensitive and therefore it is “cooked out” in many high protein foods and in conventional processed chocolate.
Serotonin: Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. Serotonin is similar in its chemistry to tryptophan and melatonin. Serotonin helps us build up our “stress defense shield.”
Does Cacao Contain Caffeine?
Specialists have different opinions about the subject. David Woolfe quote: ‘… Contrary to popular opinion, cacao is a poor source of caffeine. A typical sample of Cacao Beans or cacao beans will yield anywhere from zero caffeine to 1,000 parts per million of caffeine (less than 1/20th of the caffeine present in coffee)….’
Credit for the above passage goes to Supertzar from the chat section of Davidicke.com. Thank you!
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Love Show Chox Demo
Awesomeness... Had a ton of fun giving away smiles, hugs, and Chox at Launch Pad Gallery's Love Show on Friday. One person took a sample, and then said, "I already love your chocolate, but I didn't want to tell you until I had gotten another sample!" Don't even worry about it-- I am so happy to share.
Another pleased person said, "I'm going to send these to my two moms- they're both diabetic." Warm my heart, whydoncha? Smile after smile... Yes, when I see that bliss face in person it makes all the behind-the-scenes parts of running the biz totally worth it.
Fashion Disclaimer: I had forgotten a tablecloth-- hence the lovely borrowed pink and black tiger print accenting our display. Didn't seem to turn anyone away.
Another pleased person said, "I'm going to send these to my two moms- they're both diabetic." Warm my heart, whydoncha? Smile after smile... Yes, when I see that bliss face in person it makes all the behind-the-scenes parts of running the biz totally worth it.
Fashion Disclaimer: I had forgotten a tablecloth-- hence the lovely borrowed pink and black tiger print accenting our display. Didn't seem to turn anyone away.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Labels. What do they really say?
Well, these say 22 cases and cut by hand while dancing. If I have my way, soon our labels will say 100% compostable and recycled, printed with biodegradable inks as well. No, there won't be a bird on it, but thanks for asking.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hooray for the Internet!
Wow. Blogging, networking... I have been 'following' so many people in the wee hours of the night that I'm surprised I don't have a restraining order! Ha ha... Twitter is proving to be very fruitful and full of amazingly inspirational healthy eaters, positive thinkers, and motivating entrepreneurs. Focusing on our mission like an eagle, we are making and shipping Rox Chox to new people every day! Last night with my love and business partner River, we listened to Mozart for Wind instruments while we joyfully packed Internet orders, infusing each shipment with refined happiness!
We are thrilled with each new wholesale account as well, because that means it's much easier for a craving to be immediately and healthfully satisfied. Now the people of the lovely seaside hamlet of Manzanita will experience the sweet and salty crunch of a Rox Chox bar.
We are waiting with baited breath to hear back from the Park Slope Coop in NYC, Rainbow grocery in SF, and more Co-ops in: Moscow, Idaho, Sno-Isle in Everett WA(cool name!) Corvallis, Berkeley, Boise, Arcata, Olympia, and the independent stores Other Avenues in SF and Zerbo's in MI. Taste buds crossed!
If you have a favorite local co-op or independent grocery or chain with awesome business ethics you'd like to find your Rox Chox fix at, send us a recommendation. Last night River and I agreed that our new goal is to be available to chocolate lovers in at least one location per major city in each state before the magical year of 2012 is out. Help us help you be your healthiest self!
Lots of love from a miraculously sunny spot in Portland.
We are thrilled with each new wholesale account as well, because that means it's much easier for a craving to be immediately and healthfully satisfied. Now the people of the lovely seaside hamlet of Manzanita will experience the sweet and salty crunch of a Rox Chox bar.
We are waiting with baited breath to hear back from the Park Slope Coop in NYC, Rainbow grocery in SF, and more Co-ops in: Moscow, Idaho, Sno-Isle in Everett WA(cool name!) Corvallis, Berkeley, Boise, Arcata, Olympia, and the independent stores Other Avenues in SF and Zerbo's in MI. Taste buds crossed!
If you have a favorite local co-op or independent grocery or chain with awesome business ethics you'd like to find your Rox Chox fix at, send us a recommendation. Last night River and I agreed that our new goal is to be available to chocolate lovers in at least one location per major city in each state before the magical year of 2012 is out. Help us help you be your healthiest self!
Lots of love from a miraculously sunny spot in Portland.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Awesome review with a video... Crunching sound included!
Wow, how rad is this? Super radtasticalitiousness! Rox Chox got a great review from Eco Vegan Gal on her blog, complete with sound effects! It is really great to hear just how much people appreciate our Chox. Thanks, Whitney!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Rox Chox in Manzanita, Oregon
Great Surprise review from Chef Tina at Haute Health!
We just found this great review of Rox Chox on the blog Haute Health, written by Chef Tina Leigh, who had this to say: "The makers brilliantly blend coarse sea salt and shredded coconut right into the cacao so each and every bit is rich in salty goodness. But you know what’s even more amazing? They are completely dairy and SUGAR FREE!!!" Thank you, Tina. We also think our Chox is brilliant and amazing, but we are a little partial. Nice to hear back from chocolate lovers-at-large in the health profession.
Read the whole post here: http://hautehealth.co/rox-chox-rocks-my-sox-off/
Also, I Just tried taking a picture of the screen with the apple shift-apple-4-space-bar option, and it works like a charm! Here is a picture of the blog post from Tina Leigh at Haute Health. The Rox Chox 4 oz jar in the picture is our special holiday packaging that we did for People's, which will make an appearance for Valentine's day at People's as well.
Read the whole post here: http://hautehealth.co/rox-chox-rocks-my-sox-off/
Also, I Just tried taking a picture of the screen with the apple shift-apple-4-space-bar option, and it works like a charm! Here is a picture of the blog post from Tina Leigh at Haute Health. The Rox Chox 4 oz jar in the picture is our special holiday packaging that we did for People's, which will make an appearance for Valentine's day at People's as well.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Rox Chox are not for Dogs!
Please folks, don't throw this Chox to the dogs. Xylitol is not safe for dogs.
Really. It can be fatal. We all know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but while our sweetener Xylitol is totally safe for human bodies, in any amount it poses a fatal risk to our canine friends. Please exercise extra caution around dogs, and lock up your stocks of Rox Chox so they can't access it!
If you are ordering Rox Chox through the mail, let us know if we need to use extra-dog-proof packaging.
We are working on a warning label for our new package design, and for now we're going to improvise with an added sticker. Here is the link to the website of Dr. Jason Nicholas, The Preventive Vet, whose letter prompted our swift preventive measures, where you can find more information on keeping innocuous-seeming foods (grapes!?) out of reach of animals they could harm:
http://thepreventivevet.tumblr.com/post/8174699090/lesser-known-pet-poisons
Really. It can be fatal. We all know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but while our sweetener Xylitol is totally safe for human bodies, in any amount it poses a fatal risk to our canine friends. Please exercise extra caution around dogs, and lock up your stocks of Rox Chox so they can't access it!
If you are ordering Rox Chox through the mail, let us know if we need to use extra-dog-proof packaging.
We are working on a warning label for our new package design, and for now we're going to improvise with an added sticker. Here is the link to the website of Dr. Jason Nicholas, The Preventive Vet, whose letter prompted our swift preventive measures, where you can find more information on keeping innocuous-seeming foods (grapes!?) out of reach of animals they could harm:
http://thepreventivevet.tumblr.com/post/8174699090/lesser-known-pet-poisons
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