Chuao Chocolatier

Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced chew-WOW) is the first Venezuelan Chocolatier based in the United States and Southern California's premier artisan chocolatier.

Co-founded in 2002 by Master Chef Michael Antonorsi and his brother Richard, Chuao Chocolatier is on a mission to share joy with the world through deliciously engaging chocolate experiences.

The Venezuelan brothers, now San Diego residents, named the company Chuao Chocolatier after the legendary cacao-producing region of Chuao (pronounced chew-WOW) located in central Venezuela. The Antonorsi's decision was a reflection of their commitment to both high quality and their Venezuelan family heritage. Chocolate is part their roots; their ancestors ran a small family farm that was once an important part of the criollo cacao plantation industry.

Initially, the company started with a single boutique in Encinitas, CA featuring a one-of-a-kind confectionary menu of chocolate bars, bonbons, truffles and drinking chocolate. Their signature flavor was Spicy Maya, a modern twist on the Mayan's ancient drinking chocolate recipe, infused with cinnamon, pasilla chile and cayenne pepper. The Spicy Maya flavor has since extended across all of Chuao's product lines.

Creative flavor combinations are at the heart of Chuao Chocolatier's decadent chocolate experience including: Firecracker, a chipotle caramel fudge truffle with popping candy, a hint of salt, and dark chocolate and Pan Con Chocolate, a dark chocolate bonbon filled with toasted Panko bread crumbs, olive oil ganache with a touch of sea salt.

"Creative flavor combinations are at the heart of Chuao Chocolatier's decadent chocolate experience…"

Chuao Chocolatier has expanded the menu to include numerous drinking chocolate and espresso beverages, gelatos and seasonal creations. They now own and operate three chocolate cafes in San Diego county.

Today, you can discover Chuao Chocolatier across the United States at fine specialty retailers including Cost Plus World Market, Whole Foods, Target and CVS, as well as fine restaurants & hotels including Omni Hotels and W Hotels nationwide.