ARTISAN PROFILE: THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND DAR CHOCOLATE
Welcome to another artisan profile, where we introduce you to the brilliant brains behind some of your most beloved sweet treats!
Today, we’re diving into the delicious realm of DAR Chocolate, a Denver-based premium bean-to-bar chocolate company that’s making waves with its unique flavors and artsy packaging that supports talented artists.
Say hello to the husband-and-wife duo, Joel and Gila Dar who are fusing their passions for art and chocolate to create a scrumptious and visually stunning experience for all to savor.
BACKGROUND OF THE FOUNDERS, JOEL DAR AND GILA KAPLAN DAR
Joel and Gila’s chocolate journey began with a twist of fate that led them from their country of origin (Israel) to Costa Rica. It was there friends of the Pacha Mama community introduced them to the cacao plant where some view it as a “superfood” rich with antioxidants, magnesium and more. They were immediately captivated by its ancient and mysterious properties.
This newfound fascination inspired the couple to dive headfirst into the art of chocolate-making, and after spending a year and a half learning the craft, they moved to Denver and established DAR Chocolate in the spring of 2016.
SHARING THE DAR CHOCOLATE JOURNEY
With Joel’s background in film production and Gila’s talents as a visual artist and movement enthusiast, they’ve combined their skills to create a full chocolate experience that’s nothing short of amazing. Gila’s got the design and marketing game on lock, while Joel handles management like a boss.
Meet Sima Amsalem – Master Chocolatier
In 2019, their journeys intersected with Sima Amsalem, known as the chocolate whisperer. Since then, the three have been inseparable. Sima, a master chocolatier, followed her heart and moved to Boulder from Israel around the same time Joel met him through an advertisement he had placed.
Sima has always had a special connection with chocolate, owning her own chocolate factory in Ein Karem, near Jerusalem, for 10 years. When she’s not managing the Dar factory, Sima can be found sharing her passion in delightful chocolate-making workshops.
But what sets DAR Chocolate apart from other chocolatiers?
To begin with, The Dar Team is dedicated to maintaining simplicity, cleanliness, and healthiness in their recipes. This entails using only ethically traded and organically grown cacao beans, obtained from two fair-trade, sustainability-conscious importers: Meridien and Uncommon Cacao. Their high standards are yet another reason why we adore this company. To learn more about their sustainability efforts, visit https://www.darchocolate.art/sustainability.
Collaborating with Artists and Inspiring Art Lovers. Craft Chocolate with a Purpose
They say that it was the cacao beans that chose them, not the other way around, as the artistry of making chocolate from the bean felt like a natural continuation of their previous careers in visual art.
On a mission to make art more accessible to everyone and in support of artists and the arts, DAR ART BARS presents limited-edition, curated collections of art on its chocolate packaging. These rotating collections showcase the work of artists from diverse backgrounds.
It’s like a rotating exhibit on chocolate! Museum-grade prints from their collection can be purchased through the website, with all proceeds going to the artists. If you’re lucky enough to find a Golden Ticket inside your chocolate bar, you can win a free print! 🙂
With a variety of flavors to choose from, everyone is sure to find a chocolate they enjoy! We stock these offerings below and hope to add more throughout the year. ❤️🍫
- Wild Orange 72% | Artists: Lindz and Lamb: A classic pairing in a refined recipe. Dark chocolate infused with wild orange essence, and orange zest. 72% cacao, sweetened with coconut sugar.
- Almonds Dark | Artists: Lindz and Lamb: Creamy and crunchy, indulgent AND vegan. Dark chocolate with creamy and crunchy almonds. Crafted from meticulously selected cacao, and few organic ingredients.
So, get ready to indulge in the delectable world of DAR Chocolate, where creativity and cacao collide to create a truly unforgettable experience. You can shop all of Dar’s products on their website, and we offer a selection of their chocolate on our site via Build Your Own Box.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out some of the other blog posts we’ve done in the past: