Cocoa is Medina’s new destination for all things chocolate

By Laura Briedis

When I saw the sign gracing the newest store on Medina Square, I knew that with a name like Cocoa it has to be good. And when I stopped in during the October grand opening, I can attest that this chocolate boutique lives up to its name, and then some.

I do have to admit that I am a bit of a chocoholic. However, you don’t have to be a chocolate connoisseur to appreciate gourmet artisan chocolates.

Every bite is decadent, delicious and unmistakably chocolaty.

“We carried some artisan chocolates in The Book Store across the street and the demand was so big we would always sell out,” owner Melissa Malone says, who also owns four other Medina businesses.

“That inspired us to open a chocolate boutique since there is nothing else like it in town. I drew inspiration from the chocolate boutiques in Europe, especially the couple I visited in London and Ireland, and, more recently, Manhattan.”

While the inspiration may come from abroad, all products in the store are made in the USA. Cocoa features items from chocolatiers in Ohio, Oregon, New York, New England, Napa Valley and South Beach Miami, and will be adding a couple more.

“My husband is not a ‘sweets’ person but he has had a lot of fun taste testing all the chocolates,” smiles Melissa.

“My four daughters have also taken on the job of taste testers.”

“The flavor of chocolate is delicate, savory, sweet and delicious,” says Melissa. “It starts with the highest quality cocoa beans. All of the chocolates we sell use cocoa that is Fair Trade, organic and non-GMO.”

“We also offer gluten-free and sugar-free options. And our chocolatier from Vermont specializes in nut-free chocolate for those with nut allergies.”

The artisan chocolates, which are hand molded, formed, sculpted and decorated, are amazing to look at—and even better to taste.

For fall and winter, customers will find hand-painted acorn boxes that are fully edible, plus items like pumpkins, stilettos and baby grand pianos filled with chocolates, as well as plenty of Santas.

“For that something different, our chocolatier from Oregon makes beer bottle cap-shaped truffles featuring craft brews adding a unique flavor that is rich, nutty, sweet and hoppy,” Melissa notes.

Perfect for gift giving, the store sells individual chocolates, as well as chocolate assortment boxes to which you can add your own stamped tag with a personal greeting to make it ready for gifting.

And for those who love dessert, Cocoa sells different individual-sized round cakes each day, in such tempting flavors as layered banana foster with a chocolate mousse layer and a chocolate strawberry pistachio cake.

The store also caters events and can set up chocolate bars for weddings, showers, holiday parties and corporate events.

“The best thing about chocolate is that not only is the taste amazing, it is also good for your heart with all of its antioxidants,” says Melissa.

“And it is also good for the soul, because it makes you happy.”

Cocoa is located at 102 West Washington Street in Medina. Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit CocoaMedinaOhio.com and their Facebook page for specials.