raaka chocolate

The crafters and products at the Good Food Mercantile are the cream of the crop in terms of sustainability, innovation, and quality. At the end of their day in D.C., Caity and Jack chat with producers of salt, fine oils, cheese and gelato, and a panel of chocolate makers who agree that being part of the Good Food Awards means being in good company!

Sarah Hartman of Harper Macaw, Alak Vasa of Elements Truffles, and Robert Norman of Raaka Chocolate share their favorite chocolate pairings and their experiences educating customers about the broad world of chocolate. Next, Nancy Bruns of JQ Dickinson Salt-Works tells about the history of West Virgina's salt industry and the value of thinking of salt as an agricultural product. Then guest host Jennifer Isham of Union Market talks with Paul Bower of Zingerman's Creamery about all things cheese and gelato. Finally, the day wraps up with Clay Oliver, who produces exceptional oils on his 5th generation family farm.

On the season premiere of The Farm Report, host Erin Fairbanks is joined by Nate Hodge, co-founder of Raaka Chocolate, and filmmaker Tim Shephard. The two are working on a documentary film project called Setting the Bar, which examines rare varieties of cacao in Peru. The film follows these passionate people who have dedicated their life to a better tasting and more sustainable chocolate bar. Their stories are fascinating, their dedication contagious and their final product, delicious.

Plus, the first in our new series of EscapeMaker segments, profiling craft producers in New York state, with brewmaster Josh Hughes of Roscoe Beer Company.

If you’d like to visit any of the craft brewers or cider makers interviewed in the Farm Report, check out EscapeMaker.com to book a 1 or 2-night all-inclusive craft beverage package with tours tastings and lodging.