Vosges Haut-Chocolat is harmony, creativity and inspiration through the exploration of the alchemical balance between the soul seeking happiness and the spirit that rules the world.
The creator of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and its chief chocolatier is Katrina Markoff. Following her graduation from Vanderbilt University, Katrina decided to return to her favorite baking which had haunted her since her teenage years.
“When I wasn’t baking, I was in nature, picking up Indiana stones and rocks that called to me as I went. Between the dawn and when she called me in at night, I marveled at the land. Everything I found there seemed to have meaning. It was filled with magical signs and in my mind’s eye, only I had the power to interpret their meaning, — says Katrina, — and the rhythms of the Universe had other plans for how healing would become a part of my work and three days after graduation I moved to Paris to pursue my dream of studying the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu”.
After Paris, Katrina trained in Spain under the direction of Ferran and Albert Adria of the famed El Bulli, where she began to understand that food was a medium for transformative, visceral experiences.
“At the encouragement of Ferran, I set out on a quest directed by the ‘signs’ to identify my path and reason for being in the world of good, meaningful food, — Katrina continues, — I embarked on a trip around the world, traveling east from Europe through Southeast Asia and Australia. Along the way, I ‘staged,’ tasted and smelled. I studied in kitchens all over the world. I heard the stories of those who were willing to share their way of life, traditions and recipes with me. I began to see my destiny as an alchemist, sharing in the long tradition of those who believe that CREATION is the great work and when ingredients are combined in just the right way, they become greater than the sum of their parts”.
Returning to the States, Katrina realized that her travels had unlocked a need for her to tell and re-tell stories that would have an impact to open minds, balance the body, mind and spirit, and create appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures — Travel the World Through Chocolate was born. Cacao became the medium to share it.
“At Vosges Haut-Chocolat we harness the power of storytelling to open minds, spirits and palates through chocolate, inspiring us all to interact with the world in a more loving way. We seek to create harmony, creativity and inspiration through the exploration of the balance between the soul that seeks happiness and the spirit that wants to rule the world. — says Katrina. — Ultimately, as a company we are in pursuit of three things. They are at the core of everything we do and through every experience we create. I wish the same three things for people: Peace, Love and Chocolate”.
All ingredients and cocoa used in chocolates are collected ethically and with great love. By combining cocoa with local, vigorous plants, Vosges Haut-Chocolat conveys a sense of place, terroir or land as the main home, connecting the soul of history and people.
The main mission of the company is to use only high quality ingredients in recognition of the secrets and powerful bounty of nature. When creating chocolate, Vosges Haut-Chocolat transfers all its energy and positiveness to its favorite product and its customers.
“We infuse all of our chocolates with a 528 Hz frequency, sustained as the chocolate cools from liquid state to a crystalized solid, creating a transformational, healing and miracle-manifesting taste”, — says Katrina.
With chocolate, Katrina explored all seven continents, the Marquis of Casati, the African American influence on music, ancient Egypt, aphrodisiacs, Italy’s first creative cuisine, fermentation curiosity, taste sensations through the sense of smell and much more.
Traveling the world has created excellent gift sets that are also some of the most popular and best-selling gift sets.
Exotic Truffle Collection (16 piece) — a proprietary blend of chocolate, exotic spices, herbs, roots and plants;
Collezione Italiana (16 piece) — Tuscan olive oil, Sicilian salt, fennel pollen, pine nuts, Taleggio cheese and balsamic vinegar mixed with chocolate to express the unique taste of Italy’s finest ingredients.
Each truffle collection includes a card with tasting instructions, ingredient sources, and truffle stories and combinations.
Bestselling 6-Bar Library Gift Set — Every chocolate bar melting gently on the tongue has something special that makes you crave the next bite.
Peanut Butter Bonbons (9 piece) is a delicious combination of natural peanut butter and dark milk chocolate with notes of deep toasted cocoa, caramelized whole milk and tart berry aromas.
New Mexican Pecan Caramels (6 piece) — caramel with the addition of New Mexican pecans, Madagascar vanilla and glazed dark milk chocolate, covered with crispy Maldona salt.
“Food and Alchemy have been associated with one another since ancient times, exploring the principle of blending the elements, planets and their vibrations with food. When combined at the right time, with the right hands and heart, food can be transformed into something other than sustenance. As the giver or receiver of the final product, you also experience your own energetic intentions and love”, — says Katrina.
As a daily coffee ritual, superelixirs have been created to deliver the health benefits of cocoa beans for the mind, body and soul:
Vosges Cacao Elixirs — Ceremonial Matcha;
Vosges Cacao Elixirs — Golden Milk
The colorful elixirs use healthy fats from cocoa butter, unrefined coconut nectar and a variety of spices and flowers. They contain naturally occurring theobromine, which boosts energy and mood without using caffeine.
According to Katrina and Vosges Haut-Chocolat, ingredients in cacao increase blood flow and heart rate, opening the heart chakra. While nourishing the body, cacao keeps the blood vessels relaxed, easing blood pressure and optimizing circulation.
Katrina Markoff: “Ultimately, as a company we are in pursuit of three things. They are at the core of everything we do and through every experience we create. I wish the same three things for you: Peace, Love and Chocolate”.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Adress: 2950 North Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Contacts: vosges@vosgeschocolate.com; +17733885560
Instagram: @vosgeshautchocolat
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Text Writer: Marina Timoshevskaya
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov Photos: EATWEEK
