Chocolate, Crafted in Harmony
Bean to Box —
Hot Chocolat is a Seattle chocolatier creating elegant, handcrafted treats rooted in French culinary tradition.
Announcement
Hello chocolate lovers! I have some bittersweet news to share today. After 42 wonderful years in the culinary arts, I've decided to close my chocolate workshop in West Seattle at the end of the year.
The rising costs of ingredients and rent, along with the challenges of finding help, have led me to a new realization. I'm ready for a change—and while my time in the kitchen is ending, my journey with chocolate is just beginning a new chapter.
A New Chapter
I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be shifting my focus to leading culinary travel adventures centered on travel, food, wine, chocolate, and art.
As many of you know, I've been a lifelong learner and world traveler, constantly exploring new places to master my craft. I've returned to Paris every year since graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, 25 years ago, so it's a place that's very close to my heart.
This new direction started with some amazing coincidences. Recently, I was invited to lead a chocolate and wine pairing on a cruise. Right after that, a travel agent friend called me out of the blue to ask me to host a similar trip on a barge in France. The timing felt like a sign, and I'm ready to dive into this new adventure with my chef and chocolatier friends around the world.
I'm already working to plan four incredible trips for 2026:
* Two culinary cruises one to Italy and one to Asia
* Two seven-day tours in France, one focused on chocolate and wine in Paris for the big chocolate show, Salon du Chocolat, and the other a culinary tour of the South of France, focusing on food, wine, chocolate and art.
I'll still be teaching my popular chocolate bar-making classes, especially at wineries like LeShellé, but my main focus is shifting to these new culinary journeys.
Before I transition. If business stays strong, you can expect to enjoy your favorite chocolates right up until the end of the year.
Thank you all for your incredible support over the years. I'm excited for what's next and can't wait to share these delicious new experiences with you!
Chef Michael D. Poole
New collection.
Firehouse Chocolates – Artisan Collection
A bold celebration of craft and flavor, this award-winning lineup showcases the depth of dark, milk, and white chocolate artistry.
Dark Chocolate
Honey Lavender – Floral and smooth, with a whisper of wild sweetness
Coconut (Vegan) – Rich, tropical, and dairy-free indulgence
Ganache – Classic, velvety, and unapologetically decadent
Hazelnut Café Latte – Nutty espresso notes, crowned with award-winning finesse
Macadamia Nut – Buttery crunch meets dark chocolate depth
Mango Habanero – Sweet heat with a fiery finish
Rosemary Lemon – Herbaceous citrus with a savory twist
Pumpkin Spice – Autumnal warmth in every bite
Roasted Hazelnut – 2024 Award Winner, toasted and bold
Sea Salt Caramel – A fan favorite, perfectly balanced and award-winning
Milk Chocolate
Apple Pie with Pecans – Southern comfort in a silky shell
Pecan Praline – Creamy, nutty, and nostalgic
Sea Salt Caramel – Smooth, sweet, and award-winning
White Chocolate
Lemon Meringue – Bright, airy, and award-winning
Mango Passion – Tropical elegance with a creamy finish
Let me know if you'd like this formatted for packaging, signage, or a tasting guide!
Our story
Hot Chocolat, a small-batch chocolate company tucked away in Seattle, Washington. We make fresh, handcrafted chocolates using classic French techniques—but we like to add our own twist to keep things exciting.
Chocolate is our craft, and we pour our heart into every piece. It’s about creativity, passion, and sharing something truly special. Every cocoa bean has a story, and we’re here to tell it—one bite at a time.
Whether you’re picking out a gift or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), we’ve got something delicious waiting for yo
Our ingredients
We’re all about quality. That means using non-GMO and fair trade certified ingredients whenever we can, and keeping things real—no preservatives, no artificial flavors, no weird additives. Just honest-to-goodness chocolate made with care.
Artisanal Chocolate Making Classes
December I will offer only private classes 6-people or more, email Chefmichaelpoole@gmail.com to schedule a private classes.
Make chocolate with Us —
Love chocolate? Learn to make it like a pro. In this hands-on class, award-winning Chef Michael D. Poole—trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris—will teach you the essentials of artisanal chocolate making. From tempering and ganache to flavor balance and presentation, you’ll master the techniques behind handcrafted confections using classic French methods.
Perfect for beginners, food lovers, or aspiring chocolatiers, this course gives you the skills and confidence to create chocolate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s turn your passion into craft.
We believe our chocolate is only as good as the ingredients we use.
