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Pie, meet Chocolate. Chocolate, meet Pie.

Come this Friday, September 16, DLTB’s favorite sweet shop The Pie Bar is hosting a pop-up with its future neighbor, Romeo Chocolates. From 7PM to 9PM, you can sample and purchase the artisan house of chocolate’s decadent chocolate bars and bonbons that are handcrafted by chocolatier Romeo Garcia—and provide those visiting DTLB with a flavor of what we’ve dubbed Decadent Row.

An avid traveler and student, the Beligum-trained Romeo brings home distinct flavors (like his Special Dark 70% El Salvador with roasted almonds bonbon) and techniques to combine into his chocolates.

Like his pie-lovin’ neighbor next door, Romeo Chocolates started inside Romeo’s own kitchen. Up until his shop opens, Romeo works as a cottage business, which allows artisanal makers to produce certain approved food and goods at home. Under this law, there is a different type of permitting that does not require a commercial kitchen as long as the Health Department visits and approves of the home kitchen, food preparation, and packaging. As long as all items are sealed and packaged, these goods can be sold with retail partners.

Of course, this is just a stepping stone for Romeo. Cottage businesses can’t ship their products but only sell inside other retail establishments like MADE in Long Beach, Recreational Coffee, The Brass Lamp, and more. While these partnerships have established Romeo with a well-respected name, the ultimate goal is to be able to have his own commercial kitchen and space along with the creation of an online store to go entirely into the realm of full-time small business.

Beyond the bonbons, Romeo will be informing guests about his Kickstarter and plans for his permanent space.

Romeo’s Chocolate Lovers Pop-Up Party will be held at The Pie Bar, located at 450 Pine Ave., this Friday from 7PM to 9PM. You can find more info by clicking here.