I Love Chocolate

About five years ago, in the beginning of 2019, my dear friend Frankie and his business partner Mikko opened up, what could not have been a better match for them

- Xocolab -

a chocolate shop. To be precise, the finest, most beautiful, delicious, handmade chocolate pralines, Finland has ever seen.

As an avid lover of all that is delicious and sweet, I immediately fell in love. I just knew this is exactly what was right for Frankie to do, and the past five years proved him and everyone else right. Being the warm and wonderful person he is, Frankie always makes sure we get to enjoy the creations of Xocolab with him. And as he refuses to ever let me pay the full price for my chocolates, I decided it was time to give back, the only way I know how.

In the Summer of 2023, Xocolab found a new location, perfectly placed on Freda (Fredrikinkatu 41). To celebrate and support their move into a bigger location with space for up to 20 customers to be seated, I offered to make them serving trays for the fresh coffee, hot chocolate and teas they offer. Of course made from recycled skateboards, and reclaimed Finnish Larch (lehtikuusi). Bringing the joyful colors of the pralines over to the presentation of the hot beverages.

Fast forward to 2024 - the new location is seeing more customers than ever and if you ask nicely, Xocolab also offers chocolate tastings. And if you are lucky enough to be a part of a tasting like this, chances are you are being served pralines from one of my large serving boards, custom made for Xocolab.

And if you still can’t get enough, I made mini versions of the serving trays, from the same material, for you to purchase at Xocolab - so you can have the full experience also at home.

Frankie (and Mikko ;) ), I am more than proud of you - keep the world sweet!

Nothing but love <3