Bar Chocolate Brand Cocoa Legato Debuts in Seattle with Music-Inspired Flavors
Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood is about to experience a unique fusion of Bar Chocolate Brand flavor and rhythm with the grand opening of Cocoa Legato, a one-of-a-kind bean-to-bar chocolate factory and café that doubles as a live music venue. Slated to open its doors on April 26, Cocoa Legato is set to become more than just a sweet spot for chocolate lovers—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and craft.
At the heart of this ambitious new project is Seattle native Aaron Lindstrom, a professional musician and skilled chocolatier whose dual passions inspired a concept as rich as the chocolate he crafts. Cocoa Legato is not only about creating delicious, ethically made chocolate—it’s also a cultural hub that amplifies Seattle’s vibrant independent music scene.
The concept of Cocoa Legato (legato being a musical term for smooth, flowing transitions) revolves around harmony—between flavor and sound, food and art, sustainability and indulgence. The shop sources high-quality cacao beans directly from small, ethical farms in South America, ensuring that each bite supports sustainable agriculture and farming communities.
But Cocoa Legato goes further. Each chocolate bar isn’t just a taste experience—it’s a multisensory adventure. Every variety includes a musical pairing via a scannable QR code, linking customers to songs by local Seattle musicians. As the chocolate melts in your mouth, you’re invited to immerse yourself in music created by the city’s most talented independent artists. It’s a new kind of pairing: instead of wine and cheese, it’s chocolate and sound.
To kick things off, Cocoa Legato is releasing five signature chocolate bars, available for purchase in-store and for online presale:
🎹 Piano Bar: Colombian Dark Chocolate – 70% Cacao
Think of this bar as that treasured record from your youth—nostalgic, comforting, and layered with complexity. With rich cocoa notes, a deep fudgy base, and a subtle touch of fruitiness, it’s both familiar and surprising. This bar is made from Colombian cacao that’s as timeless as a classic melody, delivering an emotional and flavorful journey in every bite.
🎸 Guitar Bar: Peruvian Dark Chocolate – 80% Cacao
A bold composition of bright tropical fruit notes and lively citrus undertones, this single-origin bar sings with flavor. It’s a tribute to the cacao growers of Cusco, Peru, whose incredible beans provide the foundation for this striking creation. Like a powerful guitar solo, it’s memorable, complex, and leaves you wanting more.
🎻 Cello Bar: Sea Salt – 70% Colombian Cacao
This variation elevates the Colombian dark chocolate with delicate flakes of sea salt. Much like a remastered album reveals hidden musical layers, the salt here brings out flavor notes you didn’t know existed—enhancing sweetness and adding balance. It’s a refined, savory twist on a classic dark chocolate.
🥁 Snare Drum Bar: Nib Crunch – 70% Colombian Cacao
This one’s for the texture lovers. Featuring roasted cocoa nibs dancing across a base of 70% Colombian dark chocolate, the Snare Drum Bar is crunchy, nutty, and bold. It defies the usual advice to let chocolate melt slowly; here, the crunch is the showstopper. It’s loud, exciting, and full of rhythm—just like a good beat.
🎤 Microphone Bar: Espresso (Feat. Café Vita) – 70% Colombian Cacao
A collaborative masterpiece, this bar pairs Cocoa Legato’s Colombian chocolate with Café Vita’s signature Cold Shot Espresso. The result is a luxuriously creamy vegan dark chocolate with rich coffee notes and a smooth finish. Perfect for those who love both their cocoa and their caffeine, this bar offers depth and comfort in every square.
The café itself will be a haven for both foodies and creatives. Its menu features unexpected chocolate-infused items such as Chocolate Grilled Cheese, Salads with Cocoa Nib-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette, and a Chocolate Mousse Flight designed for exploration and indulgence. For lighter fare, Cocoa Legato will offer a full range of vegan pastries and coffee beverages sourced from Caffe Vita, Seattle’s beloved independent roaster since 1995.
More than just a café, the space will serve as a warm, welcoming community gathering place where visitors can experience a blend of live performances, chocolate education, and delicious treats—all while supporting local talent. Events will include curated live music sessions featuring up-and-coming artists, chocolate tasting workshops, and collaborations with other local food and art makers.
Cocoa Legato’s mission extends beyond great taste and good tunes. By linking chocolate sales to independent music promotion, Lindstrom is offering artists a new platform for exposure. Each bar includes links to the featured musician’s work, social media, and merchandise—helping fans discover new favorites and support them beyond the tasting experience.
With its official opening on April 26, Cocoa Legato is poised to make a lasting impact on Seattle’s culinary and cultural landscape. It’s an innovative space that encourages people to slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate the harmony between two of life’s greatest pleasures: chocolate and music.
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