Step through the Forest Portal into Chocolate Elk, where whimsy meets culinary mastery in every bite. Founded by a passionate chocolatier Annette LoBue with roots in Colorado's majestic landscapes, our journey began in the cozy corners of Chicago's northwest suburbs. From 2010 to 2016, a monthly book club became my sanctuary—a pack of kindred spirits escaping into stories over wine and laughter. I'd arrive with homemade caramels, each one a small act of affection, a way to bond and celebrate the simple joy of connection. Little did I know, those caramels were planting seeds of obsession.

I realized I craved the same: to lose myself in something profound and get paid for the privilege. A class at Harper sealed it when my caramels sparked a brotherly tussle—one sibling tackling the other over the last piece. The intensity of that reaction? It hinted at something magical in the craft.

Years of curating ingredients followed—drawing from lost European recipes, experimenting with organic cream, French sea salt, and the finest fruit purées. I learned from the collective: Every chocolatier, every customer, every emotional "holy wow" reaction shaped my path. Like the French chef who traveled the world to master his art, I absorbed global whispers, infusing each batch with high-vibe rituals—positive audiobooks playing as I stirred, ensuring only joy flowed into the confections.

After a corporate career in logistics, information systems, tech support, and finance, I yearned for freedom. Startup panels, like Justin's peanut butter story in Denver, fueled the fire. Spotting a chocolate shop near a national park, I knew: This was my calling. In 2025, I launched Colorado’s Chef’s Kiss Caramels at the Aurora Chocolate Festival, offering masterpieces like Orange Cardamom's warm spice embrace, Strawberry Lychee's berry-kissed dream, Yuzu Lemongrass's zesty wild ride, Pumpkin Pie's autumn nostalgia, Brown Buttered Bergamot's earthy elegance, and Passion Fruit's tropical burst—all on a base of Madagascar vanilla for that untapped perfection.

Attending an advanced chocolatier class with Alexandre Bourdeaux honed my skills, blending tradition with innovation. Today, Chocolate Elk isn't just confections—it's enchanted escapes, curated to lift your spirit, celebrate your weddings, and add the most satisfying chocolate experience. From packmates to patrons, we bond over obsession turned art. Step into the Forest Portal; let the caramels steal your breath.