The Team

Robert - 2011
Having worked with chocolate for over 24 years, the World of Chocolate is deeply set within him. It was a world opening experience once he realized there was more than just Hershey's, Mars, and Nestle chocolate!

It was in 2002 that Robert opened his first wholesale pastry company in Jersey City, NJ called Caketeria. That is when chocolate became more of an focus as customers requested more fine chocolate confections. In 2007 Robert opened an online Chocolaterie and Wedding Cake store called Robert's Chocolates. A great passion for fine chocolate confections grew from here.

Now a fan of small batch bean-to-bar artisan chocolate makers, Robert has decided his passion for fine chocolate must be shared. Through the retail store Cocova in DuPont Circle / Adams Morgan of Washington, D.C. the store offers over 800 fine chocolate products truly making it "The World's Showcase of Fine Chocolate".

With the help of remarkably talented individuals (Alex, Marisol, Angelica, Lu, Chris, Tim, & Lisa) Cocova is transforming how people experience and learn about fine chocolate, one bar at a time.

Alex - 2008
His lifelong sweet tooth really had no chance at all when fine chocolate came knocking. A not-so-gradual trip up the path of chocolate quality has forever ruined him, and he couldn't be happier. Rumors that his landlord accepts monthly payment in chocolate are laughably understated. Since Alex is paid in chocolate, this is an ideal arrangement.

Marisol - 2009
Discovered fine chocolate in college while searching for sanity in baked goods. She's since become immersed in cacao's many aspects: history, culture, cultivation, processing, and of course - flavor. After harassing her way into a position at Cocova (then Biagio Fine Chocolate), her astounding ability to absorb knowledge (and chocolate) will hopefully one day lead to the assumption of the title of Empress of Chocolate.

Until then, she will generously share with you the knowledge she has obtained of the fine world of chocolate. Though she may charge for instruction in other subject matters, chocolate knowledge she shares with you has already been paid for.  

Angelica - 2011
Grew up with chocolate as a daily staple, so much so that it was practically forbidden to leave the house without a freshly prepared and quaffed shot of drinking chocolate warming the start of her day. Her interest has since expanded to the Cocova truffle case, which has subsequently experienced odd disappearances of late.

Lu - 2011

Lu has an amazing ability to identify distinct flavors in fine chocolate in addition to being a great photographer. You will find Lu bustling around the store perfectly arranging the displays and replenishing chocolate supplies. 

Tim - 2011

Don't let Tim's quiet demeanor fool you. He is as passionate about fine chocolate as he is about studying! (Yes, he likes to study.) 

Chris - 2011

A wine sommelier, Chris brings a well-developed palate and a creative ability to match fine chocolate with various wines. 

Lisa - 2011

Lisa's ever persistent smile fully compliments her enthusiasm for fine chocolate as she guides you around the store helping you make the perfect selection.