Sue Martovich, owner of Salt Of The Earth spa in Woodbury, has a passion for nature’s healing miracles. Her passion encouraged her to research the endless benefits of cacao, and Martovich held a grand opening in mid-December for her new venture at the Salt of the Earth Sanctuary location on Main Street in Woodbury: Liquid Chocolate & Company. It is a first-of-its-kind cacao café, serving signature cacao drinks and raw chocolates. 

The benefits of cacao are many and far reaching. Considered a drink of the gods by the Incas used by the Mayans for ritual beverages for marriage ceremonies, these associations gave rise to the scientific name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, from the Greek words theo (god) and broma (drink).

Cacao is the raw bean that is roasted and sometimes fermented to create chocolate. In addition to being a sacred food, it is also a superfood. Cacao is one of the highest sources of magnesium in nature, full of antioxidants, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. It also triggers three neurotransmitters associated with elevating mood and mental well-being: serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine.

Visitors to the café may choose from a range of sweetened and unsweetened cacao drinks infused with soul-warming flavors of lavender, orange, rosemary and others to reinvigorate the body. The signature chocolate collection is a treat to the taste buds, featuring cacao elixirs such as Reishi Blend, the Classic Liquid Chocolate and Mayan Heat. These are sold through the online store as well as the café, which will supply and organize cacao ceremonies as well. 

Martovich plans for Liquid Chocolate & Company to become the go-to destination for cacao lovers of all ages. Martovich and her business partner Kerry Lucier, Jr. (expert chocolatier, LC&C and founder of Aruna Chocolates) offer an attractive licensing program that will help others build a thriving business that is both soul-enriching and revenue-driven.

For more information, call 475-289-8247 or visit LiquidChocolateAndCompany.com. Location: Salt of the Earth Sanctuary, 346 Main St S, Woodbury. See ad, page 4.