We stumbled away from Another Kind of Sunrise high on good food and despite this the lure of chocolate never wore off. I felt like a child longing for a view into Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory. Knowing that what lies beyond contained the secret of cacao alchemica; that is, the transformation of cacao from plant to biodynamic and holy confections.
Rounding the alley we found ourselves in the presence of a true American pioneer- ZenBunni
Bohemian and whimsical in equal measure the storefront carries the timeless essence of passion and sustainability. After repurposing an old broom closet husband and wife -Zen and Bunni- created this space using clay and mud from their property outside Los Angeles. If that isn’t admirable enough, this was followed by a final dusting of cacao powder (the walls are chocolate!). Thus encouraging any and all to take a trip down the rabbit hole.
Below the counter ten artfully prepared recipes await for you to explore the world of dopamine enhancers.
This is the kind of chocolate in which it’s a shame to chew. That which you’re drawn to for the sensation of all those well balanced compounds like phenylethylamine and cannibinoids; a recipe for childlike giddiness.
We sample the “Lost Salt of Atlantis” following up with an order for the Rainbow Pack (which comes with 9 chocolates and a little crystal) and several bars (Maui Turmeric Ginger, Cali Almond and the Shiva Rose). It’s hard not to smile after breaking a bar in your mouth. Sit back and let the good times roll. But know your limit. Between Jaclyn and myself, we could have cleaned out this store in one sitting!
With one final pass we bid farewell to Zen as our last day in Los Angeles comes to a close.
Our original plan had us on the road, leaving L.A. at 9am. It was just past noon as we left ZenBunni. And that is how to travel consciously.
Abandon your precepts and break the rules. Otherwise ZenBunni, Another Kind of Sunrise would have been nothing more than chalkboards I probably wouldn’t have seen and Abbot Kinney just another place-name on a map.
One last thing–ZenBunni is up for a Guinness World Record for smallest chocolate shop. How cool is that?!
until next time–yallah’bye
*Photo credits to Jaclyn Joslin
Great web site. Plenty of useful information here.
I’m sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you on your sweat!
Thanks for stopping by! As most of the girls i am chocoholic and love your article. Unfortunately, I’m so far away. Cheers!
Haha, ZenBunni certainly brought out the lady in me! I’m a unapologetic chocoholic. And, if you choose wisely, it’s great for you! As the seasons cool they offer delivery 😉
What a great way to say goodbye to LA! I love Zenbunni – even if Abbot Kinney has become too trendy for its breeches…
Haha, we we’re fortunate to be swept away before finding the “manufactured sites”! I’m happy to see that Abbot Kinney still has these organic, original shops. Do you live in LA?
I do. Not far from Venice actually, in the rural hills above the beach, if you can imagine that. Keep it for the next trip out here.
It’s like an Aladdin’s Cave of Chocolate – love it!
Ahaha, I should have though of that!
I am a massive chocoholic! (And I don’t mean the high street, mass manufactured, sugary confectionery) I mean real unadulterated cacoa based chocolate. The pictures in your post are fabulous. I absolutely adore the typography above the door too – lots of inspiration for a budding illustrator… Consider yourself (blog!) followed 🙂
Thanks for liking my post and helping me find your gem of a blog which will feed my other passion, travel.
Kimberley.
What an amazing place! This post made my mouth water! 😀 How ever did you manage to leave? I think you’d have to pry me out with a crowbar.
Ahaha, we were just to the point of being forced to leave 😉 Hope you have the opportunity to visit sometime. They’re very knowledgable, and, so far as I’ve yet to discover, the most divine chocolate to experience. Thanks for stopping by my page.
This is awesome! You guys really ate so much chocolate!!! 🙂
The last pic is nice…
http://www.sid-thewanderer.com
I love your closing: Abandon your precepts and break the rules. Those are the moments when magic happens 🙂 Love Zenbunni; eager to visit for myself.
[…] Abbot Kinney Part II: ZenBunni. […]
This is part of Abbott KInney!? How awesome. I’ll have to check it out!
Was the cocoa fairly traded?
Absolutely! They’re extremely conscious people.
Great to know that. Thanks for responding.
What fantastic creativity. I love places like this which are extraordinary and show such much love and care for the product. Deeply, deeply envious – not just to visit this magical place but to munch on some of the products!
[…] Abbot Kinney Part II: ZenBunni […]
Oh dear!!!!!!! I’d be crazy sorrounded wirh so much chocolate!!!!!!
Regards from Spain,,
Thanks for this recommendation. I can’t wait to visit this shop. What fun!
wow! love the photos!
Quite enchanting, isn’t it!