Seattle's Theo Chocolate is setting a humane, environmentally friendly and truly tasty example in the chocolate world. Independently owned and operated, Theo is the only chocolate company in the United States that is certified organic, employs fair trade practices that insure that farmers receive fair and living wages for their products, and actually produces chocolate from the bean to the bar (rather than just molding pre-made chocolate). It's also the only chocolate-maker to receive a seal of approval from the renowned anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall, whose image appears on Theo's new dark and milk chocolate bars. Organic chocolate can be a crapshoot, but Theo's bars, sourced from beans all over the world and available in daring cacao contents all the way up to 91% dark, are special. Its sister label 3400 Phinney also offers adventurous flavor ideas, from the buttery crunch of bread & chocolate to the surprisingly adult combination of fig, fennel and almond.

While Theo Chocolate is available in stores and boutiques nationwide, its 3400 Phinney Chocolate Factory is a convenient drive from the W Seattle. The company conducts public tours of its unique processes ($6; children under one year are free) every day of the week, and also offers private tours for groups of 10 or more ($12 per person). The latter option is a bargain when you consider you have a whole chocolate factory and all of its imaginative possibilities all to yourself. Call (206) 632-5100 for reservations.