The word “chocolate” always catches my eye. So while skimming the local newspaper I stopped in my tracks when I read about Mirolo Chocolatier, a new chocolate shop in Lake Oswego.
I made a spontaneous decision to go to Mirolo right then. Pulling up to the glass-front Chocolatier, I entered what instantly became my favorite dessert spot in Portland.
To start, Mirolo is gorgeous. The rich blue walls and shimmering tile are elegantly lit by what looks like an octopus chandelier.
The pristine glass cases hold an assortment of edible art objects — gem colored chocolate domes, Parisian macarons, chocolate-dipped marshmallows and layer cakes worthy of a little worship.
(I took home a slice of their signature chocolate Mirolo cake, blanketed in glossy ganache, and whoa — it was dense, rich and perfect.)
Luckily, you don’t have to just stare at the display case – the friendly chocolate experts behind the counter are quick to ask, “Do you want a sample?” Oh, how I love those words. I think they are my five favorite words in the English language, outside of “You just won the lottery.”
In a sense I had just won a lottery, because I was instantly handed a plate of various chocolate samples, including the Passion Fruit Habanero (it bites back!) followed by a sip of killer hot chocolate, and then a spoonful of thick, chewy, delicious chocolate ice cream.
I had to get the story behind this new shop. The co-owner, Rose, was happy to tell me more about Mirolo.
Seated on the heated porch, sharing a cup of coffee as the rain fell, she explained how she and her husband Michael envisioned creating a high-quality neighborhood dessert shop in Lake Oswego — filled with fresh, wholesome products made from the finest ingredients. And that’s exactly what they’ve accomplished.
Mirolo uses locally sourced products, Valrhona chocolate and organic hormone-free milk in their shakes and hot chocolate, cage-free eggs and no high fructose corn syrup.
“I want our products to be worthy of the calories” Rose explained. If you’re going to use your calories on a piece of candy, why not make those calories memorable? Besides, when you’re tasting something wonderful, you don’t need as much to feel satisfied.” 
Well, I don’t know about you… but, if I eat one wonderfully satisfying piece of chocolate, I usually think I’ll be doubly satisfied with two pieces.
So, I think it’s a good idea to try it yourself. Then you’ll find out if you’re satisfied eating just one Orange Cognac chocolate, or whether you’ll need to pair it with a dark chocolate Coffee Cardamom or a Rasberry Rose… or some of the other innovative treats sparkling away in Mirolo’s display case.
If you’re thinking of heading down there, here’s the address: 3970 Mercantile Drive, next to Kruse Way in Lake Oswego.
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