Lots to Love at Santa Barbara’s Menchaca Chocolates

When I stepped onto the patio of Menchaca Chocolates, the first thing I noticed was a scent: a sultry concoction of roasting cacao beans and caramelizing oat milk. Walking into the establishment, located in El Mercado Plaza on Upper State Street, the second thing I noticed was the vibrant artwork that adorned the walls and packaging, created by artist and co-owner Leanne Iverson. The logo of Menchaca Chocolates — an amorous couple embracing a glowing cacao bean in a tropical locale — is emblematic of what this business stands for: a wholesome, artful product forged with love. 

Iverson and Pete Menchaca are Santa Barbara natives with a love story that spans decades. They met as teenagers at the wrong place and time, and went their separate ways: Pete enjoying an extensive career in the fire protection industry and Leanne teaching art while pursuing multiple entrepreneurial endeavors. They found each other 37 years later, rekindling their relationship and paving a dream that is embodied in Menchaca Chocolates. 

“I like to say that this was kind of a dare,” explains Iverson. “Pete would say, ‘We can’t own a chocolate business!’” Lo and behold, Menchaca was born out of experimentation and tenacity. “We haven’t even scratched the surface,” said Menchaca of the inventive flavors they’re infusing into plant-based chocolate, like habanero-sea salt and rosemary-cacao nib. Each micro batch of milk, white, and strawberry chocolate is tempered with oat milk, a decision based on the owner’s preference of the flavor above all. “Personally, I’m not a vegan,” said Menchaca. “I just like good food.”