There are many factors that affect the world’s supply of cacao beans: weather patterns, fungal infections, demand, cocoa prices, and production. Last month, another one was added to the mix for this important commodity: hedge funds. These are an investment partnership where the manager, typically the person who created it, gets paid a percentage of the profits. Armajaro, a progressive  London-based commodities and financial services company created a hedge fund and took physical control of 7% of the world’s annual cacao production. They paid a little over $1 billion for 240,100 metric tonnes (529,420,500 pounds), which comes out to about $2 per pound.  All these beans are now stored in undisclosed refrigerated locations across Europe and can stay there for up to 20 years. It’ll be interesting to see how this recent event will play out in the world of chocolate economics.

You know, all this talk about hedge funds got me thinking about chocolate hedge hogs- so I digress! Jaciva’s Chocolates in SE Portland is produces some of these sweet confections. So while the world’s commodity markets are keeping tabs on Armajaro, you can invest your time by taking a nibble at these delicious creations!

Q. Hi – We were on one of your early chocolate walks in Lake Oswego – and we continue to enjoy the best chocolate we can find. Lately we had some delicious chocolate cake in Cannon Beach and are wondering if we can find the near equivalent in the Portland area. Can you recommend a place or places where we could celebrate a birthday with a great chocolate cake treat?  BG

A. Here are some spots I’d recommend for scrumptious chocolate cake desserts in Portland, Oregon:

Urban Farmer Restaurant
525 SW Morrison Street
503-222-4900
At the Nine’s Hotel right off Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Try: Valrhona Chocolate Hazelnut Souffle with praline creme anglaise and a Warm Chocolate Cake with vanilla-champagne sorbet and blood orange sauce

Jake’s Grill
611 SW 10th Avenue
(503) 220-1850
Try: Almond Roca and Lava Cakes. What makes their Lava Cake most unique is their lavish presentation at your table!

Jake’s Famous Crayfish
401 SW 12th Ave. at SW Stark
(503) 226-1419
Try: World famous Truffle Cake, either by itself  or with the works. Pictures speak louder than words, so check out the Portland Chocolate Lover’s Meetup Group’s recent outing to this Portland landmark.

There was also an article several months ago in the Oregonian that mentioned two spots for chocolate cake in the Metro:

Papa Haydn’s
5829 SE Milwaukie Ave. (503) 232-9440
701 NW 23rd Ave. (503) 228-7317
Although most of the dessert making goes at their Sellwood location, both spots have a charm of their own.
Try: Triple Chocolate Torte

La Provence
15964 SW Boones Ferry Road in Lake Oswego/(503) 635-4533
1824 NE Alberta/(503) 284-6564
4834 SE Division/(503) 233-1121
Try: Petite Provence Cake