Mmmmmm…Chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Well, ok, there’s probably people who don’t as there is with anything, but I’m definitely not one of them. I discovered chocolate exquisite quite a few years back when I first started working in the Oliver Square area. My idea of what chocolate is was changed forever and I could never turn back…as Tim describes it, I became a “chocolate snob”. I prefer to describe it as…liking really good chocolate.
I met with the owner of Chocolate Exquisite, Dennis, last week. He told me a little about his store and the story behind it, so keep reading to find out what he had to say. You can visit their website or stop by the store at 11238 – 104 Ave.
What is Chocolate Exquisite?
It is a chocolate shop with chocolate made in the French tradition. All the chocolates are unique in that they are filled with the chocolate ganache cream and chocolate only, with natural flavouring. No preservatives are used and they are intended for immediate consumption.
How did your business come about? What’s your story?
Because I wanted too! I learned chocolate in 1989 when I was getting out of the rat race in Toronto and I ended up working with a French master. I know I should be saying that chocolate is my life’s passion, because everyone says that, and I like chocolate…It just wasn’t a lifelong dream. Then I found out that I really enjoyed doing this, but more importantly that I was good at it. I worked in Toronto a little longer before spending some time in Europe and then chose to come back to Edmonton.
So why Edmonton?
I consider Edmonton my home and we just wanted to come home. It’s got some pros and cons. It’s quiet and less pretentious than a lot of cities, yet the people are good and they tend to be a little more adventuresome and quite trendy. On the other hand it’s a little hard to get some nicer things here like fresh seafood and fresh produce, etc.
So where do your ingredients come from?
With great difficulty…Flavouring is primarily German, because German’s are clean in the sense of natural products. The chocolate and fruit purees for gelato are French.
Can you tell me about your Single Origins Collection?
Single origin chocolate is chocolate that is made from a specific variety of cocoa from a distinct growing area. I call it my collection because out of the over 90 origins I have tasted I have selected 18 for quality and distinctiveness of flavour.
Do you do custom orders?
Yes. We will also do custom labeling and packaging. For example, if someone has ordered ganache filled chocolates as a wedding favour we will make them just a couple of days before the wedding so they are very fresh.
Is there a way people can sample what you have to offer?
We generally have monthly tastings, the next being in January.
What’s your favourite product you’re selling this holiday season?
It’s much like my collection…if it’s not my favourite, I won’t make it. Everyone also goes through different cycles with their palette. So at different times you will want different tastes.
Any last words?
In the magic words of Mae West “Come down and see me some time”…
Thanks Dennis!
Amanda
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