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I’m sure you will all agree that it’s not Christmas without some chocolate. Right? Imagine being served some unique, tasty chocolates at the next party, or unwrapping a beautiful chocolate art piece under the tree…are you still shopping for some great chocolates? Here are some suggestions from me:

Chez Christophe Chocolaterie and Patisserie

I still remembered the first time I knew about Christophe was at the CONNECT Show 2013 and he was on stage doing a live demo. It was quite fascinating to watch pieces of different size and shape being created and put together. Ever since then, Christophe has received a number of awards, including most recently taking Gold at the 2014 International Chocolate Awards World Final in the White Chocolate Ganaches and Truffles category. And his shop has appeared on many media and bloggers’ list. Now he’s on mine!

Last Christmas, I visited Chez Christophe’s patisserie in Burnaby and saw this display of how the showpiece came together.

This year, Christophe is offering a different Christmas Collection – Christmas truffles, chocolate showpieces and new this year, 3 flavours of Buche de Noel available for pre-order for pick up on Dec 23-24. (Photo below provided by Chez Christophe Chocolaterie and Patisserie).

Chez Christophe Chocolaterie and Patisserie
4712 Hastings Street, Burnaby
Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-6pm
Dec 21, 10am-5pm
Dec 22-23, 8am-6pm
Dec 24, 8am-5pm
www.christophe-chocolat.com

Wild Sweets

Husband-and-wife team Dominique and Cindy Duby has been in the industry for many years. They have won numerous international awards, participated in international food art competitions, and led Pastry Team Canada in the World Pastry Cup in the past.

This Christmas, Wild Sweets has opened The Atelier, a pop-up micro store that brings its products to a storefront. I checked out its open house last week and tasted its products. Wow, the list of unique flavours in its chocolate collection is endless, including carrot, celery, orange curry, ginseng, anise seed, and Sichuan pepper grapefruit. They also make their chocolate bars directly from beans, and the process is quite interesting to learn.

In addition to its huge collection of chocolates & truffles, you can also pick up some unique-flavoured chocolate bars, single-serving cakes & desserts as well as Christmas cocoArt sculptures at the micro store.

Wild Sweets’ The Atelier Micro Store
Unit 2245 – 12191 Hammersmith Way, Richmond
Fridays, 3pm-7pm
Saturdays, 10am-5:30pm
Sundays, 12pm-5pm
Opens 24/7 at its online store: www.dcduby.com

Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie

Last but definitely not least, my memory with Thomas Haas chocolates has to go back to 2008, when Mr. gave his very first Christmas present to me – an edible tree from Thomas Haas. Well, I think that gift just won over my heart and kept him safely out of the “friend zone” hehe…

Thomas Haas chocolate tree circa 2008

After that, I have been back to Thomas Haas for my Christmas shopping, afternoon meetup with my friends and surprise gifts for Mr. and family. (Photo below from Thomas Haas website)

Thomas Haas’s Christmas collection is quite elaborate, ranging from edible chocolate sculptures to stocking stuffers to cookies. Everything looks so delicate and delicious! (Photo below from Thomas Haas website)

Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie (2 locations)
Unit 128, 998 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver
2539 West Broadway Avenue, Vancouver
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8am-5:30pm
Dec 24, 8am-3pm
www.thomashaas.com

Final Thoughts

There are many fabulous chocolatiers in Lower Mainland, and frankly I haven’t visited them all. Among the ones I visited, these three have made quite an impression and I just have fond memories eating their chocolates. Other ones such as ChocolaTas, Chocolate Arts, Beta5, and Thierry are some that I would also recommend. I hope you some of them will make it on your shopping list this holiday!