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8 reviews for Chocolate Exquisite
All Reviews
I've gone to Chocolate Exquisite a few times to pick up Truffles and I've also picked up a box of assorted single source chocolate and have been impressed each time by Dennis and his Wife's passion and expertise.
Last night I went to a Chocolate and Wine tasting event. For $35 I was able to try a number of bars of what must be some of the very best chocolate in the world, some of which isn't made anymore. It was a great time with Dennis explaining what makes each piece special and going into the details of his art.
I stumbled on to Chocolate Exquisite while wandering around Oliver Square one day. I decided to check out what was on the East side of the square as I had never been over that way. They had me at the first mention of "Chocolate". I wandered inside with chocolate on the brain and was very pleased to find Dennis, the owner inside, standing at the counter with a big smile and a friendly "hello". Dennis and I chatted about hand made chocolates and gelato before I decided on a Lime chocolate and a Mandarin one. Both were a great mix of sweet and slightly savoury as the dark chocolate complimented the smooth citrus flavors. I was very impressed and will be getting my mom some of these for the next big occasion!
Chocolate Exquisite does much more than just chocolates. There is also gelato and cappuccino. There is a small seating area of two tables and Dennis is very friendly and passionate about what he does. Check this place out if you are in the neighborhood and in need of a sweet treat!
Chocolate Exquisite is great. The owner, Dennis, reminds me of Willy Wonka. I mean he's not eccentric or strange but he knows his chocolate and he is very friendly.
He won't force the chocolate on you by making any suggestions but he will gladly help you make an informed choice if you ask him. They have great selection here and the chocolate is really good. I loved the lime. They also have gelato here which I am a big fan of so that is a plus. It is worth making a special stop just for dessert.
It's not good just because of the chocolate but Dennis really makes it a fun experience.
Dennis is an extremely knowledgeable chocolatier. The chocolate he sells is truly artisanal and includes many varieties of single origin chocolates. This means that the chocolate was produced from beans of a single region. Getting generic chocolate from somewhere else (even the bigger and pricier shops) is like going to a coffeeshop and ordering "coffee". Of course at any coffee chain you can get Columbian, Brazilian, or African coffees and the taste from each variety of bean is quite different. This is the equivalent for chocolate, with some of the varieties being fruity, others having a nutty, smoky flavour and a range from light milk chocolate to the addictive 99% dark chocolate.
Dennis loves to share information and make suggestions. It's clear that he knows a lot about gourmet food as well as chocolate specifically. The chocolate tastings are a fun night out for couples or girlfriends and you spend a couple of hours tasting many of the chocolates (about 16 varieties altogether) paired with wines. Dennis and his lovely wife circulate during the tasting serving the wines and chocolates and Dennis explains how to taste the chocolate and some background about each. It's an introductory chocolate lesson! I have gone to several tastings and learn something new every time.
Dennis makes a variety of cream-filled chocolates, primarily with fruit and nut flavours. I've bought Dennis' chocolates for gifts many times and the recipients have always been extremely impressed. His products cost the same, or even cheaper, than other chocolate lines (Callebaut, Godiva, Lindt) but the freshness and quality are far better and they are not full of preservatives and additives. I can't imagine anyone who likes chocolate not being pleased with the Chocolate Exquisite products.
I first discovered Chocolate Exquisite at this year's Edmonton Woman's Show. They were giving out tons of samples, and I was so blown away by the taste of their chocolate, I bought three 25g bars for $10 (this was a deal). I didn't realize how expensive this actually was until I got home, but it was totally worth it. This was the best chocolate I have ever had! The milk chocolate was absolutely amazing--not too sweet, but incredibly creamy. The 67% dark was unbelievable--this has the most unique taste, and it was not bitter at all. On the back of the label, there's a little description about where that particular cocoa bean comes from and what hint of flavours might be tasted. Sometimes it's a hint of berry, or sometimes it's a hint of tobacco: not a bad thing though, trust me!
The owner of Chocolate Exquisite, Dennis, is extremely nice and interesting to talk to. It's rather obvious that he's passionate about what he does and would sacrifice profit for a better-quality product. He told me that he doesn't actually make a profit off the gelato he makes at his store, because he uses special equipment and ingredients--I can't wait to try it. I think he told me he studied this at some fancy school in the States.
The store itself pretty nice, but the lighting in there is a little too bright. I feel like I'm in an office. There's a nice small sitting area though, and the choices of individual chocolates all look divine. Also, once a month, there are chocolate and wine tastings. You have to buy tickets, and I am not sure how much they cost, but it's definitely something I would like to do sometime.
If you appreciate fine chocolate (or are a chocolate snob like me), I definitely recommend Chocolate Exquisite!
Hidden away in Oliver Square, Chocolate Exquisite is worth hunting out. The owner, Dennis, takes pride in his hand-crafted single origin chocolates as well as the best gelato in Edmonton - hands down. Also made in-house, the gelato is fresh and smooth, with rich flavour. Dennis is very personable and eager to let customers try the chocolate and gelato before buying. There are chocolate tastings held on a regular basis (now that sounds like a fun evening out) and the place itself is just large enough to be comfortable, with a limited number of tables to enjoy a sweet treat. If you love chocolate, you have to try Chocolate Exquisite.
When my husband and I walked into Chocolate Exquisite, I was somewhat disappointed with the limited amount of chocolates on display. I was hoping to be taken aback by a massive selection of chocolate, but instead I discovered a sad little row of chocolate candy. Dennis who is in charge of customer service was friendly and talkative. Since we talked about life, and not chocolate, and Dennis hasn't made any recommedations, I have decided to purchase six chocolate candy varieties out of possible ten. My husband got himself a chocolate gelato. My chocolates were rather good, especially the cayenne pepper one and sambuca. My husband's gelato, on the other hand, had lumps of unknown origin in it.
Chocolate Exquisite is a place where I would go to treat myself to an occasional chocolate candy or two. Their chocolate gift boxes are pretty and would make a great gift. But when I crave truly amazing chocolate, Bernard Callebaut is a way to go.
I love Chocolate Exquisite. The chocolate is really something to experience. Make sure that if it is your first time there, you make this fact known. Then either Dennis, the owner, or the other friendly man that works there will walk you through the single-origin chocolates that they offer, and you will sample at least eight of these. It's quite a lovely experience. Both these men are quite endearing. On the other hand, considering I live nearby, I don't go here that often; perhaps because I'm not the type of chocolate connoisseur that would spend $5-10 per week on chocolate. However, when I do feel like I deserve a little bit of decadence, I pop in to buy a fresh truffle or single-origin square. They are definitely something to savour, and go nicely with their coffee. They are also famous for their gelato!
