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Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France
Category: Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
198 E 21st AvenueVancouver, BC V5V 1P8
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
(604) 566-1065
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France
13 reviews in English
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Review from Wendy Y.
1/23/2012
Nouvelle France is a small (seating capacity is about 6-8ish) and cozy chocolate boutique shop off Main St which I visit whenever I need a quick chocolate fix in the city (too lazy to drive all the way to West Broadway for some Thomas Haas).
Chocolate selections here are not extensive but when you come here rest assured that each and every one is handmade with utmost care by Ann (the ever-so-passionate owner) and her staff. I love how I can chat up with her (if she's not too swamped) and pick her brains on what flavor of hot chocolate she "feels" like making that day. Sometimes she would whip up hot chocolates that are not on the menu.
Last summer I brought a friend from Toronto to this hidden gem. My friend has had some pretty darn good chocolates back east (ex. Soma) so as a foodie he is extremely picky. He and I had a "chocolate sampler for two" and he had to concur the chocolates at Nouvelle are truly amazing! We had two chocolate squares (lavender and chili), two truffles (orange blossom and earl grey), two caramels (vanilla and sea salt), a chocolate shot, and a hot chocolate.
With everything I've tried so far my top 4 picks are 1) orange blossom truffle, 2) rose hot chocolate, 3) orange blossom hot chocolate, and 4) vanilla caramel.
Whenever I think of orange blossom and chocolate, the first metaphor that comes to mind is strawberries and condensed milk. It's just a match made in heaven. Try it and let me know how YOU like it.
The rose hot chocolate I must say is a pretty girly drink but hey...even my man is willing to hang up his ego coat and sip it alongside with me. This drink is elegant. A cup of this magical potion later, you would be back for more.
I am not a big fan of caramel but I'd eat the ones made by Nouvelle France (sorry Beta5 but your caramel just doesn't cut it). The texture is soft yet it has a chewy bite. The caramel is smooth and aromatic. It's pretty hard not wanting a second piece and more.
Chocoholics, this place is not to be missed if you have not yet tried.Listed in: Baked Goods/Sweets
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
2/14/2012
I was on my way to Red Cat records and to stop at a coffee shop to work on my zine, however, was distracted by this yellow building. I've walked by this yellow building before, however, thought nothing of it before. For some reason, my curiosity lead me to the canary yellow doors. So much for that record I was going to buy, instead I traded in my bling for sweet goods that may cause my skin to break out, however, oh so worth it.
As a chocolate shop they need to stand out a bit more for passers by on Main so that they have a chance to detour of the street and check out this hidden gem that deserves to be in the limelight.
The inside décor resembled some of the chocolates shops that I visited in France which was a nice touch.
Chocolate selection is not extensive and pretty basic with no imagination to the designs, however, they're in house made which is always a plus for me.
The lady at the til was so sweet and she had the most enchanting French accent. I wanted to hear her talk for hours.
It's a café style with small limited seating, perfect for a quick notebook writing session. The shop is pretty crowded, therefore, don't expect to have any personal space whether you're waiting in line or looking for a place to sit and chill with a friend.
I noticed that they were participating in the hot chocolate festival, therefore, bought a lavender hot chocolate. It was a good blend of milk chocolate with nice floral lavender notes that weren't too strong nor subtle, it was perfect! I've had lavender hot chocolate at the PNE years ago that came in a mix at the petting zoo, however, this was much better. I was so excited about the hot chocolate that I ran to the record store my best friend was working at and gave him the rest. -
Review from Simon K.
1/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is French, remember that, as in chocolate! How can you compare the other shops outside to this one, as one of the ladies there put it after I asked the question in regards to their fine craftsmanship in designing the elegant delights! A little hidden off the strip of Main Street, tucked inside 21st Avenue, this little gem of a store has some excellent chocolate. "You cannot compare belgium or swiss, they are different compared to us", as what was said, and it is so true!
When you first see this place, you peer through the old windows, and see the long gate that guards the door to this house of delight. Found on one of my chocolate expeditions, I seem to keep returning here to try new things, and repeat on pieces that continue to tickle the taste buds, and satisfy the craving! One thing that always seems to go so well is the caramel piece they create here, if you have not tried, do yourself a favor, and sit down to enjoy every last chew! The small truffles in the glass jars are a form of art that just sits there. They have little boxes if you plan to give their chocolates out as gifts, a great presentation with a little wax looking crest of the place.
The inside of this shop has an old classy look to it. Simple, as in, the walls are white, and the furniture is in an old wood finish. There is not much inside, except some glass jars along the end of the shop, and the kitchen (or art room) where all the creations are made. Above the till, and peering into the kitchen, you see a chalkboard of what they also serve.
Another reason to venture into this place, are you thirsty? Their hot chocolate is great, try the mixtures with the certain teas that they serve. Me and my partner have had the sweet rose flavoured hot chocolate, and many of their truffles, whenever we need a taste of chocolate, French style! -
Review from kumquaticus p.
Richmond, BC
1/28/2012
I ordered a lavender drinking chocolate, really hoping for this:
http://cacaodrinkchoco...
...and while it was good, Portland's Cacao it is not. However, the service is very friendly and outstanding overall. I will probably return at some point to try the Aztec drinking chocolate, as well as the flavored hot cocoa. -
Review from Reena M.
3/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wow yummy chocolates! And the prices aren't too bad either, for being handmade, high quality chocolates! Each square is $1 and truffles are sold by weight for about $1.30 to $1.50 each. They have very typical european flavours such as orange blossom, earl grey tea, and fleur de sel.
You walk in here and might think you've been transported to France because everyone working there is from France (or Quebec) and can speak French with you if you wish. The hot chocolate caught my eye because it was $3.75, or $4 if you wanted a flavour added to it. I was debating between the rose and the orange blossom, but I was glad I went with the rose hot chocolate because it was delicious! It wasn't too sweet, as rose-flavoured things typically are and it was just so good and smooth!
Next time I am on Main, I will stop by here again for another cup of hot chocolate!
P.S. they only take visa or debit (and cash). -
Review from Derek W.
3/16/2011
Who says France is a 9-hour plane ride away? Scoot one door down 21st Street off Main to enter this simple, artisan, chocolate-lover's paradise.
The truffles are amazing, but I go for the drinking chocolate. Two dollars gets you about two ounces of the smoothest I've ever had anywhere. Enjoy it while sitting on the small bench and take in the aroma of the chocolateerin going on in the back room.
This isn't Purdy's or Godiva - like French dining and French fashion, you can expect to pay more for a smaller, more carefully crafted product. But for a treat, it is worth it. -
Review from Josh O.
Langley, BC
11/11/2010
I really wish I could give this place a higher rating. The service was great and the woman helping me had a pretty, french accent. You could tell just by looking at the small quantities of chocolates that it was going to be good...but expensive (more on that later). The chocolate was amazing and the flavors were totally interesting. The presentation was nice as well with a logo-embossed wax sealed box.
What really got me was the price...wow it was expensive. For 20 dollars I got a half inch tall square box that was probably 3 inches by 3 inches, if even. This included 10 squares, 3 tiny truffles and two caramels. Each of these are easily one bite items...hahaha...whos counting anyways. I have ordered chocolates from some really expensive places before and this definitely takes the cake. I really expected more bang for my buck.
Would I go back? Probably not...but I did enjoy it as a one time deal. Again, the people were wonderful, the shop was extremely charming...but the value was definitely not there, even for a high-end chocolate shop. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/24/2009 4 photos
* We have a winner! *
Ok, tried the black current truffle now. It is made with the same 66% Mexican bittersweet chocolate. Just as good as the orange blossom truffle. It would be hard to pick which one I prefer.
But thankfully I don't have to, because I also sampled her 72% cocoa Venezuelan dark chocolate truffle. We have a winner! It is pure chocolate goodness in a creamy truffle form. Wow.
This shop is quite dangerous!
If she ever adds a hazelnut based truffle with that 72% dark chocolate base I'm screwed!Listed in: Dentists' Dreams in Vancouver, Vancouver European Food
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009 First to Review
* Geneviève must mean chocolate goddess in French *
This little shop is Vancouver's answer to… Read more »
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Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's good to sometimes indulge oneself with artisan chocolates that bask in age old traditions, but employ new word recipe.
Pricey? Yes. Hand-made? Of course. In small batches, mind you.
Chocolatierie de la Nouvelle France reminded me of Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Well, when they were a small company. For the moment they offer truffles, chocolate squares and other confections like caramel bars.
It's French-style "single origin" (cocoa beans harvested from one country) as well as "plantation cocoa beans" (harvested from a unique plantation to embark it's own characteristic flavour just as grape is to it's terroir).
I think it's best to enjoy all on it's own, but the highlight of course is the infusion of spices and herbs to bring chocolate to a different level. Start with a tinge of some Fleur de Sel, transition to lavender infusions and then end with dried chili toppings.
They have a simple white box sealed with red hot wax. Good to give as a gift or hand out as a token for guests. Heck, if the temptation is too much, just thank them for coming over to your place and break open the box when they leave.Listed in: French Connection
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Review from Rose N.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2010
Absolutely Very French!
I discovered this while walking and was in heaven when I tried the spiced dark choc heaven. I now understand why the French never get fat even though they are exposed to these heavenly delights everyday. That's because it only takes one amazing truffle to satisfy all your temptations. No more. I only buy one at a time, otherwise i will finish all in one seating.
I had just that and was in ecstasy within minutes and lasted the entire day. It is highest quality of chocolate that is 10 steps above Godiva and the local ones you see in Vancouver.
I am happy this French lady came to our city and introduced us to this wonderful different kind of bliss...the store itself is simple and very Quebec -European like. -
Review from Ernesto G.
3/10/2010 1 photo
Hidden gem on Main and 21st.
Technically, the shop is located on 21st...for those who remember Hap's corner store, Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France is located at the side door of Hap's.
This nice addition to the cool shops on Main Street makes a walk down Main extremely pleasant. Try the truffles...they're amazing! I like the attention to detail in each and every piece of chocolate, and this attention to detail carries through everything in the store through to the boxes in which the chocolates are gently placed.
Definitely worth a try.
Taste = good
Food Presentation = great
Bang for the buck = okay
Would I go again = yes -
Review from janelle c.
Vancouver, BC
4/6/2011
I thought I knew good chocolate before I visited Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France. Now I REALLY know good chocolate. This angel who hand creates amazing chocolates is my new saviour. My favourites (note the plural) were the fleur de sel caramels (melt in your mouth), the earl grey dark chocolate truffles and the milk chocolate squares with fleur de sel. I also had a mocha to drink which was made with their delicious drinking chocolate and it was perfect. I will definitely go back!
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Review from Elsie N.
5/8/2011
One of the best artisan chocolate places. The selection is pretty decent. You are bound to find something good even though it doesn't look like much upon entering the shop. I love the fleur de sel. Truffles are amazing also. Like one reviewer said, you can be completely satisfied with just one! I would definitely return if I'm in the area. Also like others said, it is on the pricier (value) side.
