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CocoaNymph
Category: Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
3739 W 10th AveVancouver, BC V6R 2G5
Neighbourhood: Point Grey
(604) 222-4477
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for CocoaNymph
Review Highlights
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"This is the first time I've ever LOVED dark chocolate." In 5 reviews -
"They have a big piano that displays all their chocolates." In 4 reviews -
"I love the handmade chocolate truffles." In 5 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2012
CocoaNymph
3739 W. 10th Ave
This place is so awesome on so many different levels, I proposed to the chocolatier 3 times. Anybody whom makes awesome home made marshmallows needs to be kidnapped by me and make marshmallows for me every day. Her marshmallow flavour combinations are unique in their own right. They're so fluffy, like a diabetics nightmare on a cloud of heaven.
The sensation orgasm doesn't stop there. The chocolates themselves are nicely crafted. I tried a piece of the blackberry and the raspberry truffle...both had me at hello.
I went on a lovely date, the perfect atmosphere for romance, spacious, a nice white piano decorated with chocolate and easy going light ambience. You make it your own.
It was a Saturday afternoon and sunny outside, therefore, I made this a date and myself and the lucky man participated in a drinking chocolate tasting. Each drinking chocolate came in a 2 oz. cup shaped similar to a rose petal. Some flavours blended nicely while others were a bet of an oral workout.
Mayan Cocoa was hard core bitter chocolate. Unless you're a foodie and can work outside your comfort zone, the raw and bitterness will surprise you. This is a good introduction before moving on to the other chocolates so that you can appreciate the origins of what real chocolate is. This is a great hot chocolate for dipping any of the marshmallows. The combination complements each other rather than competing against each other for flavour supremacy.
The Spanish Hot Chocolate tasted like a standard hot chocolate, however, there is a pleasant after taste that hits your mouth that resembles that of a hot cinnamon bun. The combination of honey and cinnamon with the right chocolate texture gave that doughy bakery taste.
French hot chocolate. This hot chocolate is rich with divine combinations. After tasting this, it fuelled by anger for Marie Antoinette who was a spoiled self centered bitch. It is rumoured that she ate chocolates infused with orchids, rosemary and lavender. It's no wonder the French hated her so much as these spices were considered rich as gold. If you're not into the flower taste, this may not be your cup of tea, or in this case...hot chocolate. Sadly the lavender overshadows a lot of the other intended notes but there is still an orchid after taste that justifies this creation. As I was drinking this, I pictured myself as Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette with a room full of chocolate and pastries.
Black Pepper chocolate is a punch in the face. It is so extreme that you will either love it or be so shocked, hate it at first and learn to appreciate it later. This was the case for me. I've had salted chocolate bars, however, never real raw black pepper hot chocolate.
I bought two social shopper coupons that included the tasting for two, however, without the coupon the prices are reasonable for what you get. I upgraded by grabbing a few boxes of chocolates as B-day gifts for my two good girlfriends. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Vancouver, BC
I've been wanting to try a local chocolatier close to UBC and what better excuse than to visit during the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival!
I visited on a dark rainy day, so the mood of the warm, inviting, quaint little shop was just perfect. After each of the festival flavors were rattled off, this is the one that I ordered:
Dark Drinking Chocolate with Black Sesame (vegan), served with a wafer of sesame bianco chocolate bark. Sounds alluring doesn't it? And in honor of my BFF, I also ordered the Liz, a rich, white chocolate and vanilla centre enrobed in dark chocolate and garnished with gold.
Mmmmmm mmm....well, sorta. Turns out that dark chocolate in liquid form really isn't for me. Don't get me wrong, I luuuuv dark chocolate, esp the 68% variety, but mostly - I realize now - in solid form. The chocolate drink was also vegan, which meant that it lacked the milkiness that would normally dilute any over-chocolatey richness.
To top it off, the Liz was really overpowered by the dark chocolate drink. All I could remember thinking was that I was thirsty - really thirsty. Note to self: Don't ever pair two dark chocs together, unless they're both tiny nuggets.
All in all, my favorite part of the combo, ironically, was the wafer of sesame bianco chocolate bark. It was excellent, complete with all the essential elements: savory, salty, and crispy.
In addition to chocolate, CocoaNymph did have flavored marshmallows on display (yum!)...so I know I'll definitely be returning to try one of those...and maybe a more milk chocolatey drink in the future! -
Review from Michael P.
Burnaby, BC
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was summoned to CocoaNymph as per the Hot Chocolate Festival!
Locating this establishment was very easy as it is right off Alma on your way towards UBC with parking widely available on the street.
The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming and the aroma of this place was to die for. If you're a fan of chocolate, you'll fall in love with this place instantaneously.
We settled for two hot chocolates that were very reasonably priced:
- Dark Drinking Chocolate with Black Sesame, served with a wafer of sesame bianco chocolate bark.
- Maple Cinnamon Milk Drinking Chocolate, served with caramelized apple ring.
The flavours and aroma of the hot chocolates were very entrancing. Picture yourself sitting in front of a fireplace with a heavy snowfall outside your window - that's how warming it felt. However, personally, I found the beverages too thick for my liking. I'm much more used to the conventional hot chocolate that's been relatively diluted with milk, I suppose? I'm not complaining though!
CocoaNymph is a very relaxing environment. Warm décor, great staff, fresh ingredients, chocolates openly displayed, books to read and soothing music. I'd love to come back and try out their Baileys marshmallow!
This place deserves 4.5 stars! -
Review from Kari C.
1/20/2012
A fried introduced me to Cocoa Nymph a few years ago, at their Portobello West table. We worked in Point Grey, not far from the shop, and passed by on the 99 B-Line every day. I always wondered what it was like.
$8 at the time sounded a little steep to me, for a box of their dark chocolate-covered English toffee, but after a sample bite it was easy to see it as a total STEAL and I now keep a supply of it in my freezer.
My mom is a thoughtful lady, and bought 2 Livingsocial vouchers for my brother and i to go to a chocolate-making class, as we're both cooks who love to have fun in the kitchen. We were excited, but a little unsure, and our crazy schedules pushed our visit back by a year! Fortunately, the lovely Cocoa Nymph girls extended everyone's deadlines, to accommodate all the classes.
Honestly, that place is full of romance. Not in the "I want to get sassy with you right here, right now!" way, but in the "it smells so nice here...the staff are so kind...this place is beautiful...everything is so comfortable and welcoming...I bet it's fun to work here!" type of way, that day-dreamy, chocolate-induced, happy, "I bet this place is full of magic!" way.
The class was really fun and informative. We learned about the company, the history and origin of chocolate, sexy science (my favourite part!), where it comes from, how it gets processed, and had a chocolate and cocoa-nib tasting.
After that, we were each given a brick of ganache, and were allowed to make it into truffles, or sculpt it into a crazy shape, then enrobe it in dark chocolate, decorate it/them, and take our edible art home in a pretty box. Wow!
The Cocoa Nymph girls were really fun, and incredibly sweet and patient, especially when people didn't listen or pay attention and then ask questions that just got answered, because that kind of stuff would honestly drive me crazy.
Chocolate has a tendency to get everywhere (everywhere!!!) when you work with it, even if you're a pro, and there was a sizable mess on the tables when everyone was finished, and asking questions, or buying things afterwards. My bro and I are used to cleaning stuff up at the end of a day so we tidied around a little while waiting to buy, and the lone staff member left was so happy (and nice!!) that she gave us a sample of the sesame bianco chocolate, which we both ended up getting. It's now a favourite!
Sesame bianco is an unexpected combination that I adore...a thin wafer of white and dark chocolate (mixed together), with toasted sesame sprinkled throughout, and it's topped with crystals of pink salt (Hawaiian? Himalayan? Sorry, I forget). The mild sweetness, earthy sesame tones, and sharp, salty contrast work together beautifully.
They are also participating in this year's Hot Chocolate Festival, and have some gorgeous, pillowy, house-made marshmallows with gotta-try flavours like salted caramel. If you know a chocolate lover, or want a sensual Valentine's (or regular-day!) gift for a special someone that isn't dental-floss-tiny-underwear, take them here, or pick up a little treat for them. They will love it!
Part of the "sexy science" component was learning about what it is in chocolate that makes us feel good. Their confections are perfect for any day, and I find them to be immensely satisfying, whether I'm already really happy or really sad, like today. Am I toying with my emotions to achieve some sort of placebo effect? In the end, it doesn't really matter, if I'm eating some dang excellent chocolate. Thank you, Cocoa Nymph! :DListed in: Surefires, Werewolf Time
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Review from Wendy Y.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have had my fair share of good hot chocolate in Vancouver at places such as Mink, Bella Gelateria, Thierry, and Chocolaterie De La Nouvelle France just to name a few. And I am happy to announce that I am adding Cocoa Nymph Cafe to my ever growing list of "Wendy's favorite chocolate joints of all time".
I was abducted (minus the blind fold and hemp bag over my head) to this quaint and cunning cafe. The dark brown hard-wood floor accented the beautiful antique piano in the middle of the room. If that doesn't scream "notice me", I don't know what does. As I approached the piano I saw a row of neatly displayed chocolate samples of various flavor and shape waiting to be "picked" along the edge of the piano lid. I was mesmerized.
I looked around the cafe and saw there are only 4 tables. I say the capacity is no more than 16. Regardless, this is definitely a small cozy place to weather the cold on a raining night like the night I went.
I love how the menu is written on chalk boards. It's very - personable. I would prefer seeing the menu with a short blurp of description though as I couldn't tell the different between French, Spanish, and Mayan hot chocolate. The staff said the Mayan contains spices that you'll either love it or hate it. Spanish is dark chocolate and cream based. French is Marie Antoinette's favorite - lavender and rosemary. Needless to say I went with the French. The staff did not recommend putting in any marshmallow as the hot chocolate is already intensely flavored but she'll put them at the side. She was nice enough to give me two flavors of marshmallow instead of one. She recommended the salted caramel (which I got) and I also picked the whiskey.
The French hot chocolate was smooth, not overly sweet, with a good balance of dark chocolate and cream. The floral hints of rosemary and lavender were heavenly. The hand-made marshmallows were very soft. The salted caramel is a must try. Whiskey is just alright (I think it's because I couldn't taste any Whiskey).
I walked away with lots of pheromone released. I wasn't sure if I was set up for that but who cares? I was happy as a puppy.Listed in: Baked Goods/Sweets
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Review from Simon K.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
A journey westbound to give my partner a 'so-called' redemption sweet after a so-so outing at another chocolate establishment brought us here. Bookmarked way in advance, and looking for the right opportunity to sit in on this tiny little shop in the West End, on this rainy Saturday I decided to take her, not knowing what to expect, yet pleasantly surprised at this hidden chocolate shop.
I wouldn't say it is hidden, but you better know where you are going when you get here. When you enter, it is a small, but spacious place, with a few seats, and a grand piano taking up the center area. Displayed on top are the chocolate assortments that are sold, each with their description and a name that goes with it. They also had two pieces named after the main characters from "Wicked - the musical" and the one named Elphaba had pistacio's. There was probably about a little over 10 choices that are made at this shop.
Instead of having their chocolates, we decided to share a cup of hot chocolate, and the one recommended was that with a hint of lavender, and served with their in-house marshmallows. There was a salted one that I remember, on it's own, was great, and when mixed in with the drink, just made for an excellent pairing. A very comfortable feel in this place, that can be described as more intimate a setting, with the darker tones, and colors used, and the big display piece of the piano make this a destination spot. -
Review from b p.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012
First learn of this store when Rachel came into my shop for a window. Love to support the local businesses! My trouble is...heard a radio personality talking about "hot chocolate" today and my brain immediately went "Cocoa Nymph!!!". Then it went " and the marshmallows!!!". Two things ensured that I would go - drizzly rain, and being pregnant. Definately satisfied the craving :-)
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Review from Herman E.
1/29/2012
This is likley the best of the lot for local chocolatiers, for at least the ones I've tried. I had a sample of their chocolates, and it was great. Nice cocoa flavours and not overly sweet.
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Review from Karen R.
12/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I first tried CocoaNymph chocolate at the Yelp Carnival back in June. I had heard about the wondrous magic that the salted chocolate bites had made. Then I tasted it - the Sea Nymph bar. Yum yum yum yum!!!
I went into the store for the first time tonight to stock up on Christmas gifts. I went for both the SeaNymph (I may have picked up an extra one pour moi) and the Twilight. They are beautifully wrapped and calling my name. Must. Not. Give. In.
Anyway - the storefront itself is a little on the dark side. The smell that greets you is that bittersweet smell of pure chocolate. The piles of truffles were inspiring and I really like the fact that they lay out all of them with names and descriptors so you can really tell the difference between all of the flavours. There were lots of things to buy and I can't wait to go back and have a chocolately drink! -
Review from Shabri M.
North Vancouver, BC
2/25/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Arrived here last year with the intent of trying another competitor in the hot chocolate festival. Had already tried two including the winner's but this place simply enthralled me. The staff are really personable, the chocolates are delectable, the other goodies are lovely but the drinking chocolate is utterly divine! Honestly, this is now the only place for me now and I just keep coming back. I never did finish trying the other places. Their fresh marshmallows melting into your choice of a cup of warm liquid chocolate is wonderful. I just can't imagine anything better. What I've decided my personal ultimate is the black pepper chocolate paired with their salted caramel marshmallows, I love it!
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Review from Tinella T.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2011
:) Lately I got so much into chocolates, and decided to try all chocolate places in Vancouver. One of first ones was Cocoa Nymph. What a pleasant surprise! Very nice chocolate candies selection, all yummy and special to me. ( I mean they look so natural and healthy to me, without any colorants and unhealthy stuff inside)
I was there also last night for Italian meetup. I always take dark hot chocolate. It was creamy and delicious as always. I also bought sea salt caramel chocolate bar- what a combination I thought to myself- but its really yummy, interesting taste on my tongue as dark chocolate blends with salt and sweet caramel bits. Impressed!
I will attend their chocolate making workshop too :) I am very happy they offer those workshops!!! Im so excited to learn how they make those delicious chocolates :) -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I blame November's Elite Party http://www.yelp.ca/biz... It's where I first tried CocoaNymph and fell for the dark chocolate and salted caramel bar. Fast forward a couple of months and...
There I am, trying to push the thoughts of a crunch and tang of salt mixed with toffee and all that chocolate out of my head. But it wasn't working... leaving me with only 2 options: grind some salt into my mouth and pop a piece of plain dark chocolate (surely a grave injustice) or get off my rump and out to the CocoaNymph.
A grand piano, free WiFi, and a chocolate drinking bar greeted me. I regret not hanging out (and vow to return for some sweet lounging time), but I was too consumed with my craving. While I was picking up my bars I couldn't help gravitating to the beestings. Little morsels of slivered almonds covered in cocoa, honey, and yep, you guessed it SALT!
Looks like I now have two addictions on my hands. Oh CocoaNymph, why do you have to be so sweet and salty? -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2009
Mission to Try Vancouver's 101 Best Eats
Item: ILA Chocolates (aka. salted chocolates)
Price: package of 4 truffles - $7.00
Alternative: Chocolate bar, that can also be found at Urban Fair and fancy and lovely colourful wrapping - ideal for the simple chocolate lover.
Textures and Tastes - creamy and a huge hit of Salt, which is so unexpected yet so perfect together. good crunch and rich at the same time.. wanting to savour every last speck of salt like it is necessary to make the piece of chocolate complete!
I have never been to the store, but have been able to meet Rachel the owner at the Yelp event and at Make-It! It's awesome how she's so passionate about what she does and I guess dreams do come true!Listed in: Vancouver Magazine's 101 Best…
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Review from Reena M.
10/20/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Mmmmm, seasalt and chocolate?! CocoaNymph has made this my new favorite chocolate flavour/theme! It's delicious! And their truffles are all amazing too. So much freshness! This is the first time I've ever LOVED dark chocolate. Otherwise I've always been a milk chocolate kinda gal.
I need to go back to get my next chocolate fix! -
Review from Darren N.
Vancouver, BC
1/29/2009
CocoaNymph is great little chocolate shop down on 10th near Alma. The owners (Kirk and Rachel) are very friendly, down to earth people, and can provide useful advice for your truffle selections (as there are so many good ones!). If you're lucky (and a bit of a fan), they will sometimes even let you try the newest truffle variety that they are creating.
Don't miss the drinking chocolate - there are a few different varieties, but for my money, you can't beat the spiced chocolate. They also serve french press coffee and offer wireless.
The space is artfully decorated and features a working baby grand piano - I'm not sure if it's a regular feature or not, but on some Friday evenings a pianist comes in and gives a little recital.
Overall, this is a great chocolate shop and one of the hidden gems of the Kits/Dunbar neighbourhood. -
Review from Sara-Peri K.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2011
I am a pretty easy going person when it comes to food, but especially when it comes to chocolate! how can it really be bad? I was in the neighborhood and really desperate for a fix of some good chocolate, normally I would go to Daniel's up further on 10th but CocoaNymph was right there and I had heard great things so I was eager to try it. The store is pretty dull except for the piano but I heard from numerous people the store is famous for catering. I tried 8 different chocolates and shared them with my sister and a friend. The total came to 16 something for 8 chocolates that all tasted the same despite them all being different. Pistachio, Caramel, Raspberry all just tasted like dark plain chocolate. I dont mind paying money for the heaven that is chocolate if it is good but come on! I was so stoked for the chocolate has I have just recently started loving dark but this was just confusing. out of the three of us we only like one, the hazelnut praline. It just sucked and I HATE writing bad reviews but if you need a chocolate fix get a mars bar, seriously its much better =(
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Review from Carolina L.
Delta, BC
3/26/2011
Best hot chocolate in town!!!! just loved the vibe and the richness of the products. Very happy with the service as well...Rachael is a sweetheart... I will definitely go back, again and again... :)
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Review from Jessica N.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2009
My best friend and I stopped in at Cocoa Nymph this afternoon to give it a try after driving by every day to and from UBC. We took a few truffles and a Sea Nymph bar home, and promptly fell in love. This chocolate is delectable and delightful, worth every penny and more. The shop is so cute, and the window displays are too. The man at the counter (let's assume it was Kirk) told us that we "had" to try one of the truffles, as it had been featured recently in "100 Things to Eat Before you Die" in a Vancouver dining magazine--and he is in no way lying.
Just go. -
Review from Vanessa G.
2/16/2011
I have been dreaming about this place ever since the Yelp Elite Carnival event. I was thinking of going out of my way into kits to find it but low and behold my boyfriend lives a few blocks away. Coincidence? Hmm it was meant to be. What joy it was to discover this place and to walk in and it be so cute. I wanted to stay and look at all the other chocolates but i grabbed my $6 dark chocolate, toffee, and sea salt bar. I tried to explain to the girl behind the counter how i randomly came upon this place, it's kind of a love story who met her match, and lost it for awhile yet it was in front of her this whole time. Ok this chocolate makes me romantic. Take note.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2009
Not being a chocoholic but surrounded by them, I ventured over to pick up an assortment for a treat for a birthday. I was taken in by the charm of the place and the quality of the chocolate, I liked several of their summer chocolates allot. I have been back once more and can see many returns now that another artisanal chocolatier is not the top of the A list.
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Review from Doug V.
Calgary, AB
5/28/2010
I found the most amazing chocolate at this quaint little shop called Cocoa Nymph. For chocolates in Vancouver it is the best! I love the handmade chocolate truffles.
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Review from Tina H.
3/14/2010
Was recommended to check this place out by a coworker. Quite delicious... I'm hooked! I think about the chocolate here when I'm at home. The Austrian one is super delicious. Their Canadian bar filled with whiskey ganache or something is yummy too. I wanted to know about the live music and stuff but they're just getting started in that domain so I haven't heard about anything yet. They have a big piano that displays all their chocolates. Everything is quite good. Not the best I've tasted but up there. The owner is pretty young too. Overall, cool place. They have wifi too I think I heard. Still have to try the drinking chocolate.
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Review from Doug S.
New Westminster, BC
2/12/2010
I'm a health freak and I still like Rachel's CocoaNymph chocolates. Worth every cent. The dark chocolate has flavour waaaay better than most of the bigger commercial, over-sweetened stuff. You can really taste the chocolate. If a box of these chocolates do not earn you points with your girl...well you could be doomed. The shop itself is a cool, little place with a piano. Plenty of parking around the corner and easy to get to.
