When you walk into Jacek Chocolate Couture’s 104th Street boutique, it feels like you’re shopping at a high-end jewellery store. Inside the display cases are wonderful coloured baubles, some in vibrant greens, pinks and golds, some flecked with sparkling dots. The confections are so gosh-darn beautiful that it almost feels like a crime to pop them into your mouth.
Almost. That’s the key word here; almost.
The flavour combinations that “cocoanista” Jacqueline Jacek concocts are memorable. My personal favourites include the Lemon Zest Meltaway, which zaps you with a zing of citrus that balances the rich chocolate, and the Champagne & Violet, a milk chocolate square in a sky-blue package that has subtle floral tones.
We’re told that the Petite Jackie, a caramelized milk chocolate with sea salt in a bright pink shell, is the top seller. Put six of those in the stylish blue-and-brown Jacek longbox, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful gift for a special someone – if you don’t eat them all before you get the chance to give them away. –Steven Sandor
406 Kaska Rd., Sherwood Park,780-464-5200 /10140 104 St.,780-705-9927, jacekchocolate.com
