JACEK Chocolate Couture

Jacqueline, Judi and her team here really know their chocolate.
I was lucky enough to organize a tasting at this location for a group that I belong to and we had a great time. From greeting us at the door to explaining where they get their chocolate from to the full tour to finally, yes, the samples, they were a picture perfect example of hospitality. Friendly, cheerful, engaging and knowledgeable, they really were the whole package.
Because we were in so soon after Valentine’s Day (and their chocolate takes 3 days to make!) we didn’t get to see the front case full of product, though there was definitely enough for us to purchase.
From bars to nibs for baking, they’ve got you covered. We tried a raspberry hibiscus truffle which had me swooning (why would I eat something hibiscus flavoured? It would just not occur to me, though I’m so glad I tried it!) and bars of all different percentages. Everything was a winner.
I have to say though, their burnt white chocolate (which I believe that they call Dulcey) is unlike any chocolate you’ve ever had. I shared some of it with a friend who said, «This is really something special» after she tried it and that really is the perfect description. It’s just magic. If you do nothing else this week, go to Jacek and sample that.
Anyway, these ladies totally deserve your business. The next time you want to purchase a sweet treat for someone special (especially if that someone special is yourself!) make sure you head on out there. You won’t be disappointed.

I have to warn you. Once you taste fine chocolate like Jacek’s, you will never taste chocolate the same again.
The owner, Jacqueline Jacek, began making chocolates in her basement and selling them at local farmers markets and coffee shops. She still sells them there, but she has opened up a small retail store front with a kitchen in the back.
Her business is designed around fashion and she releases chocolate «lines» three times a year. Don’t expect basic caramel or cherry chocolates here! You will be able to sample exquisite mixtures like violet vanilla, salted melon caramel, pineapple saffron and strawberry balsamic.
Just a warning though, if you want to get something for Christmas or a special event, make sure you call them ahead of time. Apparently it takes a week to make up a batch of chocolates and they only last 3 weeks because they don’t use preservatives. That means they sometimes run out around Christmas, Mothers Day, Valentines and other big chocolate days.

I adore that Jacek has a stand at the OSFM Farmers Market, it gives me an excuse to buy their chocolates (they also have them at Credo sometimes).
These chocolates are to die for, they are so good. However, they also come with a heafty price tag. I think it’s close to $ 3 per chocolate, but I say well worth it!
Jacek has very different combinations of fillings inside their chocolate (pb and jam, rootbeer etc.) they are really quite intriguing. They also have seasonal items and the spring line loks divine! You can also order some of the chocolate online incase you don’t want to drive to Sherwood Park and can’t make it to the market on Saturdays!
I’m not sure about you but when I hear handmade couture chocolate, I say count me in! These chocolates are really fantastic and would make excellent gifts! I really want to try the sipping chocolate because really who can say no to sipping chocolate… that just sounds silly.