La Chocolaterie - Richmond

The chocolate is delicious, but the customer service is lacking.

This artisan chocolate shop in Peninsula Village offers a variety of chocolates for purchase, both individually and in pre-packaged boxes.

Had the opportunity to try some of the fine hand-crafted chocolates from this chocolatier at their Aberdeen mall booth present for the Chinese new year. Can't comment on the ambiance of the actual store, but the product is simply fantastic - a variety and depth of flavor that really speaks to the passion and skill of the owners. There are three broad categories of flavours in the "Coconama" line: traditional, fruit, and Japanese. The chocolates are sold simply in plastic cups, 10 cubes for $5, as well as many other options including bars, assorted boxes and chocolate-filled tarts. Almost every flavour I sampled was rich, buttery and complex - my choices being: Coconut, Passion Fruit, Earl Grey, Lemon Basil, Black Sesame, Green Tea (regular and dark), Yuzu, Sake, Red Bean, Avocado, Beet, Kale, Yam and Tomato. With the exception of a slightly unappealing grittiness to the Kale chocolate and a very subdued Sake taste, every flavour was a winner and a definite re-purchase. Owner was helpful and friendly. Absolutely look out for them at special events or pop in to their store in Richmond.

I recently had the chance to try some of the delicious handmade chocolates from this chocolatier at their stand in Aberdeen Mall for Chinese New Year. I can't speak to the ambiance of the actual store, but the quality of the products is outstanding. The chocolates come in a variety of flavors that showcase the passion and skills of the owners. The Coconama line features three main flavor categories: Traditional, fruit, and Japanese. The chocolates are individually sold in plastic cups, with 10 pieces for $5, as well as other options such as bars, assorted boxes, and chocolate-filled tar. Each flavor I tried was rich, buttery, and complex. My favorites were coconut, passion fruit, Earl Grey, Lemon Basil, Black Sesame, Green Tea (regular and dark), Yuzu, Red Bean, Avocado, Beet, Kale, Yam, and tomato. With the exception of the slightly odd Kale chocolate and the subtle Sake flavor, every taste was a winner and I would definitely buy them again. The owner was helpful and friendly. I highly recommend checking them out at special events or visiting their shop in Richmond.