This is a lovely artisan chocolate shop but it has now recently moved from the Burrard st location. I saw it recently but can't remember the new location. I'll post it soon for all those chocoholics.

Walking into this shop is a bit like walking into the chocolate store from the movie chocolate (Minus Johnny Depp). The first time I came here I was amazed with the passion of the woman working there. She convinced me to try some very strange sounding chocolates.

The first was a chocolate bar with a layer of basil. It sounded wrong, but it is sooo delicious!

The second was bacon bits. That sounded very wrong. But it was incredible. It was the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with just a tiny bit of crunch to add to the texture. Now Im hooked.

Xoxolat sells a huge and impressive variety of imported chocolates that are rare finds in the city. The two I mentioned above are from their imported selection.

They also make their own chocolates on site. The WestCoast Breakfast is a fantastic blend of Maple Caramelized Bacon with touch of espresso in deep milk chocolate. It is fabulous!

I also have had the opportunity to sample a variety of flavors in a selection of truffles packaged in a gorgeous wooden box. I truly could not find a favorite because they were all so good. Not a miss amongst the large box.

Their drinking chocolate is heavy, and almost a meal. But fantastic just the same.

They also offer tasting classes in chocolate101. The owner's philosophy is that we should have chocolate everyday, but the key is to have quality chocolate in small amounts. She is very proud of the opportunity to educate people about chocolate in the same way people learn about wine. Highly recommended.

XOXOLAT (pronounced sho-sho-la ) is a designer chocolatiers on Burrard street at 8th Avenue in Vancouver BC.

They produce original and estate creations as well as selling some of the top names in designer chocolate. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The store is well laid out and has enough selection to give you anything you could want and not to fully stocked that you become overwhelmed. They often have samples laid out so you can try their product and they also have chocolate tasting classes once a week on Wednesdays for 15 dollars.

They currently have a sex in the city shoe collection, which is absolutely adorable! and no doubt delicious.

In addition to their own brands of bars and truffles they sell bars from:
* Amedei
* Amano
* Pralus
* Patric
* Claudio Corallo
* Michel Cluizel
* Valrhona
* Zotter
* Theo
* Republica Del Cacao
* Madecasse (Madagascar)

now to my review of the products I tried....

I bought some Green and Blacks (an organic chocolate that is usually gluten free and vegan) espresso dark chocolate which was amazing, a tad bit bitter but an awesome treat when you shave some into a chocolate milkshake or ontop of a dessert.

The rest of the chocolate I bought was XOXOLAT originals:

Westcoast breakfast - this is an 70% dark chocolate with espresso and carmalized maple bacon. i was a little nervous about this, but kept hearing that chocolate and bacon is the place to be! I have to say pretty darn yummy.

Salt and pepper - a 60% chocolate with sea salt and cracked black pepper. I enjoy this one, but I think it would be better with a sweeter pink black pepper and a higher salt ratio to the pepper.

Fleur de Sel caramel Truffle - this was a little orgasm in my mouth. A small truffle that fits totally in your mouth to melt away. As the supreme milk chocolate melts away you begin to taste this intense soft caramel with just a hint of Fleur de Sel (sea salt).

I am just waiting to go back for more. Thank goodness the bus doesn't go right by there or I would be in trouble (you have to take the number 9 and get off at burrard and broadway and walk down to blocks)