Delysia Chocolatier: You Had Me at Habanero

Even the best department stores lack the ability to bottle and sell a quality most only dream of obtaining: grace. Nicole Patel, proprietor of Delysia Chocolatier, wears it with ease. Her posture is perpetually poised, leaving me to wonder if she were a dancer in her childhood. Her smile is enhanced by warm expressive doe eyes framed by fluid dark shoulder length hair. Both these physical features mimic her passion: chocolate.

Walking into this petite store front and culinary center, the sweet scent of chocolate greets you with a warm welcome. Crisp shades of grey, white and black on the walls offer a nice contrast to the entry’s focal point: a crimson red wall that pops with vibrancy spelling out the establishment’s name, Delysia Chocolatier. Gazing upward, you’ll find an assortment of words on the ceiling reminding you of the state of being that often comes from a little chocolate indulgence: “comfort, peace, delight, and happiness.”

It’s impossible not to notice the similarities among Patel, her chocolate and the physical space where she creates, packages and sells her confections. Like her attire, skinny jeans, grey silk blouse, suede heels and a hint of sparkle on her earlobes, the chocolates she creates and the structure that house them are streamlined, sleek and classic. You won’t find a smear or smudge, only pristine glass and chocolates so smooth and clean they nearly reflect your image.

It Started With a Boy

Like many good love stories, this one started with a boy. In 2006, as her first child’s due date fell close to Christmas, she lacked the time and energy to shop for gifts. After watching a show on how to make truffles, she decided to roll up her sleeves and make them for family and friends. As she tweaked and played with the recipe, she created what would become her first trio of truffles: Mint, Hazelnut and Peanut Butter. This was a beginning.

Since then, with the encouragement of her husband, she left a successful career as a Mechanical Engineer to pursue her dream. It turns out an engineer mindset is an added bonus when working with a temperamental substance like chocolate. Success is about timing, tasting and ingenuity.

As I follow the steps of Patel to the storage area where her prized, bite-sized morsels are kept, I watch as she begins to pull out multiple trays of truffles. They’re all perfectly squared with a top coat color and design that offer clues to their delectable interior.

Chocolates to Try

Looking to add a little spice to your life, try the Latin Collection. “An explosion for the senses – jalapeno, cayenne, and habanero.” The subtle remnants of pepper sneak up on your taste buds and remains long after you’ve consumed the rich chocolate outer shell. Your mouth will awaken – come alive!

And don’t forget to reward the kid within by trying the whimsical striped and polka dot topped collection called Childhood: Peanut Butter & Jelly, S’mores and Ice Cream.

Delysia’s chocolate truffle collections are only as limited as your imagination: Wine (infused with Becker Farm’s Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port), Coffee, Italian, Classic, Wellness, Tea, Indian, Spirits and Citrus.

In addition to truffle collections, Delysia also sells specialty confections, chocolate bark, sculptured chocolate and hot chocolate mixes.

You may not be able to purchase grace over the counter, but you can buy delectable chocolate enrobed in elegance, created by a local artisan who embodies poise, elegance and refinement.

If you’re unable to make it to their store at 2000 Windy Terrace, Suite 2C, Delysia’s website makes placing orders quick and easy. Be sure to stay tuned for upcoming events and classes taught in their state of the art chocolate culinary center!

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

Have you tried Delysia’s chocolates?