Foods from Kōkō Chocolates
Comments
2009 Dec 9
Embean: considering Godiva is hugely overpriced (location rent) and made somewhere then shipped (not fresh), it's pretty easy for Koko to beat them out in price and quality. In fact, most in-store chocolatiers I've been to (nearly 20 now) have about the same price range ($1.00-$1.50) for each ganache.
In fact, since Koko doesn't have store overhead, I gather she can put more care and better quality (pricier) ingredients and still keep the price in that range. It's not hugely expensive to make chocolates, and the better part of that price is labour cost and expertise - which is always worth it.
And yes, Koko's alcoholic selection is nice and mild and does not overpower, always nice to see. If I want strong, I'll take the Camille&Bloch liquor-filled chocolates. :)
In fact, since Koko doesn't have store overhead, I gather she can put more care and better quality (pricier) ingredients and still keep the price in that range. It's not hugely expensive to make chocolates, and the better part of that price is labour cost and expertise - which is always worth it.
And yes, Koko's alcoholic selection is nice and mild and does not overpower, always nice to see. If I want strong, I'll take the Camille&Bloch liquor-filled chocolates. :)
2009 Dec 7
I also saw Koko Chocolates at ladyfest, and they were really great with handing out tons of samples. Unfortunately while I was passing by, there was a crowd around them so I couldn't get anywhere near the counter and after another round at the craft tables, I completely forgot to go back. Guess I'll have to order some online for Christmas!
2009 Dec 6
I had been meaning to try these so I was happy to find them at ladyfest.
The chocolates are excellent and very reasonably priced. To be honest, I don't know how she breaks even considering how much time she must put into this. It's literally 1/2 the price of Godiva and better quality.
I don't know why she calls them truffles. I would call them ganaches. But either way, every flavour I tried was excellent. I do not normally like liquoured chocolates but hers were very mild.
I will definitely be making a big order before xmas! Very glad I got to try these finally.
The chocolates are excellent and very reasonably priced. To be honest, I don't know how she breaks even considering how much time she must put into this. It's literally 1/2 the price of Godiva and better quality.
I don't know why she calls them truffles. I would call them ganaches. But either way, every flavour I tried was excellent. I do not normally like liquoured chocolates but hers were very mild.
I will definitely be making a big order before xmas! Very glad I got to try these finally.
2009 Sep 29
Ordered 8 piece box plus two of the "Tortoise". First off, I have a hard time choosing from the list of the available flavors because I generally only like milk chocolate, not dark. Therefore I chose the Milk Caramel, the Triple Chocolate, and the Koko Roche. I love love love the triple chocolate and would order a whole box of them again...to eat myself.... The Milk caramel wasn't for me, just because of the hint of Brandy, but I'm sure lots of people don't mind alcohol in their chocolates. The other two I'm sure people who like dark chocolate would enjoy them, they are just not for me.
Milk Caramel: Milk chocolate ganache flavoured with caramel and a splash of brandy dipped in milk chocolate.
Koko Roche: A dark chocolate and hazelnut centre dipped in roasted almonds and dark chocolate.
Triple Chocolate: Layers of rich white chocolate and milk chocolate ganache enrobed in dark chocolate.
Milk Caramel: Milk chocolate ganache flavoured with caramel and a splash of brandy dipped in milk chocolate.
Koko Roche: A dark chocolate and hazelnut centre dipped in roasted almonds and dark chocolate.
Triple Chocolate: Layers of rich white chocolate and milk chocolate ganache enrobed in dark chocolate.
2008 Dec 11
I had the pleasure of meeting Lori Sword at a Craft Show last week. I picked up some very unique truffles to bring home. Lets just say they didn't make it home. I tried the ITALIAN LOVER and the MARGARITA in the car on the way home and continued to eat the rest of the box! I went back to see Lori later that afternoon. I then bought some other flavours to try, all of which were very very delicious. Lori explained to me that all of her chocolates are handmade. All made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. Her dedication shows in her chocolates. Highly Recommended.
2008 Dec 7
I picked up some chocolates from 'koko chocolates' yesterday when they had a booth set up at the Ron Kolbus centre at Britannia. I would highly recommend them; they are excellent! We tried a variety. The Margarita stands out for me, as the combo of chocolate, lime, tequila and salt was an interesting combination that I haven't seen before in chocolate. I imagine it's something you either love or hate, but it definitely did it for me despite not generally being a big fan of alcohol-flavoured chocolates. The Thai Chili was good as well; it had a good kick but was not too overpowering. My wife's favourite was the Chocolate Caramel which I also enjoyed. Raspberry and Passionfruit both with a good intensity of flavour as well.
2009 Sep 9
I'm going to start off by saying that I LOVE chocolate. Every since I was pregnant with my first I've been on a search for the best truffle/chocolate in Ottawa. Up until now I've always enjoyed Truffles Treasures, although I always found them to be a bit sweet, which doesn't showcase the chocolate as it should.
Today, I was able to try out Koko Chocolates. I purchased a box of 18 for about $24 (which I find is VERY reasonable for the quality).
So far I have tried the:
Raspberry Truffle: the ganache was absolutely amazing! By far the best raspberry truffle I've had to date. It's a combination of tart sweetness and dark chocolate.
Margarita: I LOVE the hint of line, and the subtlety of the alcohol
Italian Lover: At first I was a bit hesitant to try this one as it boasts two separate liquers and I'll be the first to admit that I tend to dislike most chocolates made with liquers because they're just too darn strong tasting. I was surprised by the balance Lori was able to achieve between the chocolate, cognac and amaretto. They are absolutely devine!
Neopolitan: I love the light lemon flavor
incorporated into this one. One again a perfect blend
Koko Roche: Although I enjoyed this truffle, I would consider it to be my least favorite. At first I was most excited to try this one, as I typically love hazelnut and chocolate together. However, I think I had just eaten the raspberry one before this, so I was still a bit hung up
Thai Chili: Surprising good. A bit hot for my tastes, although it does leave the palette rather quickly, which is good
That's as far as I've gotten so far. On a more broad note...I found the ganache fillings to be made wonderfully. Absolutely melt in your mouth! I've had truffles elsewhere that had such hard centers I practically had to chew :P
I'll be back once I try the others!
Today, I was able to try out Koko Chocolates. I purchased a box of 18 for about $24 (which I find is VERY reasonable for the quality).
So far I have tried the:
Raspberry Truffle: the ganache was absolutely amazing! By far the best raspberry truffle I've had to date. It's a combination of tart sweetness and dark chocolate.
Margarita: I LOVE the hint of line, and the subtlety of the alcohol
Italian Lover: At first I was a bit hesitant to try this one as it boasts two separate liquers and I'll be the first to admit that I tend to dislike most chocolates made with liquers because they're just too darn strong tasting. I was surprised by the balance Lori was able to achieve between the chocolate, cognac and amaretto. They are absolutely devine!
Neopolitan: I love the light lemon flavor
incorporated into this one. One again a perfect blend
Koko Roche: Although I enjoyed this truffle, I would consider it to be my least favorite. At first I was most excited to try this one, as I typically love hazelnut and chocolate together. However, I think I had just eaten the raspberry one before this, so I was still a bit hung up
Thai Chili: Surprising good. A bit hot for my tastes, although it does leave the palette rather quickly, which is good
That's as far as I've gotten so far. On a more broad note...I found the ganache fillings to be made wonderfully. Absolutely melt in your mouth! I've had truffles elsewhere that had such hard centers I practically had to chew :P
I'll be back once I try the others!
2009 Aug 15
Oh.
My.
God.
We ordered a box of 32 truffles the other day so that we could get at least two of every flavour. (You know, for research purposes.)
And the new seasonal offerings are fantastic.
That pink circly one in the middle of the shot? That's Neapolitan. Lemon white chocolate ganache with raspberry milk chocolate ganache, all dipped in dark chocolate. The lemon hit me first, with the raspberry creeping up later. Exquisite.
The one that looks like a little faceted gemstone directly to the right of the Neapolitan? That's strawberry daiquiri. Dark chocolate, strawberry, rum, and a bit of lime. It's lovely, with just the right hit of strawberry.
Don't tell anybody, but the next time I have a dinner party I'm ordering a box of Koko Chocolates for use as petit fours. I want to keep it a surprise!
…Should I have said that out loud?
My.
God.
We ordered a box of 32 truffles the other day so that we could get at least two of every flavour. (You know, for research purposes.)
And the new seasonal offerings are fantastic.
That pink circly one in the middle of the shot? That's Neapolitan. Lemon white chocolate ganache with raspberry milk chocolate ganache, all dipped in dark chocolate. The lemon hit me first, with the raspberry creeping up later. Exquisite.
The one that looks like a little faceted gemstone directly to the right of the Neapolitan? That's strawberry daiquiri. Dark chocolate, strawberry, rum, and a bit of lime. It's lovely, with just the right hit of strawberry.
Don't tell anybody, but the next time I have a dinner party I'm ordering a box of Koko Chocolates for use as petit fours. I want to keep it a surprise!
…Should I have said that out loud?
2009 Mar 23
we tried them yesterday to celebrate our first anniversary
we got the modest small pack but lordie it went far! and came up HUGE!
yes, by far the best truffles I've had in Ottawa perhaps even Seattle, San Fran and Phoenix
my 3 faves were the Thai chili (perfectly balanced)
the Maragrita, the salt was perfect and the balance again made me wish for another bite or ten
and having some Jamican roots, the White Vanilla Rum...made me whish mum and granny were still around to have tried them
I sense alot of my splurge moneys will be going to up Marc's profits
betwen the truffles and Art-is-in olive and cheddar & jalapeno breads and freshly sliced cold cuts, I may have to offer to work a shift or two in lieu of payment
lol
we got the modest small pack but lordie it went far! and came up HUGE!
yes, by far the best truffles I've had in Ottawa perhaps even Seattle, San Fran and Phoenix
my 3 faves were the Thai chili (perfectly balanced)
the Maragrita, the salt was perfect and the balance again made me wish for another bite or ten
and having some Jamican roots, the White Vanilla Rum...made me whish mum and granny were still around to have tried them
I sense alot of my splurge moneys will be going to up Marc's profits
betwen the truffles and Art-is-in olive and cheddar & jalapeno breads and freshly sliced cold cuts, I may have to offer to work a shift or two in lieu of payment
lol
2009 Mar 10
I finally have gotten to try koko chocolates and WOW! They lived up to everything I had read here. I think my favourite (it was really hard to chose one) is the margarita...lots of flavour..sour and salty. Also wanted to say that the presentation is beautiful. You can tell that care is taken in making these truffles.
2009 Feb 15
I have nothing to compare to since I have not tried any of the other ones in the city, but these ones certainly are exceptionally good. Now I guess I'll have to go buy some from Stubbe (Stubbe) to compare with the market leader.
2009 Feb 14
Oh, lordy. I totally forgot to take a picture of the box, which is sad because they'll all be eaten very soon.
They're absolutely delicious. Flavourful, decadent, *chocolate* chocolates. Mark's right: it's nice to have a truffle that tastes like chocolate, rather than sugar, for a change.
Of the 18-box I picked up we've tried the passionfruit, raspberry, and margarita. I can't get the margarita one out of my head. It's tangy and salty, with a bit of a kick.
They're absolutely delicious. Flavourful, decadent, *chocolate* chocolates. Mark's right: it's nice to have a truffle that tastes like chocolate, rather than sugar, for a change.
Of the 18-box I picked up we've tried the passionfruit, raspberry, and margarita. I can't get the margarita one out of my head. It's tangy and salty, with a bit of a kick.
2009 Feb 12
Picked up some tonight for my work (prize for a Valentine's Day game) and some for my wife and I to celebrate THAT day. Funnily, we couldn't resist taking a sneak preview. We had the Koko Roche and the Raspberry... wowsers... divine!! So rich and flavourful. We will definitely be back. It also helps that they are a 10 minute walk (7 if I'm going fast) from my house. Highly recommended. The packaging is simple but cute. Great gift and ridiculously well priced. Kudos.
2009 Feb 8
These are currently the best chocolates available in our city by a good margin. Rich and flavourful, they are more about chocolate than sugar, a trait that sets them apart from local competitors. Try them if you want to see how authentic European chocolates are supposed to taste.
They reminded me of the amazing chocolates my uber-foodie uncle in Switzerland made when he was into this as a hobby. This is the guy who keeps chickens for eggs, grinds his own spelt flour to make bread, and is known for preparing meals superior to those found in local gourmet restaurants.
Of course I enjoyed some Koko chocolates more than others due to personal preference but what impressed me was how perfectly balanced all the flavours are. The chocolate is never overwhelmed by other ingredients and there is no cloying sweetness. When you bite into one of these chocolates you can tell the ingredients are top notch!
My absolute favourite is the Koko Roché, with its delectable Gianduja-like center and shell of dark chocolate with roasted almond. If you think you like Ferrero Rocher or Nutella or any other combination of nuts and chocolate then this will raise the bar. I expected to like this one the most because I'm partial to nutty chocolates.
Second favourite is the Margarita. The balance of lime, tequila, and salt is just perfect and a particularly refreshing accompaniment to the excellent chocolate.
I tried several others but haven't given them all a chance yet. I keep using the word "balance" because it's so rare to find chocolates that have it. The Thai Chili truffle is quite an experience. The chocolate flavour hits you first, then the heat of the chilis creeps up on you. If you've ever dreamed of being whipped while eating premium chocolate ice cream then this just might be the truffle for you! After you swallow, the rich chocolate and the burn of the chili make their exit hand-in-hand, all sins forgiven. :)
What is clear to me is that Lori is a perfectionist and those who benefit from this are her customers.
They reminded me of the amazing chocolates my uber-foodie uncle in Switzerland made when he was into this as a hobby. This is the guy who keeps chickens for eggs, grinds his own spelt flour to make bread, and is known for preparing meals superior to those found in local gourmet restaurants.
Of course I enjoyed some Koko chocolates more than others due to personal preference but what impressed me was how perfectly balanced all the flavours are. The chocolate is never overwhelmed by other ingredients and there is no cloying sweetness. When you bite into one of these chocolates you can tell the ingredients are top notch!
My absolute favourite is the Koko Roché, with its delectable Gianduja-like center and shell of dark chocolate with roasted almond. If you think you like Ferrero Rocher or Nutella or any other combination of nuts and chocolate then this will raise the bar. I expected to like this one the most because I'm partial to nutty chocolates.
Second favourite is the Margarita. The balance of lime, tequila, and salt is just perfect and a particularly refreshing accompaniment to the excellent chocolate.
I tried several others but haven't given them all a chance yet. I keep using the word "balance" because it's so rare to find chocolates that have it. The Thai Chili truffle is quite an experience. The chocolate flavour hits you first, then the heat of the chilis creeps up on you. If you've ever dreamed of being whipped while eating premium chocolate ice cream then this just might be the truffle for you! After you swallow, the rich chocolate and the burn of the chili make their exit hand-in-hand, all sins forgiven. :)
What is clear to me is that Lori is a perfectionist and those who benefit from this are her customers.
warby
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Ottawa can only hope to be once again blessed with as exceptional a chocolatier as Lori and Jen proved to be. I've tried the other chocolates in town and (to my taste) they aren't even close.