If you follow me on instagram, you might have seen this delightful collage of chocolate from Valenza Chocolatier I posted last week from their Valentine’s Day pop up event at the Hood Kitchen.

Valenza Chocolatier creates gourmet chocolate confections inspired by the Italian Chocolate culture.  Master Chocolatier Amy Jo earned her  Ecole Chocolat Master Chocolatier Certification in Vancouver, and went on to study at the  ICAM Choco Scuola in Italy.  Her rich knowledge of chocolate has translated into Valenza Chocolatier, and as a result, she creates chocolate confections made with the finest local and imported Italian ingredients.

As someone who has a deep respect for chocolate and an even deeper respect for chocolate made with fair trade ingredients + no preservatives (you won’t find me eating Hersheys bars), I was quite excited to try some of Valenza Chocolatier’s treats for Valentine’s Day.

The Englishman and I are hazelnut fiends. and when Amy Jo told me about Nocciole Bar made with hazelnuts from Piedmont, I was sold.  This bar had a delightful balance of sweetness from the creamy milk chocolate with a touch of saltiness from the hazelnuts.  I LOVED this bar and can’t wait to get my hands on more.

The other bar the Englishman and I tried was the decadent PB + C bar.  I think peanut butter and chocolate are one of the best combos out there and this bar did not disappoint.  Rich milk chocolate, creamy ganache…what’s not to love?

I haven’t had a chance to try the Nib Bar yet, but as a cacao lover, I feel this one would be right up my alley.  Dark chocolate + cacao nibs sounds like my idea of chocolate perfection.

In addition to bars, Amy Jo also makes bonbons (get the limoncello!), confections such as caramellos and offers chocolate workshops where you get to taste different bars and learn how to engage your senses.  I’m anxiously awaiting her next workshop so I can sign up.

If you are a chocolate lover like me or just looking for really good, high quality chocolate, you must check out Valenza Chocolatier.  You can order your chocolate through Amy Jo’s website, or purchase it at a select number of OC retailers.

Thanks Amy Jo and The Hood Kitchen for hosting the Valentine’s Day pop up and introducing me to Valenza Chocolatier!  I think I’ve found my new favorite chocolate shop.