The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
In a recent post, I shared the literary highlight of my recent visit to Calgary, Alberta. In celebration of World Cocoa and Chocolate Day on October 1st, I’d like to share with you why every chocolate lover should visit Calgary.
chocolate lab calgary offers a wide assortment of chocolate treats
I met with Dallas Southcott, co-owner and founder of The Chocolate Lab at his location in Calgary’s Chinatown and was blown away by his energy, knowledge of the chocolate and cocoa industry, and the quality of his chocolate creations. Dallas has a key eye for design having worked for 10 years in media design and photography, so it is no wonder his bonbons are a work of art. He also has a Masters degree in Musical Cultural History and is trained in classical music.
“I’m a highly creative person,” says Dallas. “Chocolate is but one medium in which I express myself.” Dallas became a stay-at-home dad about 10 years ago when he and his wife and partner Eva Choi started their family. “That’s when I started playing with chocolate,” says Dallas, who says that their chocolate activities went into high gear when Eva lost her job in the oil industry due to the economic downturn that hit Calgary in 2014. After taking courses with Ecole Chocolat and working with Bernard Callebaut, Dallas was ready to launch his own chocolate business in 2015. He and Eva acquired the Centre Street location in January, 2016 and opened their shop to the public in April, 2016.
The Chocolate Lab opened its second location in the Foothills south of Calgary in 2017. Their third (private) location is used for administration and shipping, and there is a fourth location in the works. (Stay tuned!) Now with 14 staff, Dallas credits Eva’s experience as a hiring manager in helping The Chocolate Lab find the right people who share their passion for chocolate and serving customers with a smile.
The Chocolate Lab is in a hybrid category like Adorable Chocolat who made the journey to Paris to develop their own custom couverture in the chocolate lab run by Cacao Barry. The Or Noir custom blends developed by Cacao Barry have bridged the gap between chocolate makers (who work directly with cocoa beans) and chocolatiers (who generally work with a couverture supplied by a large cocoa processing house like Callebaut, Valrhona, Domori, Felchin, or Guittard.)
The Midnight Special 73.8% dark chocolate custom blend at The Chocolate Lab features 60-62% cocoa from São Tomé, 12-15% cocoa from Peru, and about 13% cocoa from Cuba, and a small amount of cocoa butter to make it silky smooth. I really loved the 42.1% Cassonade custom dark milk chocolate made with a caramelized white chocolate, a touch of sea salt, and 10% Cuban cocoa.
At the time of my visit in August, 2018, The Chocolate Lab of Calgary was offering a total of 16 different chocolate bars–some with pure chocolate and others with fun flavours–but they’re working their way up to 30 different flavours, so be sure to check out both the chocolate bar counter, as well as the fresh chocolate bonbon case that features more than 100 colours in a myriad of enticing shapes, and designs and funky flavours that include Leather and Walnut and Little Blue Dress.
But the piece de resistance was the Passionfruit Crunch Chocolate Pop (pictured at the top of this post.) What an amazing fun creation, featuring dark chocolate combined with fresh marshmallow and passionfruit puree. SO amazing, and so fun! Don’t miss The Chocolate Lab on your next visit to Calgary for the most unique chocolate creations in Calgary.
Sounds yummy Doreen. Iโm a huge fan of sea salt with my chocolate. I loved the colors displayed here as well. Next time in Calgary I will have to head over to Chinatown.
What a great selection of chocolate!! Calgary looks like an ideal place for chocolate lovers to spend their time in! Thanks for sharing.
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Oh my! That Passion fruit Crunch Chocolate Pop looks so yummy. I’m helplessly salivating and wishing I could manifest it into my reality. I’ve also just found the perfect honeymoon destination -The chocolate lab in Calgary.
I love this post. I love all the colours in the chocolate bonbon case. They look so moorish. And 30 different flavours โ I donโt think I would be able to leave the chocolate lab until I had tried them all.
This is my kind of chemistry lab! Chocolate labs are the best! ๐
Hey Doreen!
I THOUGHT I saw that box of delectable chocolates somewhere before! Now I remember, I got to indulge in some while you were here in Vancouver last time. Nice to get the full rounded picture of where all that deliciousness came from. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks, Esther. Yes, we all really enjoyed trying all the taste-tempting flavours of The Chocolate Lab while we were together in Vancouver. Great chocolate is definitely meant to share. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…Aaron’s on the Lake: a lakeside gem in Ponemah, Manitoba
I’ve never been to Calgary, Alberta. I’ll definitely have to visit the chocolate lab when I go!
Calgary is quite a great city, Patti. Lots of western adventure! I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy it. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…Aaron’s on the Lake: a lakeside gem in Ponemah, Manitoba
Those chocolates look amazing! (OK, at first I thought Chocolate Lab referred to a dog.) Dallas’ eclectic creative background is impressive. There’s a good chance I’ll visit Calgary in 2019, and won’t miss a stop here.
Right on, Kristin. Calgary is a great city. I’ll be doing a post on a whirlwind tour of the downtown shortly. That’s where you’ll find the main location of The Chocolate Lab. But I hear there is also a nice location in the Foothills. Thx for stopping by.
OMG! Sign me up now. I want to go try that Chocolate Pop. It looks amazing as do the other chocolate treats.
Somehow I thought you’d like that, Judi! The chocolate passion pop is filled with fun and flavour. But using real chocolate and passionfruit and handcrafted marshmallows vs the mass-made commercial stuff. Thx for stopping by. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Wow! I would love to try all these varieties of chocolates. The chocolate lab indeed looks like a perfect place to visit for chocolate lovers like me. The Passionfruit Crunch Chocolate Pop looks very tempting.
Super great chocolate creations at The Chocolate Lab, Shaily. I hope you get to check it out soon.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Those chocolates look beautiful – far too good to eat!
Chocolates are never too good to eat, Karen! The beauty, aroma, and flavours just enhance the whole chocolate eating experience. You’ve got to come to one of my tasting classes. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
The chocolates of Chocolate Lab look like works of art and no wonder if you look at the credentials of its co-founder Dallas. I am really impressed by the growth of the venture in such a short time. This speaks volumes of the passion and hard work of the people behind it.
You are so right, Sandy. When passion fuels a business or venture, it is bound to prosper and offer the best it can possibly create. Thx for stopping by. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
We were so happy you went to Calgary before our visit. Although we loved your cousins Estherโs salad you rocked with the chocolate. We intensely enjoyed all the products from the chocolate lab. Our favourite was the Cassonade dark milk chocolate bar it was exceptional!!!
I agree, Pat. That Cassonade bar is really terrific. Especially paired with a nice Pinot Noir wine. ๐ Thx for stopping by, and I’m glad you enjoyed the chocolate creations of The Chocolate lab.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Deliciously looking and nicely wrapped chocolates. I would love to taste them. When I start my “travel the world” project, I will be sure to stop by the Chocolate Lab.
Hi Emidio and welcome to Chocolatour! The nice thing about many chocolatiers and chocolate makers is that they do mail their products. Chocolate bars are easy to mail as long as they are not left out in the heat. Chocolate bonbons or truffles are much more prone to damage while in transit. But it certainly can be done if packed properly. zChocolat of France has mastered the art of global shipping. Their chocolates always arrive promptly and in perfect condition.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Doreen — their chocolates look marvelous, and I’m always so impressed with people who have a passion and then develop it into a thriving business. So good for them on all counts!
Right on, Jeannette! The Chocolate Lab is precisely the kind of chocolate business that I like to profile. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Wow, the box and the chocolate themselves are soooo pretty!
They are indeed! The Chocolate lab really produces great looking chocolate and is s must for any chocolate lovers visiting Calgary, Canada.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
OMG! That first picture! That passion fruit crunch bar was made just for me and even though it’s still breakfast time here, I would devour it :-). The Chocolate Lab is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing this little gem of a place.
You’re so welcome, Kemkem. It’s my job to introduce chocolate lovers to the best chocolate of the world. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
The Chocolate Lab looks like a beautiful (and very tasty) shop!
It is, Irene! Is is small on space, but big on selection & creativity.
It’s interesting to how about the difference between chocolate maker and chocolatier and about people bridging the gap. Chocolate Lab’s Foothills locations will be on the itinerary next time I visit my sister-in-law in Okotoks!
Right on, Donna! Let me know how you en joy the chocolate at The Chocolate Lab Foothills. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
OMG! We can hardly wait for your next article on chocolate. The amount of walking we have to do just for reading this article on the Calgary chocolate lab will be insane. Once again you hit it out of the park.
Hi Jeff and thx for your enthusiasm! Keep in mind that if your chocolate choices focus on the pure chocolate bars, they carry very little calories for the enjoyment factor and actually have significant health benefits. Keep on walking;king, but feel free to do so with a little quality chocolate as a reward. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
It is a very courageous project to initiate a startup with employees. The shop looks wonderful and the chocolate delicious! I wish the shop was close to me!
Hi Marcelle and welcome to Chocolatour! The mission of Chocolatour is to help you find great chocolate–and chocolate experiences– no matter where you are, whether at home or when travelling. What part of the world do you live in?
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
My daughter lives in Calgary, works downtown and loves chocolates. I will tell her about The Chocolate Lab!
Hi Carol. Do pass my link on to your daughter, and if she’s tried The Chocolate Lab’s products, I’d love to hear her thoughts. Thx for stopping by.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
I was dribbling when looking at the photograph of the passionfruit crunch chocolate pop! I adore chocolate, even more so when they come in a selection box or other. Thank you for sharing Dallas Southcott’s career path. It just goes to show that our talents really can pay off.
Hi Phoenicia and thx for your comment. Yes, there are certain chocolate creations that are so fun and mind popping that you can’t resist them. I really do love that passionfruit chocolate pop as passionfruit and dark chocolate are a match made in heaven. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
I always enjoy reading the back story of business. It sounds — and looks — like Dallas and his wife have a thriving chocolate business and with good reason!
Thanks for stopping by, Marilyn. Yes, it is the people creating the chocolate and the places that inspire them that has fascinated me in the Chocolatour project.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Those bon bons look scrumptious! Chocolate day–that explains why I was highly craving it after lunch today. What a great reason to indulge. Their shop looks like a fun spot to visit — and taste!
Thx for stopping by, Rose. We’re so lucky that there are a great many designated chocolate days to celebrate throughout the year. I’m glad your intuition is picking up on them. ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Your travels prove that chocolate is a universal language. The passion fruit pop looks divine!
The passionfruit chocolate marshmallow pop is indeed divine, Pamela. Not sweet and filled with a variety of flavours and textures. And, yes. Chocolate is the universal language of love. ๐ Thx for stopping by.
Wonderfully informative story, Doreen. Seems that creativity shows up in so many diverse ways. So impressed by Dallas and the multi-talents that go into his chocolate collections. Happy Chocolate Day one and all!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Margaret. I concur that creativity is really prevalent with many chocolate makers and chocolatiers. I think that’s why it has drawn me in so intensely.
Woah, what a great selection of chocolate!! An ideal place for chocolate lovers to spend their time in! Thanks for sharing!! ๐
Hi Claire and thanks for stopping by. Shops like this really make the world of chocolate so much more exciting. There is definitely something for everyone and every mood. ๐
I love all the colours in the chocolat bonbon case. They look so moorish. And 30 different flavours – I don’t think I would be able to leave until I had tried them all.
Hi Lyn and thanks for your comment. Yes, the colours you’ll see (and taste!) at The Chocolate Lab are truly exotic. I can’t wait to return and check out more of them. ๐
Sounds yummy Doreen. I’m a huge fan of sea salt with my chocolate. I loved the colors displayed here as well. Next time in Calgary I will have to head over to Chinatown.
You bet, Jan! I do believed I shared some of The Chocolate Lab bar(s) with you. But maybe not. It was my friends in Vancouver that got to enjoy them the most!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary
Chocolate Lab…chocolate labrador…chocolate laboratory? Ah, I get it. What fun. Brilliant. The world needs more play.
It does indeed, Gabriele. Hope to see you later today at the TWUC mtg. ๐
How wonderful ! All that, and visions of a Chocolate Labrador Retriever.
Inventive names for their products, indeed. I really enjoy your explanations of the terms used in the world of chocolate . Thanks, Doreen; and best wishes to Dallas Southcott and The Chocolate Lab in Calgary.
Thanks so much, Linda. Yes, Dallas and Eva have really come up with some creative names and designs for their products. The creativity at The Chocolate Lab of Calgary is truly amazing! ๐
The selection of chocolate creations made and displayed at The Chocolate Lab look delicious. I would love to visit there if I visit Calgary. It is a story about creativity as well as chocolate. You have written another interesting and inspiring story, Doreen.
Thanks so much, Bev. I know you have family in Calgary. So the next time you visit, be sure to plan a trip to The Chocolate Lab. You won’t be sorry! ๐
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…The Chocolate Lab: a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Calgary