Y’all know it’s all about living a life filled with everyday intentional adventure here at Texas Over Fifty, right?

That’s because I believe it’s having those little daily adventures that keeps us thinking about ourselves a little and thinking about every other good thing in life a lot.

Like chocolate. That’s a good thing to think about, isn’t it?

And, hey. Thinking about a chocolate adventure?

Now, that’s a very good thing to think about.

Where to Find Chocolate in Texas

When we first moved to Austin from Amarillo a few years ago, I felt like we had been transported into an extended vacation somewhere in la-la-land. We had both lived our entire lives in the Panhandle, and if we ever ventured all the way down to the Capital City, it was merely for a tour of the Capitol Building.

Not only was there more to explore in our new home city, there were multiples of each individual possibility.

That first few weeks after we moved, I couldn’t help myself. If we needed groceries, I went to H-E-B, Sprouts, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Don’t get me wrong. We had pretty grocery aisles in Amarillo, but Austin had a whole lot more.

Turned out that was just the tip of the adventurous iceberg, my friends.

Next came restaurants. And then when I figured out there were chocolate shops (several) and chocolatiers (more than one) in Austin, I couldn’t wait to visit every single one.

Chocolate Adventure

Have you ever been to a progressive dinner party?

At the first house, the host serves appetizers and drinks. A main course is served at the next home, and then the third house is where guests are treated to dessert and coffee. At the end of the evening, every guest is satisfied, has been on an adventure, and goes home happy.

That’s what I intended this to be. A progressive chocolate experience.

I would make my list, plan my visits, taste exquisite chocolates, then go home full of satisfaction, adventure and happiness.

Thankfully, my hubby shared the excitement (at least enough to be my driver), and off we went to chocolate shop number one.

Delysia Chocolatier

Delysia Chocolatier, up in North Austin, was first on my list. Mostly that was because we lived close by, but also because I liked the word chocolatier. I didn’t know what it really meant, but a word that looks pretty on paper is plenty of motivation for a nerdy wordy type like me. Or like moi.

As I discovered, a chocolatier is a maker of confectionery from chocolate. There’s a difference beween a chocolatier and a chocolate maker. The chocolate maker creates chocolate from the actual cacao beans. The chocolatier uses chocolate that’s been made by a chocolate maker.

How ’bout dat? I was already learning stuff on this adventure!

From their location in what looks more like an office suite than a storefront, Delysia Chocolatier is serious about the business back in the kitchen. This is the place from which Delysia’s dedicated staff makes, sells and ships absolutely delicious chocolate creations.

A Chocolate Idea

The idea for Delysia Chocolatier belongs to Nicole Patel.

When Nicole was a young mom, she made truffles for her husband to give as gifts at his workplace. Coworkers raved about how delicious they were, and then thoughts of selling them began to swirl around in Nicole’s head.

Making pretty things from chocolate was fun, it was a relief from Nicole’s high-stress engineering career, and it gave her a chance to put all her knowledge behind a business model that might actually become a huge success.

Award-Winning Truffles

Nicole’s idea became a big success, indeed. Today, Delysia Chocolatier’s claim to truffle fame is something Nicole worked very hard to achieve.

It’s that perfect first-bite snap of the casing that encloses each rich square scoop of chocolate ganache.

Truly, that may be the very thing that makes Delysia’s chocolates so delightfully memorable.

Well, that and all the pretty designs on top.

Delectable Flavors

When Mike and I went to visit Delysia Chocolatier, we tasted three chocolates from a menu that included the most delectable flavors.

There was Champagne, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Bourbon Pecan and Chocolatier’s Choice. That was a hard decision, my friends.

Of course, it only took one bite until I knew we would purchasing more than we would be tasting. Can you guess my number one pick?

Which ones would you want to try?

Savor Tasting Experiences 

Now that the company has grown and expanded, opportunities to taste Delysia’s collections are conducted as planned events with defined themes.

For instance, all during February, Savor tasting experiences include tempting titles like Aphrodite’s Delicacies and Romance in Every Bite.

Choose your experience, register and purchase a ticket online here.

And, if you’d like to savor the flavors of Delysia Chocolatier every month in the comfort of your own home, cliek here to read about Delysia’s subscription packages.

Wait till you see what all they pack in those boxes that get delivered right to your front door. What a great Valentine’s Day gift that would be!

All You Need

Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip, may have said it best: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Since we know the benefits of eating chocolate, we may feel free to eat more than just a little. Especially if each bite comes with that perfect chocolate-shell snap between your teeth. 

Are you ready to shop? Click here for lots of gift-giving inspiration. Even if the gift is for your own sweet self.

The Adventure Continues

I sure did enjoy the experience we had that cold February Saturday morning at Delysia Chocolatier. I can’t think of a better way to have started my Austin chocolate adventure.

Many thanks to Maria and the staff who made our chocolate moments in the kitchen such fun.

Now, the adventure continues. Since we have moved to Dallas, the scope of my progressive chocolate adventure has only gotten much bigger and broader.

However, I think I’ll have to pace myself so my hips don’t do the exact same thing.

But the question still begs. Where will this chocolate quest take me next?

Encouraging a life filled with everyday intentional adventure, and certainly filled with a bite or two or three of chocolate ganache,

PS: You can also find Delysia Chocolatier inside the coffee shop at Austin’s beautiful Fairmont hotel.

Here are a few other posts you might enjoy:

5 Easy Ways to Add More Adventure to Your Life

My Recommendations for Your Upscale Valentine Dinner in Austin

15 Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $15