16 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

 

I eat as much chocolate as the next guy, but I do not think I have EVER been in this store and it has been there for at least 18 years.

 

 

In 2016, David & Vlasta purchased the historic Birdcage Confectionery store in James Bay, built a commercial kitchen, and “Terrible Truffles” found a new home. Selling his chocolates and fresh baked goods, they have become a much-loved staple in the neighbourhood. In 2020, the Booths took over a well-loved downtown chocolate shop at 703 Fort Street, near the corner of Douglas Street, calling it "Chocolat & Co."

 

https://terribletruf.../pages/about-us

 

Meet David Booth,
the Chocolatier.

 

David Booth grew up in Victoria, BC. After attending his mother’s art classes as a child, he began to focus his artistic expression on the Culinary Arts. At the age of 14, he began working after school and on the weekends at Casey’s Bakery in Oak Bay.

 

He then enrolled in the Chef’s Training program at Spectrum Community School, where he graduated at the top of his class. After various work experiences at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Chez Daniel, The Union Club and Government House, David completed a three-year Red Seal Bakery and Pastry Arts Apprenticeship under the direction of Murchies’s chef, Daniel Vokey.

 

In 1993, David moved to Montreal, where he continued learning from veteran Lyonnaise patissier Guy Lafont. On a trip to Lyon, France, in 2000, his visit to legendary chocolatier Bernachon brought things full circle. With his unique skills with temperamental chocolate, David continues to invent ‘terribly’ delicious creations. His latest inspirations have taken him into the world of gelatos, where he is dreaming up decadent and flavourful frozen treats.

 

 

https://vibrantvicto...as/#entry125518

 

I'm also not sure I have bought anything at Purdy's since the 90's.

 

How about fudge though?

 

Good reviews here:

 

Catawampus Fudge & Funk

 

https://www.tripadvi...ouver_Isla.html

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 February 2026 - 07:04 AM.

[Hotel Mike]

If anyone reading this is a chocoholic like I am, I have a recommendation for you. I've had chocolates from many places. I used to like the Dutch best. But there is a chocolate brand, Waterbridge, a Belgian chocolatier, that's available at London Drugs and Walmart. They come in a gold-wrapped covering, and are available in a range from milk chocolate to dark, with almonds, and other options. 300 gram size at LD, 400g at Walmart. I love the milk chocolate. It's excellent.

[mbjj]

The best chocolate I ever had was in France, called Bonnat. They have bars of just plain chocolate categorized by country of origin and other things. Cook Culture sold it for a while. https://chocobar.ca/...ent=Dark 70-79%

 

We buy Purdys every Christmas for each other and some Rogers too. I like the Victoria Creams. 

[lanforod]

If anyone reading this is a chocoholic like I am, I have a recommendation for you. I've had chocolates from many places. I used to like the Dutch best. But there is a chocolate brand, Waterbridge, a Belgian chocolatier, that's available at London Drugs and Walmart. They come in a gold-wrapped covering, and are available in a range from milk chocolate to dark, with almonds, and other options. 300 gram size at LD, 400g at Walmart. I love the milk chocolate. It's excellent.

 

It was an absolute steal when you could get those from Walmart for $4 a bar! I miss those days.

[Matt R.]

Waterbridge is usually cheap and low quality, glad to see the chocolate is decent!

One of the crew had a soccer fundraiser or something for their kids this year so everyone got Purdy’s at Christmas, still excellent quality. Roger’s too. Sirene is another fabulous Victoria product, available at higher end shops like Mincey’s Chocolate Project, or of course out of the humidity controlled cooler at the Market Garden. I think Sirene is connected to the owner at Market Garden for some reason.

Best chocolate I’ve ever had was at Lydgate Farms on Kauai. Hands down.

We will be in Africa for a month this summer, and am looking forward to the coffee and chocolate tastings!

[Victoria Watcher]

I just ordered in some mini chocolate bars for a gift basket I'm working on.

 

Suddenly no normal size bars have the old foil folded wrap with paper sleeve anymore.   And now AI tells me it has been that way for decades.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 February 2026 - 10:27 AM.

[Matt R.]

That is interesting. One of our excellent local chocolatiers recently switched from a paper sleeve over foil, a beautiful value add, to cardboard boxes. Nice design still, but the ‘premium’ feel isn’t the same.

These are also truly excellent quality, pricey too. If you see them you should buy one.

https://saltspringchocolate.ca/

[lanforod]

Purdy's is great, but its SO expensive!

[Tony]

Sirene Chocolate 

 

A high quality local company with prices to match.

[Matt R.]

Wholesale chocolate prices are nuts. Some of our broadline distributors aren’t even stocking white chocolate anymore, it’s so expensive no one will buy it. Upwards of $30 a kilo.

Pure chocolate isn’t far behind that amount.

[lanforod]

White chocolate isn't chocolate anyway.

[Matt R.]

Oh no, what is it?

[Victoria Watcher]

An imposter.

[Matt R.]

It’s definitely expensive. I don’t love it, but the good stuff is good. Market Garden sells these white chocolate passion fruit wafers that are really good.

[lanforod]

It has no cocoa in it! It aint chocolate. Just cocoa butter and sugar.

[Matt R.]

You’re outta the will!

[lanforod]

I'll bring you some nice 70% dark. Cause I'm nice.