I noticed there seems to be a lot of chocolate shops in Vancouver. I would like to brings some home as gifts...does anyone know which one to choose? I liked Purdy's website, but someone on Chowhound told me it tasted too much like Hershey's

I wanted to ask you guys (I appreciate the ChowHound gang...but some of them can be food snobs - and we all have different taste buds)

Purdy's doesn't taste like Hershey's at all.

I sometimes frequent Chowhounds too, and typically I find their responses cater to the highest-end gourmet tastes... which is fine and well. But unless you're looking for food-snob approved chocolate, Purdy's would be great. It's still the chocolate, I, my family, and my friends... give (and receive - quite happily, I might add), as gifts.

Purdy's is a Vancouver institution... so if you're looking for real Vancouver chocolate - that's where you go. They started as a Vancouver company in the early 1900's. It's the local favourite. Most other chocolate shops in Vancouver aren't actually Vancouver companies.

If you're looking for exquisite, expensive, incredibly rich, European-style Belgian chocolate truffles - you do not go to Purdy's. You go to Bernard Callebaut, which is actually a Calgary company.

But Purdy's is definitely a step above Hershey's, and it makes for great gifts. It's affordable, delicious... and they generally have a great selection, especially the packaged gifts. Go with Purdy's... you really can't go wrong.

Purdy's is very very ordinary stuff-if that suits you fine.

The advice as given on Chowhound "Sen5es in the Hotel Georgia (downtown) - Thomas Haas is amazing - with Over the Moon & Chocolate Arts (both in Kits) coming second & third, respectively" is IMO dead on.

Note there is no mention of Callebaut-a Belgian who now lives/works and produces his rather Purdy-like product in Alberta.

Like anywhere else there's all kinds of MOR choices here-but why come all the way here to travel the middle of the road?

Ok...please don't get upset! I just wanted a second opinion (geesh-LOL!) Since you KNOW about my post on Chowhounds you will know I said I've been to Belgium. I always bring chocolates home for my mom who LOVES them-but I'm not going to Belgium this year...
Maybe I will just bring a sampling from each place =)(I will try Purdy's myself first and see how I like it)

Are there any more recommendations?

Who exactly are the Chowhounds?

I just returned from Vancouver and brought Purdy's as gifts and every one loved them. I wanted something specifically from Vancouver and they were perfect...very good.
However, having said that, Bernard Callebaut truffles are excellent! I treat myself once in awhile. They are very rich and expensive.
If your mom likes Belgian chocolate, I'd bring her some of each. And I agree, you should try different ones. Mmmm, think of the fun you'll have!! Enjoy!

There is an ice cream store in the Beaches (neighbourhood in Toronto) that has Callebaut chocolate. They also sell a really decadent treat - oreo cookies dipped in Callebaut chocolate. I don't normally like oreo cookies, but believe me, they are much nicer dipped in dark Callebaut!

So what kind of price range is there on the Purdy's chocolates? I'm going to be in Vancouver in about 2 weeks time and chocolates sound great for a treat to bring home for family and friends.

The Purdy website is http://www.purdys.com This is an online catalogue for Canada only (and you can only buy pre-boxed...but it will give you an idea of what they have. (In their store you can buy by the piece.

For those of you who wanted to know what ChowHound is http://www.chowhound.com It is where people with gourmet taste reccomend or dis restaurants. The website is broken down into regions.

I wish I was going to Vancouver tomorrow!! I am in the mood for chocolate!!

Hi SusanInToronto, do you recall the name (or approximate location) of the ice cream store in the Beach that sells Callebaut?

PLJ, I don't know if you are close to Oakville, but there is a Bernard Callebaut store on Lakeshore right in downtown Oakville. Worth the trip!!!

In my opinion to compare Purdy's chocolate to Bernard Callebaut is like comparing apples to oranges. I go to Purdy's when I want something fairly mainstream and when there are children. But if I want to impress then a stop at Callebaut is a must.

If you are looking to take back something truely Canadian then ask for their "Canadian Truffle" made with a hint of maple syrup, or the intricately preparred ginger chocolate, or they will often have a seasonal chocolate like raspberry or blackberry.

In Vancouver there is a shop on South Granville around West 13th. If you love chocolate and want to give it as a gift the Callebaut is the place to go.

The website is.
www.bernardcallebaut.com

Not to sound mean (or worse), but can we please keep this thread about Chocolate in VANCOUVER. I get easily confused, it it would just make it easier on me

Hi FromAtlanta, my apologies for contributing to the confusion.

My favourite chocolates to bring back from Vancouver are actually made in Victoria- Rogers Chocolates. Originally they were only available in a few places in Vancouver, I had to go to the Hotel Vancouver to pick them up. But now they are available at more locations and at the Airport. They are amazing and everyone loves them.