Beer & Chocolate Pairing | April 9 | 3-5 p.m. | Donner Creek Brewing, Truckee
Tickets Donner Creek Brewing on Facebook
The smell of rich dark chocolate invaded my senses. The aroma of chocolate reached me before I stepped through the door of Dorinda’s Chocolates. The Truckee chocolatier shop was a virtual candy land of deliciousness.
I attended a recent Truckee Chamber mixer with Tahoe Weekly publisher Katherine Hill, hosted by Dorinda’s Chocolates. There was a chocolate extravaganza on display. In the middle of the shop, a long table was laden with all manner of chocolates in a variety of shapes and sizes. There were trays of dark-chocolate salted caramels, bowls of chocolate-covered pretzels, plates of chocolate toffee, as well as milk chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate-covered Oreos aptly named Dori-Os.
The celebration marked the grand opening of the store in downtown Truckee, marking a return to the chocolatier’s roots. Vance started her chocolate business in Truckee in 2009 before moving operations to Reno, Nev.
I popped a dark-chocolate square with red hearts imprinted on the top. It burst with a mixture of sweet chocolate, berries and a hint of tangy balsamic.
I popped a dark-chocolate square with red hearts imprinted on the top. It burst with a mixture of sweet chocolate, berries and a hint of tangy balsamic. The rich smell of hot chocolate taunted my tastebuds. I perused the chocolate on the table. Someone I didn’t know suggested I taste the dark-chocolate salted caramel. I put one in my mouth and savored it as it melted on my tongue. Each chocolate I tasted was delicious. I loved the combination of dark chocolate and crunchy, salty pretzel.
Dorinda Vance, nicknamed The Duchess of Chocolate, chatted with guests and talked chocolate.
The shop has a gorgeous interior. The shelves are lined with beautiful chocolate gift baskets, teapots and Dorinda’s own line of loose tea.
Dorinda’s Chocolates are all handmade featuring truffles, barks, chocolate with nuts, fruits dipped in chocolate, cookies dipped in chocolate, chocolate bars and squares filled with unique and flavorful fillings.
Vance has created chocolate for every palate. She even makes vegan chocolates. The Kraken, Vance’s favorite chocolate, is a dark chocolate truffle with a hazelnut/praline biscotti crunch — another melt-in-your-mouth delight.
The family business creates beautiful gift boxes and baskets that can be custom ordered. Dorinda’s offers a monthly chocolate subscription for chocolate lovers and is the perfect gift for those who love chocolate.
Dorinda’s Chocolates is located at 10191 Donner Pass Road and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There are also three locations in Reno. | dorindaschocolates.com
