‘Tis the season for giving, but it can be a challenge to find an original, inspiring Christmas gift for the perfect someone. Sometimes all you need is a stroll around town to uncover pretty awesome (and delicious) hidden treasures. Today, walking down Dalhousie I was drawn in by a vibrant blue sign “Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers“.

Opening their doors in September of this year, Cylie is a breath of fresh air for any chocolate lover’s palate. Co-owners Cyril Nebout and Leslie Yang (whose combined name makes up Cylie), have created a delectable collection of fine artisan chocolates and bonbons.

I was like a child in a candy store, salivating over the exquisite fine treats. I was especially drawn to their bonbons, which are made of 72% Valrhona chocolate, and filled with a rich chocolate ganache. Can anyone say mango caramel or milk chocolate ganache infused with Organic Apple Crumble tea?

What sets these bonbons apart from others (besides their taste of course), is that each one is individually decorated with cocoa butter-based paints. It takes up to three days to produce a batch of these divine edibles.

Who wouldn’t love a dark chocolate bar drizzled with bacon bits, hand dipped orange peels, or a rich cup of hot chocolate?

 

And if you’re not feeling the chocolate love, Leslie and Cyril complement their decadent chocolate bonbons with fine teas from around the world and stunning Chinese tea sets:

I have to say, it is so nice to see people truly living their dream, and not to mention, finding some great Christmas presents.