Photo by David Weaver
Photo by David WeaverSweets include scientific flair
Nicole Patel, owner of Delysia Chocolatier, has an uncommon background for a confectioner: engineering.
Patel applies her technical background to perfecting her sweet treat designs at Delysia Chocolatier, which moved to Windy Terrace in Cedar Park more than a year ago.
"Chocolate just seems to come naturally. I don't know why," Patel said. "It's kind of like the design of experiments that I took in statistics class. You vary these variables and see if it works."
Patel started making truffles as a treat for holiday parties and family gatherings, and as the demand kept growing she decided to open her own business six years ago.
The name Delysia is a spin on the Latin word for delicious, delicia, Patel said, adding that Delysia is also a female name in the South.
"[The name is] meant to be inviting but also very sophisticated," she said. "We tell people we're kind of the Tiffany's of chocolate."
At Delysia customers can find traditional truffle flavors, such as raspberry and caramel, and also those that Patel calls the more unique flavors, which include Citrus Beet, Black Garlic and Candy Cap Mushroom.
"We push the envelope of what you can do with chocolate, which I find exciting because it kind of gets boring to make the same thing all the time," she said.
One of Patel's first chocolate recipes was in collaboration with Becker Vineyards, she said. The Salt Lick and Tito's Handmade Vodka also sell her products.
Nichole Bendele, tasting room coordinator at Becker Vineyards, said the winery carries Delysia's wine collection of truffles, which has the vineyard's wine mixed into the ganoche. For Tito's Vodka, Patel created a limited-edition bloody mary truffle, which combines chocolate with tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, celery salt and vodka.
Although Patel said her ability to pair different flavors with chocolate is part of her natural knack, she plans to help others understand chocolate better through classes.
"We'll start with the Chocolate 101 and then go on to the more personal, hands-on classes," she said. "The plan is to always have some sort of experience people can enjoy beyond their little red box of chocolate."
Sweet treat specialties
Delysia makes its treats in a traditional Parisian fashion, meaning it only uses chocolate, cream and natural ingredients. A Mother's Day collection will be available at Delysia Chocolatier, which will include flavors such as Becker Vineyards' lavender, white chocolate and Rose Tea. Delysia chocolates are available for purchase on the website.
Owner Nicole Patel plans to offer chocolate-making classes. Although dates have not yet been set, information will soon be available on the website. Additionally, customers are welcome to visit Delysia's location in Cedar Park but are encouraged to call ahead of time.
Chocolate cost
$20 to $27 for a nine-piece box; $5 to $20 for chocolate bark, depending on size; $8 to $70 for molded chocolate
Delysia Chocolatier, 2000 Windy Terrace, Ste. 2C, Cedar Park, 512-413-4701, www.delysia.com, Hours vary; call Delysia for more information
