“San Antonio is one of the few cities in all of the United States where Latin culture, American culture and European culture is really infused in the way of living,” Aguirre said. “[The city is] a big fusion, or sisterhood, of all the folklore of the U.S., of Mexico and of the different countries that formed San Antonio society.”
The background
After Mijares attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, the couple opened their first chocolatier in their hometown of Torreón, Mexico, in 1998. However, during the heat of the summer they realized they needed to move away from just selling chocolate and toward baked goods.
“Being in the north part of Mexico and having cruel summers like San Antonio, we had to find something that’s not just chocolate, because chocolate in summer is not very sellable. Then she introduced the baking side of the concept [where] we match up good cake with good chocolate, and that's how [Délice] started,” Aguirre said.
In 2010, the couple moved to San Antonio and officially opened Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie.
What they offer
Aguirre said they serve a wide range of cakes, chocolates, pastries and candy. Top sellers include the chocolate truffle bon bon, which consists of a rich chocolate ganache infused with liquor or natural flavors, and handmade fillings, such as dulce de leche and salted caramel.
Another fan favorite is the wide selection of mini cakes. The idea for personal-sized cakes came about during the height of COVID-19 in 2020. Aguirre said mini cakes were a way for customers to enjoy freshly baked cakes while stranded at home, without breaking the bank. Due to their popularity, Délice always has around 15-16 flavors available. Flavors include carrot cake, tres leches and German chocolate cake.
Aguirre said another top seller is the French macarons, which change flavors every season.
What else?
Aguirre said the opportunity for the couple to become involved in Food Network shows occurred when a casting agent was searching for bakers. To showcase his wife’s talents, Aguirre signed her up to compete in the 2016 season of “Spring Baking Championship.”
“Out of the blue, we got a call from a casting agent looking for bakers. And then I signed up my wife, and she made a great appearance. She made it all the way to the final. She was a runner-up, and then two years later, she sent my information, I guess it was payback,” Aguirre said.
Aguirre won season four of the “Spring Baking Championship,” and the couple has appeared on multiple Food Network shows, including “Halloween Wars,” “Spring Baking Championship,” “Best Baker in America” and “Holiday Wars.” Aguirre has also been a judge on shows like “Girl Scout Cookie Championship” and “Candy Land.”
Stay tuned
Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie will celebrate the 14th anniversary at its far north central San Antonio location in June.
- 946 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. #145, San Antonio
- www.delicechocolatier.com
