The Chocolate Atelier


The Chocolate Atelier was begun late in 2003 in the kitchens of Bobby Strickland and Don Schoner. Growing bored with baking, they decided to take on something with more challenge: chocolate. Don had previously been in the food service industry for more than 15 years and Bobby had been an avid fan of television food shows and had always wanted to work in a restaurant. As an experiment they made some basic chocolate truffles one Saturday afternoon. Don suggested adding almond to the recipe for a variety. Bobby took the ball and ran with it. Soon they had created over 30 different varieties of truffles, some of which were inspired by other desserts such as Bananas Foster, Crème Brulee, and Italian Spumoni. But more than just chocolates Bobby and Don tried to create something unique…truffles that have the fewest preservatives possible…truffles with an unexpected punch of flavor…truffles that demand to be noticed. In doing this they created a break from the ordinary. Enjoying a truffle is a simple, inexpensive way of getting away for just a minute. Since the ancient Mayan kings chocolate has been considered a delicacy; today it is no less a luxurious treat.


Of special note are Gwendolyns and Aztec Truffles. Gwendolyns were created for and named in honor of a friend’s 16th birthday. These sweet treats are a raspberry & strawberry mixture marbled with a fudge ribbon and dipped in pink chocolate. The Aztec Truffles hearken back to the days before Western culture added sugar to chocolate. Cayenne pepper, chili pepper, and cinnamon are added to the truffles to create a taste that is just as rich as you’d expect, but not quite as sweet. The flavors of this popular truffle come at you in waves. Today the chocolate menu boasts between 30 and 40 different varieties depending on the time of the year. The Holiday menu features Pumpkin Spice Truffles, Eggnog Truffles, and Candy Cane Truffles. The summer menu has flavors such as Lemon Ice Box Pie Truffles, Rainbow Sherbet Truffles, and Key Lime Truffles. These two self-taught chocolatiers still make all the truffles in small batches and completely by hand. Whether your tastes are traditional, adventurous, or exotic, The Chocolate Atelier has a truffle you’ll love, including some truffles made with only white chocolate.