HIGH FIVE! Chez Christophe celebrates five years in Burnaby Heights

Jess Bonzon first stepped foot in Burnaby Heights five years ago, they knew it was the right neighbourhood to grow their new Canadian roots and build their new business. Since then, Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie (4717 Hastings Street) has grown to be a destination for award-winning artisanal chocolates and creative viennoiseries. To celebrate half a decade, Christophe travelled to France to create his own custom chocolate, launching in the form of chocolate bars this month.

“The support we have received in the past five years has been incredible,” says Christophe, who first arrived in Vancouver more than seven years ago from Switzerland. “We have moved from a tiny shop to our current much larger space with a patio. We have been able to expand our offerings to include soups and sandwiches and develop our coffee program, but at the same time, keeping up with the creativity and ingenuity our customers have come to know. And, many of our customers we know by name. We love this tight knit community.”

This past winter, Christophe visited the headquarters of Cacao Barry in Paris to participate in the custom chocolate program, Or Noir. Only a handful of Vancouver chefs have done this in the past and Christophe is the first in Burnaby. Christophe tasted a variety of chocolate and tried a dozen combinations before coming up with two blends, “Yverdon” after his hometown, and “Montreux” where he learned his craft. He launches the exclusive new chocolate in the form of chocolate bars this month.

“Chocolate will always be my biggest and number one canvas,” adds Christophe, who in 2015 won four out of five categories at the World Chocolate Masters Canadian Final. “When I invent with chocolate, I feel the options are limitless. Anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it. And, creating my own chocolate is definitely a highlight of my career as a chocolatier.”

The limited edition anniversary bars are now available. The 63.6% Montreux is a balanced dark chocolate with a hint of smokiness, originating from Madagascar, Ecuador and Papuasie. The 70.4% Yverdon has a bold cocoa flavour with fruity notes, originating from Santo Domingo, and Peru.

Chez Christophe has also launched five other new chocolate bars – 34% Blanc, 35% Blanc Caramel, 42% Pure Lait, 60% Noir Brut, and 70% Noir Intense. All chocolate bars are priced at $7.95.

Chez Christophe has also undergone a brand refresh, courtesy of local agency Arithmetic Creative, as well as an updated website with online shopping capabilities.

For more information, please visit www.chez-christophe.ca.

About Chez Christophe
In 2013, award-winning pastry chef, chocolatier, and Cacao Barry Ambassador Christophe Bonzon opened Chez Christophe Chocolaterie and Patisserie with his wife Jess Bonzon in the bustling Burnaby Heights neighbourhood. Bringing a bit of Swiss flair to Canada, their collection of fine handmade chocolates ranges from artistic chocolate sculptures, creative truffle flavours to signature chocolate bars, and seasonal favourites. Customers can also find an array of macarons, viennoiserie, desserts, and cakes at Chez Christophe. Due to overwhelming support, the pair moved to a larger location in 2016 with more seating, an outdoor patio, and an expanded menu with sandwiches.