There are so many fantastic things about life. Puppy dogs, a fresh rain on a hot summer day or even an unexpected visit from an old friend. However, one of my favorite things about being alive is the millions of flavors that our chemosenses give us day in and day out when we bite into our favorite foods. No one knows this basic human need more than Karl Vivier and his wife Eva, owners of A Cacao Affair, one of Marietta’s best and most innovative chocolatiers. There is nothing better than a perfectly concocted, lovingly made, morsel of hand-crafted chocolate. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Viviers’ vision in culinary delights and artful creations.
The genesis of A Cacao Affair began when Mr. Vivier obtained inspiration from working in restaurants as a chef. “I worked in a number of trendy restaurants as a chef, and my favorite job was making versatile chocolate treats and desserts. I enjoyed experimenting with mouth-watering flavors and pairing chocolate with spices, wines, and fruits. It inspired me to focus on creating delicious and unusual combinations with chocolate,” Mr. Vivier relays.
Fast forward to 2013 and a new chocolate boutique was born. A Cacao Affair is no ordinary candy shop. It is one part confectionary genius and one part artistry. To visit their website www.acacaoaffair.com, is to be transported into a world that you may have not thought possible. Not only do the Viviers’ taunt you with espelette, hazelnut croquants and Tahitian vanilla ganache, but their creativity is limitless with expertly crafted, life-sized, chocolate footballs, women’s purses, high heel shoes, golf balls, and even cigars. Mr. Vivier states, “The inspiration comes from loving what we do and having fun with it.”
His amusement and love for baked goods is equally evident in the pastries, danishes, truffles, macarons and dipped fruit offerings that A Cacao Affair proudly presents to its patrons. Important gatherings and milestones may call for one of Mr. Vivier’s astonishing saint honores, fruit tarts, gâteau basque or a buttery galette des rois.
For seasonal delights customers can order king cakes for Mardi Gras, pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and that perfect brioche for Easter. In addition, you will never find Mr. Vivier resting on his laurels as he is always investing in innovation and is currently experimenting with various after-dinner drinks and chocolate pairings including truffles to go with whiskey, wine and more.
Patrons can also trust that what they buy from A Cacao Affair is a premium product made with the best ingredients. “We use ingredients that have real flavors, nothing that would taste bland or contain an "enhancer" to get the taste of fruit or nuts,” says Mr. Vivier.
So, step into an authentic European chocolatier and patisserie and make a delectable selection from their bountiful assortment of baked goods, premium chocolates and amusing edible creations for your gathering or just for your own enjoyment.