A519 Chocolate

We (my steady Betty (hereafter "SB" and I) attended a chocolate truffle-making class here. It was held at their Millvale location, which is not a storefront, per se, but where the chocolates are made. This is an odd sort of review, because the only chocolates I've eaten from here were the ones she tutored us to create. And...well...they were magnificent. So rewinding a bit...I was looking for gift idea for SB. A friend at work pointed me to a link to a listicle or PG article about a chocolate making class. I'd never heard of it before. Completely in the weeds. When I went to A519's webpage, it was not intuitively obvious to me where I could go to sign up. BUT...it's listed under "products"...https://shop.a519chocolate.com/products/private-truffle-making-classThere...I made a link for you. If you love chocolate, or you love someone who loves chocolate, this class was really fantastic. It broke down a bit like this...(2 hours)1) Introductions/qualifications/backstory (5 minutes)2) Presentation about cacao to chocolate...bean to bar. Terminology, taste, geography (10-15 minutes)3) Tasting...taste various types of "raw materials" used to make chocolate truffles, white chocolate, dulce, milk chocolate, various percentages of dark chocolate up to 85% (20 - 30 minutes)4) Making chocolates (the remainder)Informative, entertaining, delicious, and satisfying. It's a working kitchen, but doesn't take up a ton of space, so a six person class can be a bit cramped, but not uncomfortably so. There was plenty of space for each couple to follow instructions and hands-on. We first decorated molds using cocoa butter sprinkles (a la Jackson Pollock), then painted with an air brush, then made ganache and tempered chocolate and poured and scraped, cooled and broke molds, each couple taking home 24 BEAUTIFUL truffles. SB likes 'experience gifts', and this one was a great experience for us both. And the truffles WE made were amazing, so I can't imagine how good the ones Amanda (owner/chef) produces would be. Strongly encourage (think: valentine's day gift).

I have been to events where A519 handmade from scratch chocolates were featured and they are by far the best chocolates I ever tasted in Pittsburgh. They recently opened a pop up shop in central Lawrenceville which will be open through Feb 2018.When I arrived I met Amanda Wright's husband who is in charge of the shop. Chocolate truffles come in different size boxes and are very expensive. You can still order from Amanda either on-line or call her shop where she produces them if you are unable to come out.Boxes range anywhere from two to a box for $4.00 to about fifteen in a box for $30.00. Although they are grouped by category such as caramels, you are permitted to mix and match to your liking.I decided to opt for a champagne filled truffle and a dark chocolate one. They were box very nicely and I ate them when I got home. Believe me as always they are to die for! These chocolates are to be savored. Wine pairing also helps you enjoy the flavors better.I don't mind have to shelve out a little extra cash when I know something is extra special and believe me I have never been disappointed in any or their high end chocolates.If you are able to get to central Lawrenceville during the holiday season this place is a must if you want to get some of the best candy in the city.Amanda can also custom design a box using sports teams or beautiful art. This makes a great gift for someone who is indeed a chocolate lover.

Oh how I love these chocolates! If I could give them more stars I would. First of all, they are beautiful. Each one is perfectly shaped and carefully decorated to perfection. Then upon biting into one, the inside is perfectly filled as well. Some are layered with multiple layers of goodness, and some are filled with one delectable taste. Don't worry there is always a key on the back of the box so you know exactly what flavors you are in for. The inventive flavor combinations are so fun too! They are not always your typical standard flavors and the selections you find in stores luckily change with the season so there is always something new to try. A great gift for a chocolate loving friend or a great gift for yourself on any day of the week really!

Do yourself a favor and anywhere you see these chocolates sold, buy them immediately. Yeah, they might look too pretty to eat, but one bite and you won't feel sad! I love getting these truffles as gifts because they're so beautiful and they are made locally. So if you really want to impress someone, this is what you should get them!The main place I go to buy them is Mon Aimee Chocolates in the Strip. They usually always have two different sizes. I'm a big fan of the salted caramel and s'mores. I know they often switch up flavors to go with the seasons, so I'm sure there's a flavor out there everyone can get down with. You can also order online if you can't find a local retailer. Easy and delicious!

Had these chocolates at a wedding I shot this past year. Literally works of art and they taste AMAZING! Just ordered some off her website and I cannot wait for them to arrive. I had no idea chocolates could be so beautiful and taste amazing at the same time!

Thank you so much for the beautiful and delicious custom chocolates for our wedding. We had a wonderful experience in designing chocolates to match our wedding colors and our favorite flavors. SO well priced. Highly recommend!

Wow! The truffles are amazing! And so pretty! They are almost too pretty to eat, but give in to the temptation! I tasted some at the Piatt Sotheby's Sewickley private opening party and couldn't get enough! The atypical flavors will blow your mind and tastebuds. I can't wait to stop in the L'ville shop to get more!