Agoura's Sweet Retreat

Every Monday evening, locals gather at a Kanan Road shop tucked between Agoura Cleaners and Pool 'N' Spa Emporium to travel the world in chocolate.

Tifa Chocolate features more than 100 gourmet bars from such countries as France, Italy and Madagascar. Made from 40-to-100 percent cacao, flavors include cayenne pepper, bacon, ginger and sea salt.  Homemade bonbon chocolates are also on the menu.

But the 2-year-old shop is best known for its sipping chocolate. Made to order with a choice of 25 flavors, such as mint, honey lavender and peanut butter, Tifa's beverage is served hot in small glasses. 

Tifa's owner and chocolatier is Denise Orr. She says her father, a French private pilot, used to bring home chocolates for his children after traveling abroad. But it may have been her culinary grandparents' savory dishes that first piqued her passion. 

To complement a glass ($3.75), Denise and her daughter Candice serve up to 12 types of gelato ($3.50) daily.  Coffee, mango, blackberry, cabernet, ginger and honey lavender are among the flavors offered.

The Orrs regale their tasting party guests with details on the soil and climate of the regions where cacao trees are grown and attunes them to the subtle aromas and flavors of each sample. A spoonful of lemon sorbet, a bite of a wafer and a sip of water serve as a palate cleanser between tastings. 

A tasting party kit ($50) available for purchase serves 16 people and includes seven chocolate bars from world-class makers, cards describing the taste profile of each chocolate, instructions on conducting a chocolate tasting, and 16 scorecards and pencils. 

It's no secret that the Orrs provide Agoura Hills with some of the best chocolate in the world. Patrons leave with a smile and keep coming back.

For more information, to book a group or a seat at the next available chocolate tasting, call Tifa at 818-879-0685 or check out www.tifachocolate.com.

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