Originally Posted by
MaccaUK
I can't believe that there is even a discussion about this.
Last week I did a mystery shopping trip and visited both of their shops (amongst others) and found Leonidas to be poor (I wanted to swear) whilst Jeff de Bruges fantastic.
It appears that Leonidas is imported from Belgium and then resold, they're not fresh at all and just (to me) packaged rubbish.
But that's just my opinion - and I've jotted down my notes online.
Interesting.... and just backs up my usual decision to choose independent shops that make their own chocolates by hand. There are a couple of amazing ones in Montreal that are just treasures! But of course, they only sell via their shops and don't export.
A few of my favourites:
http://www.cocoadelices.com/
A little gem of a shop in the Plateau, displays its chocolates like jewelry. Delicate and lovely.
http://www.leschocolatsdechloe.com/
Bold and inventive. Recently relocated to Duluth, near Au Pied de Cochon. Their hot chocolate is a decadent, pure pleasure, especially in winter.
http://www.chocolatsgg.com/
More traditional in my opinion than the other two, but still unique. Their Balsamico truffle keeps me coming back. Absolutely beautiful chocolates with delicate patterns sketched on each.
I've not had the fortune to find a suitable replacement in Ottawa
