By Aldyn Chwelos
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there is no treat as quintessential to the romantic season
as chocolate.
“It evokes this kind of passion in people,” says David Booth, owner and chocolatier of Terrible Truffles. “There’s an actual enzyme in chocolate that is the same as the one that’s produced in your body when you fall in love.”
Booth, who studied the art of French pastry in Montreal, opened Terrible Truffles after guests raved about the chocolates he served at a family-run bed and breakfast. He and his wife Vlasta bought the historic Birdcage Confectionery on Government Street in 2016, and last year Terrible Truffles joined a collective of chocolate makers to open Chocolat & Co. on Fort Street, a dedicated chocolate shop.
Now Booth crafts a variety of truffles (including flavours such as fleur de sel and noisette) and other chocolatey desserts for both locations, constantly trying out new ideas.
“The thing with chocolate is, there are endless possibilities and combinations,” he says. “We’ve been playing around with all kinds of flavours. I’m excited for all the things I haven’t tried yet.”
His favourite part of the job is introducing new customers to the wonder of artisanal chocolate. “Everyone’s tasted chocolate, but when you taste really good quality and freshness … I love seeing that experience.”
It’s this kind of magic that inspired their tongue-in-cheek name: Terrible Truffles.
“The dictionary definition of the word ‘terrible’ is not necessarily a bad thing,” says Booth. “It’s something that creates awe or excitement.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Unconditional love.
What is your greatest fear? Hurting someone.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Indifference.
What is your greatest extravagance? Whisky and the occasional cigar.
Which living person do you most admire? Why? Nav Bhatia (Superfan). After immigrating from India, struggling to find work in Canada and facing discrimination to becoming the number 1 fan of the Toronto Raptors, Nav has become an ambassador of hope and love for so many people. Check out: superfandoc.com.
What is your current state of mind? Grateful.
Which word or phrase do you most overuse? “Yes.”
Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My wife of 28 years, Vlasta.
Which talent would you most like to have? Why? Play tennis, travel the world.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My children know they are loved.
What do you most value in your friends? Patience.
What is your most treasured possession? Chocolate.