By: Marilee Reyes | February 11 2011
Posted in Eugene - Find It - Eugene

Photo by: Marilee Reyes

Untold numbers of followers of Euphoria Chocolate Company (2,250 on FaceBook alone) can thank Robert Bury’s sweet tooth for their regular chocolate fix. Bury, the founder of the Eugene-based company, says he started the business 30 years ago in a borrowed restaurant kitchen to support his chocolate habit. That “addiction”, a degree in economics, “the Golden Rule of Retail”, and a stern determination to use only the best ingredients has been his recipe for success.

“My mom baked a lot, and my grandmother was in the confection business in San Francisco for 30 years,” he explains. When he finally decided to follow suit, he had to convince a chocolate supplier to sell him the initial 200 pounds of chocolate. “They usually didn’t sell anything less than 500 pounds, but we knew if it didn’t sell we’d have to eat it all.” Obviously, there was no need to worry.

Last year, Euphoria used 200,000 pounds of chocolate to create everything from their classic truffles to seasonal novelties and recently added chocolate sauces. The business now has four local stores in Eugene, and their product line is available in upscale gourmet shops in both Oregon and Washington, including area Market of Choice stores, several New Seasons stores in Portland, the Made in Oregon chain, and an online store.

Milk chocolate being piped into a mold.

The finished heart-shaped boxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their products are made in the hand-dipped European-style, and Bury says their prices are very reasonable when compared to other high-end chocolate companies. Their chocolates have been acclaimed by Chocolatier and Success, and honored with inclusion in gourmet guides like “Food Finds” and “The Chocolate Lover’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest”.

Their signature item, the classic truffle, is made fresh daily with local cream and a chocolate that Bury has been buying from a Vermont company for years. The creamy ganache centers are the base for a variety of flavors that include Oregon-grown hazelnuts, local wines, berries, and mint. Bury refers to their newest editions as an “homage to the Spice Trades” - made with both traditional spices and exotic flavors like cardamom and chipotle chili.

Tempered milk chocolate in a warming kettle.

Bury describes the chipotle chili truffle like a sommelier with a fine wine: first comes the rich chocolate shell (or couverture), which has extra cocoa butter that has been tempered to give the chocolate a firm snap and rich flavor. Then there is the creamy filling. Next comes the chili -- not too hot, just enough to add flavor -- and last, you taste the unique smokiness of the chipotle. He says the new line has been well received, and is quickly becoming one of their top sellers, which confirms that his decision 30 years ago to find a way to support his own chocolate habit was a good one!

 

Euphoria Chocolate Company has four locations in Eugene: 6 W. 17th Avenue, 4090 Stewart Road, Oakway Center, and Valley River Center. If you don't live close to any of them, you can also buy their melt-in-your-mouth truffles online.

 

Indulge in more sweet treats:

 

Sugar Up Your Valentine at Portland Sweet Shops 

Pie: The New Cupcake in Seattle

CSI--That's Ice Cream--at Alma Chocolates

 

 

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