What would you do if you owned a chocolate factory?
It’s the early 90’s and John Down finds himself creating the most delicious, indulgent chocolates for the likes of Martha Stewart, Hermes, and Jimmy Choo. Traveling around the world, showcasing his exclusive chocolates—beautifully adorned with his own artistic creations; he does all this while running a 4,000 square foot chocolate factory located next to the New York Stock Exchange. Adept at creating bold and bright flavour combinations, John added his artwork and ushered in a modern take on the traditional world of confectioneries.
Down attended the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design) with the sole purpose of making it in the New York art scene. At one of his early shows, he decided that he would make chocolates for the guests. His art was an outstanding success, but everyone was also raving about how amazing his chocolates were. Thus began Christopher Norman Chocolates (his middle names).
John’s chocolates magically transport the eater into a world of pleasure. What are the signs of a well-crafted chocolate? A beautiful, glossy surface, the crisp snap of perfectly tempered chocolate, and the smooth, creamy mouth feel. Inside, the rich, bright flavours of the fillings create a sensual delight for your taste buds, coating each with the heavenly experience of someone who cares deeply about creating an exceptional product.
After 23 years of New York intensity, John decided to come back home and put down roots on the Sunshine Coast. He traded his hectic life in New York for something quiet and serene. He is grateful for the appreciation and support he has found on the Coast over the past seven years.
Enchanted by the magic of his new home, John continues to take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Decadent bars and filled chocolates boast flavour combinations such as “ooh-la-lime” citrus caramel, wild berry, coconut curry, and salted caramel with punchy flakes of Vancouver Island Sea Salt scattered on top. Easter specialties include hand-crafted eggs, detailed with modern art line drawings, and boxes of filled chocolates with John’s own bunny art on the treats and the box cover. Of course, there are also chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs with a surprise inside, and you can even find his bunny art hopping across homemade marshmallows.
Big or small, Christopher Norman Chocolates are pure delight.
