inthekitchen
sweet
dreams
Chocolatier Helen Staines has transformed
what was once a sweet hobby into a
fl ourishing business and art form.
by Teena Legris
Popping into the Sherbrook Street chocolate shop Decadence
Chocolates is a delight for the senses. The heady aroma of freshly baked
chocolate chunk cookies drifts through the air as loyal chocoletes
browse shelves of colourful cacao creations, happily picking up a freshly
brewed cup of coffee and a selection of bite-sized confections to go.
Hard at work in an open kitchen is owner and top-notch chocolatier
Helen Staines, who has established well-earned popularity substantiated
by a steady career of hospitality and event management in various
kitchens, restaurants, pubs, hotels and cruise ships.
The pursuit of Decadence is a serendipitous story that began in 2001.
With no set plans for employment, Helen decided to journey from
Yorkshire, England to Vancouver, BC. A stopover in Winnipeg on her
way to the west coast brought about a sudden change of plans as the
British émigré instinctively knew she belonged in Winnipeg.
“There was something special about this city,” says Helen. “and I just
felt like planting my feet here.”
Eight years later, she discovered that handcrafting delightful sweet
treats as Christmas gifts for close friends and family, became a source of
great joy. Yet despite an enthusiastic approach, she admits they “tasted
very good - but unfortunately, looked horribly ugly.”
To increase her knowledge of all things chocolate, she enrolled in
Ecole Chocolat’s online course in 2010 to study the history, the handling
process, and decorating techniques. The first of many studies, she
continued refi ning her craft in the essential technical art of bon bons -
14
ciao! / apr/may / two thousand eighteen