It's Not Chocolate, It's Chocolate Silk

Becki Tyner, owner of Chocolate Architect owner describes her chocolate as something you have never tasted before. “It’s exactly the opposite of fudge, it’s the anti-fudge; it’s moist and not dry,” said Tyner. “It’s melt-in-your-mouth smooth and not gritty.”

The Chocolate Architect offers 30 flavors of chocolate silk, with a changing seasonal menu. The Madison Ave. location opened up in November 2008, but the chocolate silk has been selling online for the past nine years.

Before her chocolate business, Becki was a local architect. She doesn't even consider herself a chocoholic. When she was younger her favorite toys were the Erector Sets and Lincoln Logs as opposed to something like an Easy Bake Oven.

She calls herself a ‘foodie’ and likes to bake in the kitchen. For the holidays, she would give her architectural clients home made chocolate as gifts. Her chocolate was unique and after getting an expert’s advice she proceeded to not only build a business, but also design it.

She still has her architect license, but she claims to have two feet in chocolate these days, figuratively speaking, of course.

This Valentines Day, locals and large businesses have been big customers for the delectably smooth chocolate. Tyner has a few Valentines at home, but they will not necessarily be asking for chocolate silk. 

Chocolate Architect delivered more than 150 boxes and 50 flavors of chocolate to Le Rivage Hotel; they are now the chocolatier for the hotel. Joan Jones, concierge for Le Rivage Hotel speaks highly of Becki’s chocolates.

“We ordered quite a bit from the Chocolate Architect, we use her all year round for our romance packages," said Jones. “For Valentine’s Day we ordered a different type, because we have a special Valentine’s package.”

Shari, owner of Shari's Berries is a mentor and close friend to Becki. She explained Shari gave her expert advice nine years ago when Becki wanted to pursue her chocolate business.

“She loves our chocolate and endorses it,” Tyner said.

The future business plans are to grow in the wedding industry market and corporate market. Whole Foods Market has already showed an interest in bringing Becki's chocolate silk into stores.

Chocolate Architect is involved with community fundraisers for high schools and the local Pathway Church. Since Becky is a member of the Blue Star Moms, she packages food and personal items for the troops in Iraq, including her chocolate silk.

For more than two years, Ellie Ramsey, owner of Blossoms and Treasures in Roseville has been partnering with Chocolate Architect, adding their chocolate silk to their specialty gift baskets.

“My customers rave about their chocolate,” said Ramsey. “I have one customer in particular who wants all Northern California products, so her chocolate works perfectly in those baskets.”

“We are a fresh, local product,” said Tyner. “There are no added preservatives and no trans fats, including sugar free chocolate; it’s about as good as chocolate can get for you.”

Becki loves nuts in her chocolate and her personal favorite is the plain dark chocolate with roasted pecan. 

“It’s like a fine wine,” Tyner said.

Chocolate silk is the alternative option to other chocolate gifts for your Valentine this holiday.