The Chocolaterie:
Suzanne’s Chocolaterie is a Portland-based gourmet confectionary.
Suzanne’s mission has been to introduce Portland to a new chocolate experience of quality chocolate paired with intense and unique flavors. The response has been beyond anything she could have imagined! The people of Portland have been delighted with the chocolate.
The Chocolatier:
Following a life-long love of culinary arts, Suzanne Popick knew at a young age she wanted to pursue a career in the fascinating world of pastry. From the time she was a teenager she has enjoyed supplying her family with delicious cakes and pies for every occasion, from birthdays to Thanksgiving dessert.
Suzanne began her career in pastry while attending the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. In 1998 Suzanne began as AM baker at The French Horn Bakery and within a few months became the assistant pastry chef working under owner Katy Baker. It was her experience in the bakery that helped Suzanne realize her passion for pastry was leading her in a different direction then her previous college aspirations.
Suzanne’s thirst for knowledge of all things pastry grew. In 2003 she made the decision to attend the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Saint Helena, California for baking and pastry. It was there that Suzanne was first introduced to art of chocolate.
After completing her education she went to the US Virgin Islands where she served as head pastry chef at the restaurant Chloe and Bernard’s in the Westin resort at St. John’s. With this opportunity she began creating menus and chocolates to end the meals!
In 2004, Suzanne’s love for fresh produce, good wine and great food, brought her back to Napa Valley, California where she took a job at Brix restaurant as a pastry cook. Suzanne then had a chance meeting with a Cyrus Pastry Chef who was looking for an assistant to join her team when Cyrus opened.
Suzanne started on the Cyrus opening team as the assistant pastry chef bringing her passion for chocolate along. After two Suzanne was promoted to head pastry chef where she managed a core pastry team of nine assistants. At Cyrus, Suzanne’s love and passion for pastry thrived, she was written up in Napa Sonoma magazine and enjoyed teaching her pastry and chocolate techniques.
In 2008 Suzanne moved to her hometown of Portland, Oregon and Suzanne’s Chocolaterie was born. In its first 6 months of business, Suzanne’s Chocolaterie became a local staple, appearing at two farmers market locations, in addition to catering events and being featured in local shops. In the time since, Suzanne’s Chocolaterie has received accolades for its unique, robust flavors and beautiful craftsmanship. Suzanne has been featured on local television and radio interviews and has never looked back.
Recent press for the company has included a three minute segment on AM Northwest introducing Suzanne to Portland and showcasing the artisan chocolates produced and sold locally. Because of such press Suzanne’s Chocolaterie has recently become available at local gift and candy shops in the Portland area. Suzanne’s Chocolaterie is currently involved with four Farmer’s Markets and continues to welcome new opportunities to grow.
