Evolution Artisan Confections

Amazing chocolates! I found out about this shop on Unilocal actually, and after reading all the positive reviews decided to buy a box for Valentines Day for myself and my hubby. Wow the chocolates are amazing. So many different, unique flavored and very reasonably priced. The chocolates are beautiful, like little pieces of art. The lady who was working that day was one of the owners and was so friendly and very knowledgable about the chocolates. Will definitely return to try more… Although I was surprised. Not a white chocolate fan but the passion fruit… So good! And their turtles are to die for. Will definitely return regardless of what the scale says haha :)

THE BEST.
Just a disclaimer– if you are looking for a bakery with powdered donuts and chocolate long johns, this is not the place. You are in for an even bigger treat.
My sister and I first met Richard not long after he opened in the Summer of 2014. She had heard about Evolution Artisan Confections through a co-​worker, and all they would say is that you have to stop in. And take a friend.
So we went before one of our Top Chef viewing nights and were lucky enough to meet both Richard, owner and executive creator, and his wife, Susie. We came when we were the only ones in the shop, and that was just so extremely fortunate for us. We learned about his culinary history and his time in Chicago and how they made their way to back to Valparaiso. Incredible story.
Then we purchased an assortment of their many bon bons and other treats– I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve purchased. It’s all incredible, creative and thoughtful. I would encourage the first time guest to venture out of their comfort zone and try something they may not be familiar with– those ended up being my favorites.
You can purchase custom cakes here– we bought one for my mom’s birthday– its beauty and deliciousness are unparalleled. The hardest part was not wanting to disturb its natural shape; once we did though, easily one of the most fantastic cakes I have ever eaten.
I love this place and look forward to returning very soon.

The finest patisserie and chocolatier in Northwest Indiana.

Amazing Chocolate and Delicious Treats!
I stop in often to pick up a beautiful box for my clients and celebrations, but I never walk out without a few for myself. The best ingredients, amazing culinary combinations, and perfect presentation, as well as the great discussion and eating advice Richard always share make me anticipate my next visit before I leave the store. Valparaiso is lucky to have this gem!

Beautiful, perfect and unique chocolates with an award winning presentation that is out of this world. Buy some for yourself as an indulgence or share with friends. You can’t go wrong here. Love their beautiful packaging and display. All of the tarts look divine. I can’t wait to return. Just a wonderful local business that makes the most impressive creations around.

I love this place. The chocolates look too pretty to eat. You can tell how much thought and hard work go into every single thing made there. I like to buy the boxes of chocolate for gifts for people and they are always impressed.

Unfortunately the word artisan has been overused by aspiring crafts people for the last decade or more, but it’s well deserved at Evolution Artisan Confections, Richard is truly a master. He loves what he does, and it shows in his product and his enthusiasm. All the different chocolates (in many forms), entremets & other desserts, real macarons (nothing like macarOOns) and other items are little works of art — and they taste even better than they look. There’s something for any palate there too, from milk chocolate caramels to some very exotic & original flavor combinations, and many, many choices in between.
We’ve been fortunate to have sampled many of the world’s best chocolates (visited many too) and Evolution could easily compete in Chicago or anywhere else. But you’d pay double or more at any upscale/​boutique Chicago or other big city chocolate shop. Tremendous value for the products they offer.
My biggest question is how did a wonderful shop like this land in Valparaiso? An unexpected gem!

One thing that I need to confess… I’m not big into chocolate like some people. However, I have an appreciation for good chocolate when I taste it (I prefer dark to milk chocolate). That said, Evolution Artisan is simply amazing. I tried the Tequila Lime chocolate and here’s my conclusion… they have taken chocolate making to an art level. Each chocolate seems to have been made with great care not only for presentation but in pairing tastes. The one I tried was so incredible so I had to pick up some for my wife.
I remember visiting a chocolate exhibit in a San Diego museum. What started with the Aztecs quickly became a prized possession for the European wealthy. Evolution Artisan actually helps us appreciate chocolate for what it truly is — a prized possession not just available to the wealthy but actually for everyone. I, for one, am thrilled they landed in Valparaiso and intend to accompany my wife when she’s on a chocolate rampage!

This place is absolutely fantastic.
I went in a few weeks ago for the first time and noticed that just the appearance alone of the chocolates and desserts were just so elegant and neat! I was so excited to try them. Richard, the owner, was working behind the counter and described each and every dessert to me. The care and love that he puts into his creations is amazing. He pays so much attention the all of the small little details of desserts and making them better. For him, it truly is an art.
I tried lots of different chocolates and treats from him since then and have never been disappointed! My absolute favorite is Glass of Wine. It’s a chocolate he makes with wine inside – just amazing! Hands down the best chocolate I’ve ever had in my life.
Some other favorites are the tarts with Pear and berries. I don’t even usually eat berries, but this tart was amazing! The apple caramel bon bons are also delicious! I want to try his S’mores creation next! What I love about coming here is that Richard treats every single customer like family. He will most definitely treat you like a neighbor and a human being and not just a customer or a number. :)
Props to Evolution! And I hope they have many more great years ahead of them!

Prepare to be amazed! Chocolate shop or candy store doesn’t even come close to describing this fine establishment. Evolution Artisan Confections has the finest chocolates and pastries I’ve ever had in my life. They are, by far, the best you’ll find in the area.
My mom and I were out and about one day and I suggested we stop in and see what this place was all about. I could see the display cases full of delicious looking little chocolates before we even got in the door. Being the lover of fine chocolates that I am, I was grinning from ear to ear like a child on Christmas morning. When we walked in, we were greeted by a very friendly lady who happened to be the wife of the pastry chef who is the mastermind behind all of the artfully created deliciousness. She was very helpful in explaining all about the chocolates and was even kind enough to allow us to sample some of them. These confections are almost too beautiful to eat… almost. One taste had me hooked. Every single one that we tried in the store and the ones we bought were unbelievably delicious. Like nothing I’ve ever had before.
Everything was so delicious that I had to make a return trip later that same day. This time I had the pleasure of meeting Richard, the chocolatier who creates all of these little gems. He was just as friendly as his wife and he gave samples of his latest batch of fresh caramel, dark chocolate ganache and I believe I was given a sample of his lychee rose ganache also. The things this man does with chocolate and various other ingredients are nothing short of magical. The effort and love that he puts into everything he creates is very evident.
If you love chocolate and pastries that are unlike anything else you’ll find around here, look no further than Evolution. Everything is masterfully crafted and packaged beautifully. Richard and Suzie are great people with a passion for what they do. Stop in and see the fine folks at Evolution and treat yourself or someone else to a piece of unbelievably delicious edible art.