There’s a new stop on the Washington Square culinary tour: Royce’ Chocolate, a chocolate maker from the Hokkaido region of Japan, has opened its first Oregon shop in the Portland area’s most upscale mall.
So now, after lunch at Din Tai Fung and a pastry and tea from 85°C, head to the new sleek, white storefront of Royce’ and grab, well, anything.
Royce’ was founded in Sapporo in 1983. The company, which has four stores in Seattle and now one in Oregon, is known for smooth truffle bars called Nama Chocolate, made with Hokkaido cream and a variety of flavors, some with liquor, one with champagne, and some without alcohol.
According to Royce’, Hokkaido milk has an especially high fat content, which is what makes the chocolate produced with that milk so creamy.
Nama bars, and everything at Royce’, come packaged ready for gift giving. See’s Candy, which also has an outpost at Washington Square, beware: Royce’ is certain to be a high-traffic holiday destination.
See’s may have one thing on Royce’: Price. The Nama bars start at nearly $20.
Of the sweets we tried, including chocolate-covered potato chips and a variety-tasting box, all were good. Who wouldn’t love a box of salty, crispy chips half covered in chocolate or a crunchy chocolate wafer? Anything on those shelves would be a welcome gift or snack at work or sweet treat after school.
But Royce’ really shines in its simplest chocolates – the plain chocolate rounds and the truffle are what you will come back for.
That and personable service.
“Our associates practice ‘omotenashi,’” store manager Terrence Chan said in a press release about the new location, “which means we wholeheartedly look after guests from the moment they enter our store.”
And you can’t discount the gorgeous packaging and free gift wrapping. Even the non-gift chocolates undergo an involved double bagging process that brings to mind Rowan Atkinson in “Love Actually.”
Royce’ will hold a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to close 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 with free samples. The first 50 customers will also receive a free chocolate bar with purchase.
Is it worth the drive for people who live in Portland proper? Probably. While some malls struggle to keep tenants, Washington Square continues to add interesting shops and develop its identity as a classy cosmopolitan destination. Royce’ is just the latest addition.
— Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker
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