Tag Archives: CocoAndre

by Steven Doyle | October 4, 2026 · 9:39 pm

CocoAndré Is Back: Oak Cliff’s Mother-Daughter Chocolatiers Reopen on Centre Street

Ask Cindy Pedraza about her mother’s first job and she’ll tell you the detail that stuck: she always smelled like chocolate.

That was the 1980s. Andrea Pedraza had taken a part-time job at Dallas’ first chocolate shop, and it turned into a 25-year career. She learned European technique, rose to head of production and became a master chocolatier. Then the recession hit, and mother and daughter lost their jobs around the same time.

In 2009, they opened a shop of their own and called it CocoAndré.

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Chocolate, for the Ultimate Holiday Gift

Dude-Sweet-Chocolate by Steven Doyle

Chocolate triggers the feel-good endorphins that make you feel even happier than when you kiss someone. Depending on how much you eat, it’s good for your cardiovascular health. But that’s not really romantic.

It’s velvety, smooth, rich, and sweet – its very nature speaks of luxury. Even the ancient Mayans used cocoa beans as a currency, so you know it’s valuable. A beautifully packed box of handmade chocolate truffles not only tastes delicious but it looks lovely as well, adding that sense of value to the gift. And by choosing a specific box for someone, it shows that you actually took the time to think about what they would enjoy, which makes the gift that much more meaningful. Continue reading →

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Filed under Crave, Steven Doyle

Tagged as Chocolate, Chocolate Secrets, CocoAndre, Dallas, Dr Sue's Chocolate, Dude Sweet Chocolate, Holiday Gifts, Kate Weiser, Sublime Chocolate

by Steven Doyle | October 15, 2015 · 11:02 am

Rare White Cacao Available In Dallas Area

by Steven Doyle

Dan Pearson stumbled upon an unusual tree while working in Peru supplying miners with food. Pearson didn’t know it at the time, but what he found was the legendary white cacao bean called Pure Nacional. The bean lacks the typical bitterness found in most strains of the bean, and has an intense floral flavor. Continue reading →

Popsicles Are The Latest Rage, Here’s Where To Find the Good Ones

by Steven Doyle

Far removed from the hot Texas days when we would bust out the sprinkler, or walk to the local creek-side watering hole to cool off, which usually ended with a cold Popsicle treat. Sometimes these were homemade versions on a stick, other times they were purchased. Today you can get back that loving feeling and reminisce with flavors that are a bit kicked up, and sometimes meant strictly for adult palates. The Popsicle is definitely the latest rage. We found a few in Dallas that you will want to sample. Continue reading →