Jaciva's Bakery & Chocolate

 

7

33

Jeannie J.

Portland, OR

Try the lemon dome cake filled with lemon mousse.  It has gorgeous designs and flowers on top.  I do not mind driving across town for anything this luscious.

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21

92

Katie M.

Portland, OR

I've never actually been inside, but this is where my work seems to order all their cakes from for special events/whatever and i am so psyched on it. So rich, so moist, so delicious, SO MANY LAYERS!
luv u chocolate cake

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75

508

Nic Z.

Portland, OR

Jaciva is totally overwhelming!  When Paul and I walked in there was a long line at the counter that was somewhat blocking our view of all the treats.  But WOW.....when we finally got to check out the counter, I was in awe!  Row after row of delicious chocolaty treats!  All different kinds, most of them bite sized which is always a bonus.  They had milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and even extra dark chocolate.  It was awesome but totally depressing at the same time.  How do you even choose?

Paul got a rum ball, apparently they are known for them which he really liked.  I didn't try it but he mentioned that it had a strong rum taste and was quite good.  He also got the petite coffee cake, which was blueberry flavored.  He loved it but it really wasn't my thing.  One of the ingredients didn't agree with my palate, I couldn't put my finger on what it was.  Paul loved it though.

I tried a piece of the dark chocolate bark which was delicious.  Perfect combination of nuts and dark chocolate.  So good!  Loved it.  I also tried this cupcake that was just amazing.  It was called either the seven layer cupcake or seventh heaven cupcake.  I can't remember but it was huge and I sure was in heaven after eating it.  It was a chocolate cupcake with this buttercream topping then the entire cupcake was dipped in chocolate which was hardened.  It was crazy.  Paul and I kept debating what it tasted like, we think it may have tasted like one of those devil dogs you ate as a kid.  But much tastier.  So good.

I want to go back and sit in the adorable cafe.  I got a look at the cafe menu and the cakes that they have are just amazing.  The lava cake really caught my eye.  I need to try it...........soon.

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Elite '08

124

383

Jen K.

West Linn, OR

Did you see the full moon tonight?  No, not the one in the sky (which was beautiful as I was driving home through Portland). I mean the plumber's moon outside JaCiva courtesy of the guy locking up his bike.  I laughed so hard I almost threw up a little bit in my mouth.

I love chocolate, but this place made me hit my limit.  The hot chocolate (I chose the dark chocolate version) with light whip cream and chocolate shavings was one of the best I've ever had.  Then I had to push my limits and get the St. Helen's Molten Lava Cake.  I tried but I could only make it through half since it was the ultimate in chocolate decadence.  Aw shucks.... guess I get it for dessert tomorrow, because you know I brought it home with me.

They had a great selection of chocolate bunnies (including a 3 foot tall one I photographed to torture my children) and treats for Easter and there was a long line at the counter this evening.  It was fun to kick back and relax in the JaCiva After Dark cafe and watch the Hawthorne street scene stroll by.

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14

84

kate m.

Portland, OR

It's chocolate and it's 2 blocks away.  That wound be enough, even if they didn't have stumptown press pot.  And if Jack wasn't the sweetest guy ever who will give you a tour of the back room.  Which they do, he is, and he will.

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4

19

Robert C.

Portland, OR

Must chime in on this one. Ever since I lived in the Hawthorne neighborhood this place has been a favorite. If you don't think their truffles are the best, you don't like chocolate. There're great, fresh, and local I declare Ja Civa's A #1!

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6

14

Danni D.

Portland, OR

Has anyone ever seen that Simpson's episode where Homer skips merrily along in a world that is completely transformed into chocolate?  He even takes a horrific chomp out of a Scottie dog's behind as it tries to run by him.  Well friends, I have been to this world of chocolate, and it is thankfully right down the street from me.  We managed to walk there yesterday in-between the rain drops.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights Jaciva is open "after dark" from 5pm to 10pm.  They have a handful of tables - maybe 8 or 10?  Their menu is beautifully descriptive, but for the visually stimulated, they also have a full photo menu.  I felt a bit naughty peeking at all those delicious pictures.

They offer Stumptown french press coffee in a few different sizes.  DH and I split a big press between us.  I *love* the texture and flavor of french press coffee.  Our friend had the most to-die-for hot chocolate I have ever tasted.  They offer 3 different varieties of hot chocolate - milk, dark, and extra-dark (65% cacao).  My friend had the dark chocolate.  It was heaven!

We tried 3 different desserts - the "Heaven" cake, the NY cheesecake, and the St. Helen's lava cake.  All were delicious, but the lava cake won, hands-down.  It's fun.  It's warm.  It's chocolaty delicious.  

I already have my next visit planned out - I will try the extra-dark hot chocolate, and the vanilla bean creme brulee.  I can't wait for next Thursday!

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5

3

Bud G.

Portland, OR

MMMMMM  Chocalatey goodness.....

What can you say about a place that has great chocolate in every form, awesome bakery items and a little chocolate cafe with stumptown coffee.  
When you hit chocolate overload try the poppyseed torte or the cheesecake, too darn tasty!  

We have been getting tasty tidbits there for several years but just came home from our first experience at the "JaCiva After Dark" cafe.  It was an awesome experience.  They have 3 types of hot chocolate to tempt your taste buds along with a pretty diverse list of desserts.  If you are not a chocoholic they have probable the 2nd best cheesecake I have ever tasted (it runs a close 2nd to mine!).  We will definitely plan a bunch of trips back to keep the chocolate withdrawal at bay.

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3

13

Evelyn S.

Portland, OR

JaCiva After Dark" is a great new way to spend a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening with  your "sweetie" or some great friends.  A friend of mine invited a group of us to experience this special treat.  She'd highly recommended the Rum Balls, but first all 15 of us sat down for our desserts, the Rum Balls were for later.  Both Iva and Jack joined us and even took our entire group on a tour of their magnificent world. Their connections run deep in Portland, Elmer's was started by Jack's Uncle.  
I ordered their Signature Dessert since this was my first visit, I can say that I have never tasted anything better in my life. We also met a family whose 7 year old son Aidan, now has his very own dessert on their children's menu.  I highly recommend that you make JaCiva's a part of your life. Oh, and the Rum Ball was terrific too!

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Elite '08

15

136

coral c.

Portland, OR

I stopped by on Saturday, shortly after they closed, and they were nice enough to still let me in and look.  I'm so glad I did!  I came home with a delicious black and white torte that is still moist and delicious 4 days later.  It's white and chocolate cake, layered with thin fudge and butter cream frosting. I also noticed they have a seperate room they call "Jaciva after dark" that is open for dessert until 10pm, but I think it might only be open on Fri/Sat.

This could be a bad new habit.

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Elite '08

12

79

Mark S.

Portland, OR

Surprisingly "Off The Radar" for many, I think this is where you'll find the best Chocolate cake, on planet Earth.

JaCiva's is chocolate heaven for sure, they've got all kinds. High quality. Small snack items and large, never before seen items! Their cupcakes, with a mountain of frosting-stuff on top are way better than any others. What's the difference?  This bakery is more chocolate oriented, less sweet than most commercial or grocery store bakers.

I wouldn't consider buying a birthday cake anywhere else!

And least ye skoff, check THESE facts and figures from the official website...   http://www.jacivas.com/

Jack and Iva Elmer (see photos)  began JaCiva's Bakery and Chocolatier together on December 6, 1986. They wanted to give Portland the finest quality pastry and chocolate shop in the city!

Jack's awards and credentials include:

   * Konditor (High End Pastry Chef) - trained in Luzern, Switzerland (Richemont School)

   * Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC) - given by the American Culinary Association

   * Charter Master Baker (CMB) - given by the Retail Bakers of America

   * Certified Master Chocolatier (CMC) - given by Retail Confectioners International

Uh, got the picture?  Uh, got chocolate?

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Elite '08

53

238

Sasha R.

Portland, OR

They have the most beautiful cupcakes ever- with pretty flowers that cover the entire generous top, and the store goes on for miles.

It is one of those places that they talk about when they reference a "kid in a candy shop," simply endless wonderful sugar and fun!!

Plus- they also have a completely separate place for their bridal section. Which is so classy.

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27

512

Kelly M.

Portland, OR

JaCiva has been a longtime favorite up on upper Hawthorne, but their chocolate treats and cakes are also available at a few other stores in town (Wild Oats, New Seasons, etc.).  

This local chocolatier makes mouth watering chocolate bars and truffles and some amazing-looking cakes

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Elite '08

28

240

Kate B.

San Francisco, CA

Hands down the best chocolate ever.  I even brought a Swiss friend here who didn't believe you could get good chocolate in the U.S.  She bought a large box to bring home: )  I make sure to come here and get chocolates for people I like whenever I visit home.  I also get plenty for myself.  The truffles are just the best I have ever had, and I have tasted chocolate absolutely everywhere I have visited.

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