Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

      The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to…

      a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      a group of high school students smile for a photo standing side by side, each with a medal around their neck

      71 North Thurston Public Schools Students Earn Seal of Biliteracy This…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

      Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving…

      a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

      Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston…

      outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

      WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking…

      A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and…

  • History
    • Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

      Arleen Webb Crooks Helped Make Olympia a Better Place

      Olympia History: Remembering the Daylight Bakery

      The Marie Bed & Breakfast in olympia

      From Historic Charm to Cozy Retreat: The Story of Our Victorian…

      People in Public Service: Cassandra Messegee Brown, Thurston County Superintendent of…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      Chris Hyde stands in a kitchen, writing something on a notepad, three woman stand behind him behind a counter

      The Food Source Foundation and ‘Hometown Hero’ Finalist in Olympia Heat…

      a large group of men and woman with a couple kids post for a photo, four are kneeling, the rest are standing. They are in front of a pop up tent that says 'TOGETHER!" with three hand prints next to it One woman is holding a gift basket

      The League of Foundations Unites Three Local Nonprofits to Extend their…

      a man holds a child with a woman standing next to hem and a boat in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent is a Resource Helping Families With…

      Komachin Middle School Future Business Leaders of America standing behind a long table with food in bins

      Matthew Klifman Takes Over as All Kids Win Board Chair

  • LocalTalk
    • Jacob Garsez poses for a photo in a red Saints jacket with his arms crossed in front of his chest. The Saint Martin's Trojan logo is behind him on a large glass window

      Saint Martin’s University Names Jacob Garsez As New Head Baseball Coach

      Lake Cushman

      Bear Gulch Fire Limits Access to Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) and…

      State Awards Grants in Thurston County to Improve Outdoor Recreation and…

      No One Dies Alone Volunteer Program Launches July 1

      Leave Fireworks at Home and Be Careful With Campfires While Celebrating…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

      State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

      a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

      Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

      Polson Logging Company steam engine pulling the Mt. Rainier Scenic train through the forest

      Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Still in Operation After Fire, Take a…

      young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

      New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water…

  • Events
    • a group of people stand next to a red motorcycle, two of them are holding a giant check.

      An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of…

      long sticks with salmon attached them over an open flam. A black belt runs in front of the fire pit that says Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

      Heat up Your Family’s Summer at the Barbecue Festival in Yelm

      a man speaking into a microphone with a young boy next to him at West Bay Park, the new totem carving is in the background

      The West Olympia Rotary Commemorates 50th Anniversary Through ‘Life Is Water’…

      an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

      Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,…

      black night sky with two fireworks going off in red and green

      2025 July 4th Fireworks in Thurston County

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Food and Art Encore Chocolates and Teas – Exquisite Delights Yet Budget Friendly

Encore Chocolates and Teas – Exquisite Delights Yet Budget Friendly

By
Mary Ellen Psaltis
-
encore chocolates teas
Athena Ruggiero brews beverages in the atrium and can help you with your tea and chocolate decisions.

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

I’ve been a tea drinker since I was a little girl having parties with my miniature Blue Willow tea set. Now a mug of robust Assam tea is my civilized way to begin each day. It’s a soothing ritual to spoon leaves into the infuser, add boiling water and wait just a few minutes for a perfect brew.

creative officeEncore Chocolates and Teas in downtown Olympia has three Assam varieties for me to rotate through, plus a wall of 207 additional teas that I am invited to smell and consider. Dean Jones, Encore’s knowledgeable owner, recommended Scottish Breakfast as a hearty morning alternative. When two ounces costs a mere $4.90 (makes 18 or so cups of tea) I thought, “how could I go wrong?!” Turns out, I didn’t.

encore chocolates teas
Dean Jones, Encore owner, derives great pleasure by spending time with customers.

This attitude will serve you well as your browse through the tempting teas and chocolates. The smell-friendly tea wall could keep you busy for quite a while. I honed in on the Assam and organic Earl Gray.

I wanted to take more time inspecting the chocolates. “The artisan market is exploding,” said Jones as chocolate connoisseurs are involved from bean to bar. Every chocolatier has a story. Shawn Askinosie was a criminal defense lawyer from Springfield, Missouri, who built a chocolate making business that involves the farmers, community and every step in-between, to create Askinosie Chocolate.  Another chocolate company featured in the shop is the brainchild of Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor.  The duo had been boat and furniture builders in California. Together they became Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate.

Making chocolate has become an art akin to wine making with attention to temperatures, flavor notes and, truly, every step of the process. Jones told me that when the chocolate is good, the flavor can stay in the mouth for 20 minutes. You can cram a whole bar down in a few moments, but you might want to do a bit more savoring. Closer to home is small batch maker called Ranger Chocolate from Portland.  Encore also stocks several chocolatiers even closer such as Chocolopolis and Seattle Chocolate. Encore sells bars, pieces and bags and remains on the hunt for excellent chocolate.

encore chocolates teas
Step up to the wall of teas, lift a lid and inhale deeply.

Dean and Carla Jones have been part of the fabric of our business community since the 1970s. They opened Four Seasons Book Store in Tumwater and for years it was immensely popular. Over time big-box stores shifted the landscape of book buying, and the couple closed the shop. They did consulting and marketing for other bookstore owners and publishers and helped independent businesses include private label teas to sell alongside their books.

Dean loves his customers and being an entrepreneur. In November 2013, the Jones opened Encore Chocolates and Teas in a space across the street from The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Last April they moved into a larger storefront in the New Caledonia Building on 5th Street.

olympia downtown
Rest your feet in the atrium of the New Caledonia Building while you enjoy a cup of tea or sipping chocolate.

As you enter the building, you step into an atrium and are greeted by a tree in a large planter. The high ceilings and skylights create an inviting space where you think you’re outside, but you’re not. This area was recently operated as Two Sisters Tea Room. The Jones have taken over the atrium to offer a tea and chocolate sipping bar. Yes, there’s drinking chocolate – creamy and sweet. There are plans for after-hours events and music.

For history buffs, the building was originally the Caledonia Hotel built in 1870s. It has a rich history with various tenants including a hardware store and in the 1940s part of the Proffitt’s store chain. It was the site of David Grohl’s (Foo Fighters) first drumming appearance with Nirvana. At that time, part of building was called the North Shore Surf Club. Get a glimpse of early Nirvana here.

encore chocolates teas
Chocolate bars are wrapped in art, extending the whole experience of savoring it.

You can visit Encore Chocolates and Teas seven days a week and enjoy free parking downtown on the weekends. Dean, Carla or one of their helpful team will be happy to talk chocolate or tea and show you around.

“The customer is the most important thing,” emphasizes Jones. Tea samples are waiting for you. Whether you’re a long-time friend or stopping in for the first time, you’ll find great customer service. Then you get to take your purchases home and appreciate a few of the finest joys in life.

Encore Chocolates and Teas
116 – 5th Ave SE in Olympia
360-350-0833
For updates and more information, visit Encore Chocolates and Teas Facebook page.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleSledding in Washington Mountains – 3 Places to Experience Joy Heading Down the Hill
Next articleOlympia Weekend Event Calendar
Mary Ellen Psaltis

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin and Vodka

Upcoming Events

Jul
8
Tue
8:30 am Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Jul 8 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Join us at camp this summer at Evergreen Christian School. Camps facilitated by educators and open to students age 3 – 12. Low counselor to camper ratio. It is going to be LOTS of fun![...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving...

Intercity Transit is embarking on a year-long process to update its bus system serving the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm areas. This exciting endeavor...
a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston...

outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking...

A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and...

an updated kitchen and dining area with light wood floors, white cabinets and white counters

Family-Owned Olympia Builder Will Take Your New Home or Renovation Project...

Trending Now

Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to...

An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving...

Editor Picks

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,...

young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water...

Oksana Skillings in her classroom showing huge playing cards to the seated students

North Thurston Public Schools Celebrates Educators Who Embody Joy of Learning 

Recent Posts

  • Saint Martin’s University Names Jacob Garsez As New Head Baseball Coach
  • Bear Gulch Fire Limits Access to Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) and Staircase Area
  • Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm Areas
  • State Awards Grants in Thurston County to Improve Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Habitat
  • The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to Remain Hopeful and Empower People in Need
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap