It’s so refreshing to find a shop, a hotel or whatever that’s authentic and has a sense of place. Usually it’s that way because the owner has a passion and it shows. And so it is with Guayaba y Chocolate, the passion of Maria-Waleska Vivas and her cousin, Alejandra Bigai, the owner of  successful chocolate shop Romanicos on Coral Way. Maria was working as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York City, but she always wanted to have her artisanal sweets shop that would showcase tropical fruits and tastes, and use the finest 65%  criollo chocolate from Venezuela, her place of birth (interestingly enough, despite the difficult economic situation in Venezuela,the artisanal chocolate industry continues to grow). Now her dream has come true at 1603 SW 8th Street  in Little Havana.

Guayaba y Chocolate has all manner of deep, rich, cacao confections. The signature chocolates are square, jewel like stenciled bonbons in 20 rich flavors including Nutella, champagne, pistachio & honey, along with truffles in chocolate ganache. Even better yet, truffles have no butter and little sugar, so they’re a low cal indulgence. Both are sold by the piece ($1.36 for the former and $1.84 for the latter) and can be packaged in boxes ranging from 9 to 25 pieces.

Though tough to choose, my favorites are two assortments in particular. How about chocolate dominos? Called “Havana Nostalgia”, the domino pieces are made of white and dark chocolate filled with guava and cream cheese and the bonbons are café con leche chocolate ($31.60). The other is “Tropical Collection”, non dairy dark chocolate in fruit flavors such as orange, pineapple and passion fruit. The tropical fish, each piece different, looks like it was handpainted (it’s really stenciled).

There’s no lack of other choices for chocoholics including chocolate covered oreos and dried fruits; chocolate bars; and chocolate bark. Yet another favorite are the “tabaqutos”, traditional Cuban ladyfingers dipped in chocolate. Wrapped in gold foil, they’d made an elegant accompaniment to coffee or tea at a dinner party.

Ice cream lovers rejoice! A special line made for the shop includes taste sensations like Cuban coffee, caramelized plantain, guava and Valrhona chocolate chips .  Made with more eggs than cream, it has a mousse like consistency rather than the usual creamy varieties which really makes the flavors pop. Have a cup for $3.99 or a pint for $10. What’s ice cream without a cookie? Never fear. Find French macarons and alfajores, the South American specialty made from cornstarch and filled with dulce de leche.

Another perfect hostess gift for the holiday season are jams made by Spanish artisan Almudena Gudiel. A package of four, flavors including blueberry lavender, pineapple coconut and mango jalapeño are $11.75 and come in a ribbon bedecked box.

So next time when you go to the Tower Theater or are in the Brickell area, stop by, have a Cuban coffee, and indulge yourself. You’re in for a real treat, and Maria is a delight besides.