Here, learn to recognize the grand crus that the chocolatier puts together as an oenologist, like the homemade "kiretsa" (70% cocoa, a unique blend of beans from Ecuador, Sao Tome and the Ivory Coast) and the "extra kiretsa" (97% cocoa, or chocolate from Madagascar). Want to dip your fingers in the chocolate pot after this mouthwatering visit? Young gourmets (4-12) are welcomed to get hands-on in a fun workshop: decorating a goodie or painting a fish.īayonne's "L'Atelier du Chocolat" opens the doors of its tasting area to all visitors. Today, if most chocolatiers have merged with industrialization, Bayonne's "L'Atelier du Chocolat," like the companies that form Bayonne's Academy of Chocolate, carries on the tradition of hand-crafted chocolate. Soon, it made the city famous: in 1809, the chocolate of Bayonne appeared on the first gastronomic menu of France! An academy for traditional chocolate These were Spanish and Portuguese Jews, who fled to Bayonne to avoid persecution, importing the secrets of the transformation of the cocoa bean to France in the 17th century.Īt the time, chocolate was a popular luxury product among kings and queens, starting with Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain, who introduced it to the Court after her marriage with Louis XIV in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 1660.
L ATELIER DU CHOCOLAT WINDOWS
Ganaches, pralines and other soft toppingsĪll week long, from Monday to Friday, through the windows of the workshops, enjoy watching chocolate artisans prepare ganaches, pralines and other soft toppings in a true goldsmith work in the tradition of the first chocolate makers in Bayonne. I loved the chocolate mold trays framed in glass that were hung on the walls.The visit is a true journey through the history of what was first an Aztec and Mayan drink before reaching Europe via the Spanish conquistadors on a maiden voyage into the mysteries of chocolate making. I included some pic of the jersey city location. Was very please and was a delicious surprise. I will be returning to try additional pcs, I might have to go the NYC location as I didn't see some of flavor as seen in the mini chocolate booklet.Īs for the pastry, the dark chocolate ganache w/ chocolate truffle was rich and delicious, but even more so enjoyable because of the chocolate pie crust on the edge which was unnoticed in the display. I was told that this was a signature pc, therefore had to try it and because it's rare to find this as a flavor. If your familiar with the smell of aromatic flower. Defiantly not a hint, this was a powerful flavor and taste as such. Last but not least the Coco- dark chocolate w/ hint of ylang ylang. This was not expected despite the name, I however knew it as just mandarin hence the unexpectedness of spice. From the "Citrus" I had the Oriental- rich dark chocolate w/ flavored mandarin which had spicy notes. Rocher- dark chocolate w/ hazelnut and roasted almonds, loved the texture and balance. In comparison to Rocher, which I prefered more so then the Sumatra. Praline Sumatra- also a paste of hazelnut, smooth From the " Roasting" I had three choices: Pista'Chic- dark chocolate almond and pistachio paste w/ pistachio on top, which had a very suddle taste in pistachio flavor. My assortment for the evening consisted of my favorite nutty flavors, so sorry if I am basis. I am not a big fan of white chocolate but I do prefer that one. I very much like his chocolates especially his famous lady bug on white chocolate.
L ATELIER DU CHOCOLAT PC
This time I just dove straight for a five pc box & a pastier to take home for the evening, it was a good choice.Įric Girerd is the chocolatier for this shop, unknown to me but reminded me of chocolatier Jacques Torres. I love sampling/ purchasing few pc of chocolate before I take home a box. This is closest I've been to the taste of Paris and it's in my neighborhood. I have a habit of stopping and trying out macaroon and chocolatier shops, and so was very pleased. So, I stopped by at the Jersey City, NJ location not NYC.