Le Chocolat - Ducasse

Hier 27 Mars Le Chocolat - Ducasse

If you haven't already heard Alain Ducasse has a brand new chocolate factory on funky#22, rue de la Roquette 75011

Keep an eye out or you could easily miss it.

Once you're in the entry way the whole atmosphere changes dramatically

From funk to high-end utter chicness.

And continues inside. The staff, by the way, could not be kinder or more helpful. Merci M. Ducasse!

In that handsome glass case - gorgeous ganache bonbons.

These chocolate sculptures look to have hopped off a ceramist's spinning wheel - if only a ceramist could make something so unique and deliciously edible. Did I mention this is Paris' first bean-to-bar chocolate factory? Cocoa beans are generously strewn around. If you look on the lower shelves there are some chocolate-covered beans to taste. Miam miam

Everywhere it's a Zen moment for the eye to contemplate. Must find out who the designer is here..

And you can even gaze right into the factory while browsing...

Ducasse has a splendid collection of vintage chocolate molds he's using for his 'fritures'. Note the chockie fish in the watercolor above. These did not hop out of a plastic mold for sure.

*I always try milk/lait chocolate since it's harder to get the balance right than your ever-so-popular noir/dark chocolates. These were absolutely excellent though I wish there was a melange of dark/milk/white on offer...

Up at the cash register sits a knockout Aztec sculpture holding your box-to-be of chocolates. Do mention it's a cadeau/gift and get an additional handsome box. Everything here is designed within an inch of it's life but tastes excellent. Looks count but so does content.

What to wear to Le Chocolat?

Black of course even if you're in your pram chicness counts.

Don't miss out on the samples at the cash register and don't be afraid to ask,'Gratuit?'

It is.

Oh and DON'T go on a Monday like I did first time. It's closed.