Good Food Blog
Chic chocolate
Posted at 2:30PM, 02 September 2010 by Carol Wilson - Food writer
On a recent visit to Paris (and being a confirmed chocoholic!), I thought I'd arrived in heaven when I came across the chic chocolate boutiques of the city. Filled with stunning creations, the city's renowned chocolatiers combine their considerable skills with artistic flair to produce a variety of exquisite treats. Window displays are works of art, with strikingly arranged chocolates nestled in beautiful silk boxes; chocolates scented with exotic jasmine, star anise and frangipane and often quirky chocolates too, such as the sheet of finely crafted chocolate postage stamps, which I just couldn't resist buying!
The talk among sweet-toothed Parisians focuses on who makes the best chocolates
The talk among sweet-toothed Parisians focuses on who makes the best chocolates and who is currently making what. Parisians are very choosy about their chocolate, so much so that there is a society of chocolate tasters, 'Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat'. This exclusive club restricts membership to 150 and there's a long waiting list to join. Their website rates the city's chocolate shops and their products.
French chocolate production is covered by strict legislation. Unlike some British chocolate, French regulations ban the use of any vegetable or animal fats in chocolate; only pure cocoa butter is permitted and in addition, chocolate must contain at least 43% cocoa solids and a minimum of 26% pure cocoa butter. Most French chocolate though, contains well above the government's minimum of cocoa solids and has a deep intense flavour, packed with volatile aromas and a melting texture.
Jean-Paul Hévin, one of the finest chocolatiers in Paris, is renowned for his innovative creations, particularly his famous cheese chocolates - which taste much better than they sound! Cheeses such as Roquefort, Livarot or goat's cheese are lightly sweetened, whipped into an airy mousse and covered with a very thin layer of chocolate. My favourite though among his bestselling chocolates was 'le sein chocolat', a sublime combination of coconut milk, almond oil and ginger filled chocolates. I also bought a fabulous model of the Eiffel Tower made entirely of chocolate.
Pierre Hermé, arguably the world's most celebrated pastry chef, offers a unique selection of chocolate cakes and pastries as well as gourmet chocolates in his shop, including his outstanding ganaches with orange and balsamic vinegar.
If this wasn't enough, you can indulge in a guided walking tour (in English) of well known (and a few secret) artisan chocolatiers with tastings. A must for any self-respecting chocoholic!
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