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February Tour: In the heart of chocolate darkness
Before I moved to Paris, I had only a vague understanding of the citys layout and, more important, its sweet spots. Now I can feel (and taste) my way around. And whenever I have to do an errand in the first arrondisement, I prepare myself for lusting after things I cant afford on rue St-Honor, but taking solace in the fact that I can at least splurge on <span style="font-style:italic;">something</span> sumptuous: chocolatein solid or liquid format one of citys, nay countrys, best chocolatiers.
Lets start with the old master. Nestled between the luxury boutiques flaunting fine lingerie and crazy haute talons, <a href="www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.com "><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michel Cluizel</span> </a>(201, rue St.-Honor) has been making chocolate since 1948, though his daughter Catherine now manages the store. Among the delights for you to discover: a wall-mounted fountain spewing molten chocolate, giant bowls filled with truffles and macarolats (a chocolate version of the macaron) and 99% cacao chocolate bars. Pas mal!
Further up the street is <a href="www.jphevin.com "><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jean-Paul Hvin</span>s</a> modern and refined tea salon/chocolate shop (231, rue St-Honor)top 3, if not my very favorite, chocolatier. Dainty macarons and pretty cakes welcome you along one wall (or you can indulge upstairs in the tranquil salon de th), but the bonbons are hidden in the back. With cocoa sourced from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and Madagascar, and ingredients like cinnamon, caramel and champagne whipped into the dark chocolate ganache, theyre nothing if not sublime.
The selection at <a href="www.pierreherme.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pierre Herm</span>s</a> 4 rue Cambon boutique is more limited than at rue Bonaparte, but dont despair. While you wont find towering cakes like the Plenitude or Isaphan, you will find all the incredible macarons and chocolates your heart might desire.
Finish off the decadence by sitting firmly on your butt at Angelinas (226, rue de Rivoli). You might have to battle some tourists and none-too-friendly waitresses for a seat, but a pitcher of their chocolat Africain more than makes up for it. Its rich and chocolaty, smooth and velvety, thick enough to coat your tongue, and almost thick enough to stand a spoon up in it. Its, oh whats the word heaven?
Lets start with the old master. Nestled between the luxury boutiques flaunting fine lingerie and crazy haute talons, <a href="www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.com "><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michel Cluizel</span> </a>(201, rue St.-Honor) has been making chocolate since 1948, though his daughter Catherine now manages the store. Among the delights for you to discover: a wall-mounted fountain spewing molten chocolate, giant bowls filled with truffles and macarolats (a chocolate version of the macaron) and 99% cacao chocolate bars. Pas mal!
Further up the street is <a href="www.jphevin.com "><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jean-Paul Hvin</span>s</a> modern and refined tea salon/chocolate shop (231, rue St-Honor)top 3, if not my very favorite, chocolatier. Dainty macarons and pretty cakes welcome you along one wall (or you can indulge upstairs in the tranquil salon de th), but the bonbons are hidden in the back. With cocoa sourced from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and Madagascar, and ingredients like cinnamon, caramel and champagne whipped into the dark chocolate ganache, theyre nothing if not sublime.
The selection at <a href="www.pierreherme.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pierre Herm</span>s</a> 4 rue Cambon boutique is more limited than at rue Bonaparte, but dont despair. While you wont find towering cakes like the Plenitude or Isaphan, you will find all the incredible macarons and chocolates your heart might desire.
Finish off the decadence by sitting firmly on your butt at Angelinas (226, rue de Rivoli). You might have to battle some tourists and none-too-friendly waitresses for a seat, but a pitcher of their chocolat Africain more than makes up for it. Its rich and chocolaty, smooth and velvety, thick enough to coat your tongue, and almost thick enough to stand a spoon up in it. Its, oh whats the word heaven?
Heaven indeed, you make me so jealous the way you speak of your wonderful lifestyle there in Paris. Oh I'd love so much to live there and to be able to stroll around and capture all the wonderful aromas of the wonderful chocolat. .... maybe some day!!Keep enjoying it, au revoir !!!
Hey, great timing! I will be one of those tourists this week. Cheers-