The Choclate Prince

Want to eat chocolates that are hand-crafted, no preservatives and artificial flavors? You should try Jacques Torres Chocolate.

 

The Chocolatier

Jacques Torres or popularly known as Mr. Chocolate, is a pioneer when it comes to making chocolates from cocoa beans. He takes pride in making chocolates that are fresh with no preservatives and artificial flavors. Although he did not start as a chocolatier but a pastry chef, he was fond of chocolates and began his own chocolate empire when he opened his first chocolate factory in 2000. The chocolate factory was situated at DUMBO locality of Brooklyn, New York.

 

This chocolate lover was born in Algiers and raised in Bandol, South France. By the age of 15, he has already started his apprenticeship for 2 years and even graduated first from his class. He gained experience by working with Michelin Chef Jacques Maximum at the Hotel Negresco in 1980. Aside from that, he has pursued his master’s degree while working.

 

He has taught several culinary schools and joined the Meilleur Ouvrier Patissier de France competition, where he was the youngest chef who won the contest. He then moved to the U.S. in 1988 to work as the Corporate Pastry Chef for Ritz Carlton Hotel and later on joined as one of the faculty in French Culinary Institute in 1993. IN 1996, he became the Dean of the Pastry Arts of the same school. 4 years after, he opened his first chocolate factory.

 

When it Began

It all began in 2000 when Jacques Torres together with his business partner, Ken Goto, opened the first chocolate factory in DUMBO locality of Brooklyn, New York. The partners have to build the factory from scratch but were lucky enough to finish it before their opening day. Jacques hand-made the chocolates which intrigued more his followers from Le Cirque and were fascinated watching him make those chocolates through the windows of the factory.

 

Due to the great patronage and success of the first store, he opened a new store in Hudson Street in 2004. In 2007, the first-retail only chocolate store was launched in Amsterdam Avenue. Success was coming his way as he opened his first Chocolate Ice Cream shop next to DUMBO. In October of the same year, the 4th retail-only market was opened to cater the hippies of the Chelsea Market. And last but not the least, was the Rockefeller Center which was opened in 2011.

 

Where to Find it

There are currently 5 locations where you can find the mouthwatering Jacques Torres Chocolates:

 

Amsterdam Avenue – this is situated in 285 Amsterdam between 73rd and 74th Streets in New York City. This European inspired store is the third location that keeps busy New Yorkers can relax from their hectic day.

DUMBO – can be found in 66 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This is the first chocolate store that opened in 2000.

 

Hudson Street – have a walk in 350 Hudson at King Street (1 block South of Houston), New York, NY 10014 and you would surely see this amazing chocolate store. The designed is a combined effort of Jacques and Pierre Court.

 

Ice Cream Shop – You can enjoy frozen chocolate in 62 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This is the first Jacques Torres Chocolate Ice Cream shop where you can have the freedom to choose your flavor and toppings.

Chelsea Market – launched in October and was the fourth retail-only chocolates store that caters to the hippies.

 

Rockefeller Center – this is the latest addition to Torres’ chocolate store. It is situated at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York.

 

How to Store Them

All Jacques Torres Chocolate products do not need refrigeration as long as it is stored below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and are not exposed to direct heat or sunlight. If refrigerated, it must be tightly sealed without moisture so it will not decay and shelf life can be extended.