I could be content if Patrick Roger was the last chocolatier on earth. I could wake up to his rochers every day for the rest of my life and die a happy woman. He’s an artist and a genius and his chocolates are utterly delicious.
Plus, I look good in turquoise.
But it’s a big wide world of chocolate. There is no need to limit oneself.
One of my crushes? A Belgian named Pierre Marcolini.
His flagship store is in Brussels, but he has locations all over the world including Paris. Pierre Marcolini gets around.
I love the subtle heat of his pink peppercorn centers. I love his delicate, violet-infused ganache with a hint of raspberry and the bright burst of the praliné citron. I love that his products are fait maison from A to Z, cacao bean to couverture.
Best of all are the Câlins, with their thin, crispy wafer, delicate crunch of almond praline, and oozing vanilla caramel. “Câlin” actually means “cuddle” in French. I think it’s a misnomer in this case, or at the very least a euphemism.
Depends on your style of cuddling, I guess.
Unfortunately he can be aloof. One day I bought an assortment of chocolates of my choosing, the next I was told that this was impossible “pendant le Noël”, that custom orders were not permitted during the busy season. Busy? There was only one other shopper.
I didn’t even want anything complicated, just a small box of only Câlins.
Playing hard to get worked, apparently, because I went back the next day, my heart beating a little faster as I approached the door on rue de Seine. Would he or wouldn’t he give up the cuddles?
He would. And will I go back for more?
If he’s lucky.
PIerre Marcolini 89 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris +33 (0)1 44 07 39 07 and locations worldwide. Visit the website for details.
Oooh, I’m a big fan of câlins, but these sound even more delicious !
Luckily I’m heading to Paris – tomorrow. Perfect timing. Rue de Seine, here I come. I’m seeing guimauve as well. Marcolini’s mastered those too.
I LOVE his chocolates!! Can’t quite remember the different flavors I’ve tried since its been awhile, but ohhhh, those Câlins sure sound divine.
Looks divine. Might try to stop by and pick some up to bring back to the states!
Kerrin: I have no idea what the wink is for. Ahem.
Danielle and Lindsey: “Divine” is the word, alright.
Love Pierre Marcolini!! Every time I go to Paris I simply have to go by his shop and pick up some chocolates!