Sweet Decadence: Jacques Torres Chocolate

Jacques Torres, the chocolatier extraordinaire has an amazing 8,000 square foot factory and retail store on Hudson Street. The minute that I walked in the door, I was greeted with the delightful aroma of melting chocolate. The elegantly appointed space with its tiered chandeliers and decorative icicles proved that it was no ordinary trip to a candy store. No, Jacques Torres Chocolate was an exceptional adventure.


Candy makers putting creating chocolate versions of Santa Claus and Snowmen

One of the unique experiences about visiting Jacques Torres is that there is also an operational chocolate factory. Visitors can see how cocoa beans are made into chocolate bars, snowmen, and even cookies. Yesterday, chocolate was being poured into molds to create Christmas trees.

Chocolate Christmas Trees being made in the factory.

Throughout the store, there were massive displays of malt balls, chocolate covered Cheerios, chocolate bars, and chocolate covered marshmallows.

Chocolate Malt Balls wrapped for gift giving.

Several marble and glass cases revealed individual pieces of chocolate in squares, hearts, and many other shapes and patterns, with among the many names Fresh Ginger, Love Potion No. 9, Hearts of Passion, and Creamy Raspberry in an assortment milk and dark varieties.

The gorgeous patterns, the decadent flavors, chocolate at its best.


The signature Jacques Torres chocolate boxes.


The drink bar that delivers liquid chocolate goodness in eight varieties.

The store also has an in-house bar, which serves up eight varieties of hot chocolate, which includes the popular Wicked, which is spiced with a hint of chili pepper. I opted to go along with my mother who chose the Classic. It was modestly described as "a traditional velvety hot chocolate. " However, upon further contemplation (and with my eyes closed shut) it was exactly like having a direct hit of delicious chocolate syrup so over-the-top, that I will never drink another brand of hot chocolate again. We both paired the sweet liquid gold with a chocolate tart which had a shortbread crust. It was all too amazing for words.


Check out Frosty and all of his merry snow friends.


Website: Jacques Torres Chocolate
300 Hudson Street, New York
Additional locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan