PATRICK ROGER - Chocolate Laboratory - Paris

A highlight of my chocolate career has been a visit to the new chocolate laboratory of Patrick Roger, MOF, in Paris. I've watched Patrick grow over the last five years, and am continually amazed by his fresh and innovative ideas ... uniquely able to sit left of mainstream, he is a chocolate genius! My visit coincided with his

creation of a collection commemorating the

anniversary of the coming down of the

Berlin Wall. Large chocolate pieces replicated sections of the Wall, along with chocolate graffiti 'spray cans' (with an almond inside, so when they shook they actually

sounded like a paint can being

shaken!).The enormous polar bears and dancing lady had to be seen to be believed.

When I asked Patrick how he was enjoying the luxury of the enormous new laboratory space, he responded 'it's great .... but space isn't a luxury, having people to help you is real luxury". Only fellow chocolatiers will understand the gravity of this!!

patrickroger.com

Salon du Chocolat, Paris, Oct 2009

Covering the entire top floor of the exhibition hall at Porte de Versaille, above the Salon du Chocolat – Professional ….. is the public exhibition of Salon du Chocolat. Whilst the professional expo is exciting for those involved in the Chocolate Industry … the public Salon is a vibrant celebration of chocolate, exploding with energy, for everyone to enjoy.

Cacao growing regions from around the world are represented, with dynamic displays, including Brazilian fighting dancers tearing up the stage. Artisan French chocolateries set up shop to promote and sell their products, and I had the opportunity to meet Gilless Marchal, new creative director of French institution Maison du Chocolat, and Frank Kestener MOF, pictured holding his amazing chocolates.

Stunning displays, including a chocolate recreation of a Belgian town hall, and ‘chocolate’ fashion which were collaboration between chocolatiers and fashion designers. These fashions came to life when they were modeled in a fashion parade …. Click on the video to see!