INDULGENT. I can still remember when Jacques Genin used to be very exclusive and you have to know someone in the trade in order for you to taste some of his creations. So when he opened his "salon de degustation" it created a big buzz with the chocolate elitists.
Although people flock to some of the more pedestrian establishments in Paris I for one like to seek the more rare breeds. La Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin is one of those rare breeds. The moment you walk in you know you are in the presence of greatness, well Monsieur Genin himself is standing guard greeting his salon's patrons. The boutique is very modern, sleek and chic. It seems to be a trend in Paris nowadays.
One of my favorites from this place are the caramels, steep at $80 per pound but they are heavenly. Don't be fooled by the look because the appearance is pretty common but when it comes to the flavors you would like every bite to last for eternity. They even offer it in "tonka" flavor, a spice banned in the United States. If you come in and they have passion fruit flavor available, grab as many as you can because it is very in demand. I personally like the pistachio. The place only carries a selection of flavors daily out of over 40 flavors available.
Since this place is primarily a chocolate boutique, the chocolate selection is quite extensive and every single piece is like a work of art. What I like most is the container they package their chocolates and caramels, they are in these modern looking tins ... very classy. It is quite impressive if you're giving them away.
There is also a good selection of pastries available. As a matter of fact, the primary reason I went to Jacques Genin is to sit down, have an éclair au chocolat ($9.30), a torte au chocolat ($9.30), some chocolates (complimentary) and chocolat chaud ($9.30). Yeah, I was trying to get into a chocolate induced coma. I know some people might complain about the size of the éclairs offered since they are not available in American sizes and you can't super size it either; I assure you they are exquisite. The torte, perfection only a French can make. It was like cancan in the mouth. The chocolat chaud, thick and rich just the way I like it. Don't bother looking for watered-down milk because this is Paris; they only speak crème.
I like the products available from Jacques Genin; they are fresh ... nothing over hours old. They make everything at the workshop above the establishment, which you can get invited to visit if you're lucky. My only complain ... they don't have al fresco sitting. I like to people watch especially in Paris. Being indulgently enclosed in a jewelry box doesn't really make up for it. One more thing, when you're paying in euros it didn't seem to hurt; when you convert it in US dollars when you feel the owie! read more