A Visit to Patrick Roger Chocolate in Paris from David Lebovitz on Vimeo.

I don’t pretend to know much about chocolate let alone the nuances of French chocolate but I certainly know who to turn to for advice and candid reviews when I’m looking for a sweet fix.

David Lebovitz, famed epicurean and pastry chef (formerly of legendary restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA), got a private look at the Patrick Roger laboratory and a chance to interview the chocolate artist himself at work. As if David didn’t already have my attention with his decadent chocolate close-ups, the mere mention of caramel and pumpkin combined in one mouth-watering, indulgent square was enough to send me leaping out from my chair and out the door to my nearest Patrick Roger boutique. That was back in March….

Fouquet Chocolate and Confectionary Shop in Paris from David Lebovitz on Vimeo.

Now David has done it again with a tour of Fouquet, one of the oldest French candy and chocolate shops in Paris (founded 1852), and an interview with Frédéric Chambeau whose family has owned the shop since the early 1900’s. I’m not particularly drawn to candy but the chocolate covered almonds pique my taste buds and the authentic preparation methods make me want to go there exclusively whenever I’m looking to offer local confections as gifts.

While some might argue that Swiss or Belgian chocolate is far superior, the French hold their own quite nicely.

Also add these chocolate shops in Paris to your list:

La Maison du Chocolat

Un Dimanche à Paris

Michel Cluizel 

Pierre Hermé (while you’re there, pick up some macarons)

Michel Chaudun

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