Having read raving reviews from my favorite Paris blogger David Lebovitz on A l’Etoile d’Or (blog post #1, #2), I knew I had to visit this shop when I visited Paris in 2011. Owner Denise Acabo (can’t miss her pony tail!) has been selling sweets at this store for 38 years, and shows no sign of slowing down. She is absolutely passionate and knowledgeable about each artisan confection and chocolate she sells…particularly Bernachon chocolate:
The main reason to visit A l’Etoile d’Or is simply because it’s the only place outside of the original shop in Lyon that sells Bernachon chocolate. If you’ve never had anything from Bernachon, close your laptop and get on the next flight to Lyon. Bernachon is one of the handful of chocolate shops in the entire world that makes the chocolate they use from scratch. That’s right, folks. They buy sacks of cacao beans, then roast and grind them into pure, dark bittersweet chocolate. [via]
Denise’s personal recommendation: the 62 % cocoa chocolates (higher cocoa % = more bitter). I would agree they are quite good! Here’s Denise teaching me about her chocolates:
Here I am holding a bar of the coveted Bernachon chocolate, but you’re suppose to keep it on the tray as to not melt them! Denise was so happy to introduce chocolates to us….her smile — quite contagious! =)
A video from David Lebovitz:
vimeo.com/33902021
Au revoir Denise and A l’Etoile d’Or!
Hungry Cactus’ Verdict: A
You will never find a person as passionate about sweets as Denise — I didn’t know one could fall in love with chocolate and sweets so much! I dare you walk into this store without buying/trying something amazing! You’ll definitely make a quick friend with Denise….quite a unique chocolate experience! =)
A l’Etoile d’Or
30, rue Fontaine (9th arrondissement)
Métro: Blanche