This week’s obsession…. is chocolate, not just any chocolate, but the haute couturier of chocolate, world renowned Pierre Marcolini.
Brussels may be known as the international capital of Europe as host of the administrative offices of the European Union and the center of international politics since World War II, but some consider it the Capital of Chocolate as well.
You’ll have no problem finding chocolate shops, standing on the sidewalk of any street in the most frequented tourist areas such as the Grand Sablon and Grand Place, you’ll see shops for Leonidas, Guylian and Cote d’Or sometimes side by side. But of all the chocolate shops in Brussels – and we nibbled at many, one stood out…
Considered the Haute Couturier of Chocolate, a visit to Pierre Marcolini is by far the most unforgettable chocolate experience you’ll ever encounter. Pierre Marcolini, Belgian by nationality and Italian of origin, has long been famed among discerning chocoholics and first began winning accolades in 1991 when he was named Premier Belgian Ice Cream Confectioner, then World Champion Pastry in 1995, and European Champion Pastry in 2000 by the World Pastry Cup. Established since 1995, his chocolate creations are handmade in Brussels and shipped to their other flagship stores in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, and Nagoya.
The hushed elegant interior has the ambiance of an exclusive boutique where their handmade luxury gourmet truffles and chocolates are stylishly displayed in black minimalist alcoves. Ascending the plush, black carpeted, winding stairway to the second floor was like entering a penthouse of delightful decadence. The petite, polished crimson chocolate hearts are definitely the best gift to bring to your chocolate loving friends! But at $102.50 USD a pound, reserved for those friends very dear to your heart 😉
Photo credit: Valentine’s Dating
If you’re unable to visit one of their stores, Pierre Marcolini has an equally elegant E-Boutique where you are able to create your own box of their luxury confections. They currently ship to Belgium, France, and Great Britain. In the US, I’ve read that you can have the chocolates shipped from their New York store.
What an amazing review Priscilla! Sound like wonderful tasty chocolate, you are fortunate to experience this and take us with you on your journey! Thank you for sharing!!!
Very special friends indeed! There is nothing better than fabulous chocolate. Can’t wait to see some of your other posts from your trip. 🙂
Those chocolate hearts are truly spectacular!
Wow. Such an experience. It changes the way I view chocolate. GREG
sounds fabulous love the bag 🙂 also
I’m in awe of these chocolate hearts, I’m booking my trip- to Brussels for the chocolate!
$102.50 USD a pound! I think I just passed out, lol. Now I really, really want to know what they taste like!
Worth every dollar, you will think you are tasting chocolate for the first time!
I would love to visit chocolate shops in Brussels! Those heart chocolates look so wonderful!
I would to visit the shop too! Sounds terrific!
I read the title and went to get a piece of chocolate … I would be at that place every day!! Oh, and I’d be broke… 102/lb. wow!
did you buy one!
@rebecca – I’m a dark chocolate and nuts girl, so I bought a tiny piece of “bark” with pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts, mmmm 🙂
Great obsession! I will have to try and visit their NY shop next time I’m around there 🙂 BTW Thank you so much for suggesting me for the Food Lovers Website interview. I’m so excited, haha!!
Great review!!!!
Oh to taste some of that precious chocolate! As much as I am a chocolate fiend, I would absolutely have to think twice about that purchase…or at least split the chocolate 5 ways!
Friends to send these very reasonably priced treats to…hmmm…give me a few moments to think about it. LOL
How great to come back from my blogging break to come to yours and find chocolate…you can never go wrong with this type of obsession ;o)
Priscilla, it’s nice to be back to enjoying your very particular view on our culinary delights.
Ciao for now and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
thanks for this review!! im sure the dark chocolate is just divine!