Pain au chocolat

My son Eric's first words in French were "pain au chocolat." He was eight years old when we brought him back to Paris for a visit. His breakfast each morning and snack each afternoon was pain au chocolat. I thought of him as I began my behind-the-scenes visit to my local boulangerie.

Stephane's hands were a blur with the expert tuck and roll of a man who's been creating croissants, chaussons, and pains au chocolat for 22 years. I was entranced watching the speed with which Stephane rolled, sliced, and tucked the dough - preparing ready-to-bake extras for tomorrow, his day off.









As he worked, I learned more about Stephane's background and his family. His wife is Japanese - she's a pastry chef at the Ritz. They are/were planning a trip to Japan in two weeks. Will they still go?


Soon, a tray of pains au chocolat comes out of the oven.


I am handed one - still steaming, its chocolate still slightly molten. As I bite into its heavenly, buttery, chocolately center, I close my eyes, smile, and think of my son Eric. I wish he were here.

Salon du Chocolat

Now that I'm back, I've been busy unpacking and trying to make my apartment seem more like home. I've been buying plants for both indoors and outdoors. Did I mention that I have a balcony? I'll post photos soon.

In the meantime, I've also been out exploring again. I saw a poster announcing the Salon du Chocolat and decided to visit.


There were demonstrations of all types.







And a Chocolate Masters contest with famous judges:



One of the judges was Jean Charles Rochoux. You may remember his shop

I liked the sculptures:




The show also had displays of non-edible uses of chocolate - such as skin care:


But the show wasn't just about displays, there was plenty to eat!

Chocolaterie

I was riding the bus the other day and I saw a three foot chocolate alligator in a shop window. I was on my way somewhere else, but noted the bus stop. I went back to investigate a few days later and here's what I found:


Sculptures of all sizes, shapes, and flavors:




Yes, they also have ordinary Easter baskets:


Here's the outside of the shop so that you can find it when YOU come to Paris.


They were giving out samples of their delicious, fresh, perishable chocolate truffles. Of course I had to buy a box! YUMMMMMMMMM