Indulge Your Senses: A Sweet Journey Through the International Salon du Chocolat 2016 in Paris

Step into a world where chocolate reigns supreme! The International Salon du Chocolat 2016 in Paris was an absolutely unforgettable experience, a vibrant hub where the latest innovations and timeless classics of the chocolate world converged. Held at the expansive Porte de Versailles convention center, this annual event is a paradise for any connoisseur, chef, or simply anyone with a sweet tooth. We were thrilled to be immersed in this extraordinary event, tasting our way through an incredible array of chocolate creations and discovering the artistry behind them. It was more than just a visit; it was a deep dive into the heart of global chocolate culture.

Our excitement levels were already soaring at the mention of “CHOCOLATE,” but they reached new heights when we learned about a truly special feature. M6, the French television channel, had organized for some of the most beloved contestants from one of our favorite pastry shows, LE MEILLEUR PÂTISSIER (the French equivalent of The Great British Bake Off), to host live baking demonstrations. The thought of seeing these culinary stars in action was thrilling enough, but what we didn’t anticipate, and what turned out to be an exquisite surprise, was the opportunity to actually taste their freshly prepared creations. This unexpected treat elevated our Salon du Chocolat experience from fantastic to truly phenomenal.

An Inside Look at Le Meilleur Pâtissier: France’s Favorite Baking Show

For those unfamiliar with the captivating world of French pastry television, LE MEILLEUR PÂTISSIER (The Best Pastry Chef) is more than just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. As the beloved French counterpart to the iconic Great British Bake Off, it showcases the immense talent and creativity of amateur bakers from across France. The Salon du Chocolat offered a rare opportunity to see these TV personalities up close, demonstrating their impressive skills and passion for patisserie.

What Makes LE MEILLEUR PÂTISSIER So Special?

Now in its fifth thrilling season, the show continues to enchant audiences with its unique blend of intense competition, camaraderie, and mouth-watering creations. Here’s a closer look at its format:

• A French Institution: Le Meilleur Pâtissier is the widely popular French answer to the Great British Bake Off, drawing millions of viewers each week.
• Season 5 Lineup: This particular season featured 12 talented participants, each bringing their unique baking style and personality to the tent.
• Distinguished Judges: The show is expertly judged by the renowned chef patissier, Cyril Lignac, known for his charismatic presence and demanding standards, and Mercotte, the extraordinary cooking blogger celebrated for her technical expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of traditional French recipes. Adding an exciting twist, big names in the pastry world are frequently invited as surprise guest judges, upping the ante for the contestants.
• Challenging Creations: Each week, bakers face a series of diverse and demanding challenges. These typically revolve around a specific pastry theme, testing their technical precision, boundless creativity, and ability to follow complex recipes to perfection.
• The Blue Shirt Honor: The contestant who demonstrates exceptional skill and flair throughout the week earns the prestigious title of “best pastry chef” and the honor of wearing the coveted blue shirt.
• A Bittersweet Farewell: With each week, the competition intensifies, and one contestant is lovingly (but firmly) sent home, making the stakes incredibly high.
• Picturesque Setting: The show’s stunning backdrop is the beautiful Château de Maillebois, nestled close to Dreux, providing a picturesque and inspiring setting for the culinary battles.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of French pastry or relive past episodes, you can catch up on all the delicious action here.

Mercotte: The Queen of French Baking Blogs and Her Exquisite Macarons

No discussion of Le Meilleur Pâtissier is complete without mentioning Mercotte, one of its beloved and highly respected judges. Beyond her television fame, Mercotte is a true pioneer in the French culinary world, having created a magnificent French cooking blog that has inspired countless home bakers and professional chefs alike. Her blog is a treasure trove of traditional French recipes, offering meticulous instructions and insights into the classics. However, she also masterfully reinvents these traditions with modern twists, constantly pushing the boundaries of patisserie. Mercotte is an active participant in numerous French foodie events, always sharing her latest discoveries and experiences with her devoted followers.

Mercotte’s Verveine-Citronnelle Macarons: A Taste of Perfection

At the Salon du Chocolat, Mercotte graced the stage with several contestants from LE MEILLEUR PÂTISSIER, giving a live demonstration that captivated the audience. But the real highlight was getting to taste her exceptional creations. Mercotte prepared a staggering 250 individual `verveine-citronnelle macarons` for attendees to sample! These delicate French confections were nothing short of perfect. Each macaron boasted a wonderfully creamy interior, offering a delightful contrast to its slightly firm and satisfyingly crunchy exterior shell. The flavor profile was truly inspired: the delicate, herbaceous notes of verveine (lemon verbena) married harmoniously with the bright, zesty essence of citronnelle (lemongrass). This combination was not just delightful; it was a revelation, showcasing Mercotte’s mastery of balancing nuanced flavors within a classic pastry.

Lila’s Caramel-Peanut-Chocolate Tartelettes: A Gourmet Snickers Dream

Another highlight of the live demonstrations was the opportunity to sample a dessert prepared by Lila, one of the talented contestants from the current season of LE MEILLEUR PÂTISSIER. Lila presented her exquisite `caramel-peanut-chocolate tartelettes`, a creation that perfectly showcased her skill in combining classic flavors with refined pastry techniques. These tartelettes were a masterclass in balance and texture, featuring a rich chocolate mousse, a luscious layer of salted caramel, and crunchy peanuts, all encased in a delicate pastry shell. The combination was reminiscent of a high-end, artisanal version of a Snickers bar – but infinitely more sophisticated and utterly delicious. It was truly a testament to the caliber of bakers featured on the show.

Sadaharu Aoki’s Innovative Matcha Waffles Stuffed with Chocolate Macarons

Prepare to have your mind, and taste buds, utterly blown! Among the myriad of chocolate innovations at the Salon du Chocolat, one creation stood out for its sheer originality and brilliance: `matcha waffles stuffed with chocolate macarons`. Yes, you read that absolutely right! This incredible concept, brought to life by the visionary Sadaharu Aoki, instantly captured our attention and our palates. It’s a delightful fusion of Japanese tea culture and classic French patisserie, creating something truly unique and unforgettable.

These were, without a doubt, the most unusual and impressive chocolate creation we encountered at the Salon du Chocolat this year. The visual appeal alone was captivating, but the taste was a revelation. The matcha waffles were moist, almost spongy in texture, offering a delicate earthiness. Nestled within these vibrant green waffles were rich, velvety chocolate macarons, adding another layer of exquisite sweetness and textural contrast. The flavor combination was nothing short of amazing – a harmonious marriage of the slightly powdery, grassy notes of matcha tea with the deep, luxurious taste of dark chocolate. It was a complex, multi-layered experience that showcased incredible culinary creativity. Even now, as I write this, I can still vividly recall the intricate flavors and the sheer delight of tasting them! Sadaharu Aoki continues to prove why he is a master of innovative patisserie.

Georges Larnicol: The Master of Chocolate Sculpture

Beyond delectable treats, the Salon du Chocolat also celebrates chocolate as a medium for breathtaking art. This was exemplified by the incredible creations of Georges Larnicol, a renowned Breton chocolatier famous for his whimsical and often monumental chocolate sculptures. Larnicol captivated visitors of all ages with his awe-inspiring `giant chocolate Sphinx head`, a true masterpiece of confectionery craftsmanship. The intricate details, the sheer scale, and the perfect execution of such a complex piece left everyone in wonder. Larnicol’s work transcends simple candy-making, elevating chocolate to the realm of fine art. His presence at the Salon du Chocolat was a testament to the diverse expressions of chocolate artistry. You can explore more of his impressive creations and witness the magic he brings to life with chocolate.

Chapon Chocolatier: Discovering the Rarity of Criollo Chocolate

Among the many esteemed chocolatiers present, Chapon Chocolatier particularly stood out for its dedication to quality and origin. Have you ever heard of `Criollo chocolate from Madagascar`? This exquisite variety is exceptionally rare, often commanding a higher price due to its delicate nature and incredible flavor profile. Naturally, when presented with the opportunity to taste such a prized chocolate, we couldn’t resist. After all, “when in Rome,” or rather, when at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, one must indulge in the finest. And we were certainly not disappointed!

In France, Criollo chocolate is revered as “a très grand cru,” a designation typically reserved for the finest wines, signifying its superior quality and unique terroir. This type of chocolate is known for its complex, nuanced flavors, often described as less bitter and more aromatic than other varieties, with hints of fruit, caramel, and nuts. It’s a truly sophisticated experience for the palate.

For those new to the world of fine chocolate, understanding the percentage on your dark chocolate bar is key to appreciating its quality and taste. This percentage refers to the proportion of cacao solids in the chocolate, relative to the sugar content. For instance, the magnificent Criollo chocolate we purchased was a 75% dark chocolate, meaning it comprised 75% cacao solids and just 25% sugar. This high cacao percentage allows the true, intricate flavors of the Criollo bean to shine through, providing a profound and satisfying chocolate experience that is both intense and incredibly smooth. It’s a crucial detail for anyone looking to truly savor the richness and depth of high-quality dark chocolate.

The Dazzling Chocolate Fashion Show: Where Couture Meets Confectionery

Perhaps one of the most unexpected and visually stunning highlights of the Salon du Chocolat is its legendary `Chocolate Fashion Show`. Yes, you truly read that correctly! Each year, this spectacular event showcases breathtaking creations where the worlds of high fashion and confectionery art brilliantly collide. Visitors to the 2016 Salon du Chocolat were treated to an incredible display of models gracing the runway in elaborate gowns and attire designed and crafted almost entirely from, you guessed it, CHOCOLATE!

The creativity and engineering involved in these edible ensembles are absolutely astounding. Designers and chocolatiers collaborate to create intricate textures, delicate lacework, and bold structural elements, all from various forms of chocolate. The air crackled with excitement as each unique piece was unveiled, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this versatile ingredient. While every dress was a marvel, our personal favorite was a shimmering, dark chocolate-covered gown that seemed to drip with elegance and sophistication, adorned with delicate edible pearls and intricate cacao-inspired patterns. It was a true masterpiece, demonstrating not only artistic vision but also immense technical skill in working with such a fragile and delicious medium. The Chocolate Fashion Show is a truly unique experience that underscores the Salon du Chocolat’s commitment to celebrating every facet of chocolate, from its culinary applications to its artistic potential.

Concluding Our Sweet Adventure

The International Salon du Chocolat 2016 was a feast for all senses, an immersive experience that celebrated the rich history, innovative future, and sheer joy of chocolate. From the inspiring live demonstrations by `Le Meilleur Pâtissier` stars and the exquisite `Mercotte macarons`, to the inventive `matcha waffles` by Sadaharu Aoki, the artistic `chocolate sculptures` of Georges Larnicol, and the rare `Criollo chocolate` from Chapon, every moment was packed with discovery and deliciousness. And let’s not forget the unforgettable `chocolate fashion show`, a true testament to chocolate’s versatility as an artistic medium.

This event truly underscored Paris’s reputation as a global culinary capital and a haven for chocolate enthusiasts. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and passion for patisserie shines through in every delicate bite and grand display. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, an aspiring baker, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Salon du Chocolat offers an unparalleled journey into the world of chocolate.

Have you ever had the pleasure of attending one of the yearly Salons du Chocolat events around the world? Or perhaps, after reading about our sweet adventures, you’re now dreaming of visiting one? We’d love to hear your stories, your favorite chocolate discoveries, or what you’d be most excited to experience at such a magnificent festival. Share your thoughts and tell us all about your chocolate dreams!