I recently had the opportunity to have a private tour and sampling at Madame Chocolat in Beverly Hills, by Madame Chocolat herself, Hasty Torres (yes, she is the wife of famed chocolatier Jacques Torres).

The boutique doesn’t scream from the sidewalk, but once you are inside, you’re completely transported. The look is Ladurée meets Versailles, with a high tech laboratory in the back (ask about the imported machinery). The Louis XVI theme lends a unique appeal to the space that doesn’t really exist elsewhere in Los Angeles, as everyone is focusing on minimalism and up to the minute design, Madame Chocolate is over-the-top opulence. A custom chandelier (if you look carefully, the Madame’s logo is mingling with the crystal) hangs over a table topped with an Eiffel Tower replica. Don’t forget to look up; the ceiling is my favorite part of the décor. There are also two flat panel displays, showing videos of the production of chocolate, as well as chocolate artistry taking place in the kitchen. The “factory” behind the counter is set up for viewing from the boutique and is a stark contrast. Madame Chocolat fits perfectly in Beverly Hills, but feels more like stepping into a Paris shop, there are even a couple of tables to sit and enjoy your chocolate and espresso, or unusual Ticolino tea.

It is comforting to realize that Hasty Torres is as passionate about her chocolate as the space is serious. She is a Los Angeles native who worked in the financial industry before a complete career change to pursue and fulfill her dream of opening a chocolate shop and factory. Her story is inspiring, and her attitude is even more appealing. Svelte and beautiful, Mme Torres is well spoken, driven, and incredibly down to earth. Before opening Madame Chocolat, she attended Le Cordon Blue Pasadena, and then worked under Jacques Torres in New York City. You can easily sense the pride she holds for the boutique.

I had tried a few of Madame’s confections before visiting (including a box of truffles that disappeared much faster than they should have), but as the soundtrack to Chocolat played in the background, I sampled some of the factory’s best offerings. The bon bons are the main draw, in a glass case, of assorted variety – the flavors are traditional but intense, the approach isn’t subtle. My favorite bon bon is named Monsieur, classic Jonnie Walker Blue Label, infused in dark chocolate ganache. The Grand Marnier is also fantastic, or if you are in the mood for a classic, the Mademoiselle, fresh raspberry with milk chocolate ganache, is surprisingly refreshing. The store’s selection is very wide, everything from traditional mendiant, chocolate spoons (not your basic swizzle, these are a full dose of chocolate for your hot drink), roasted almonds that have been dipped in dark chocolate and coated in cocoa powder, milk chocolate malt balls, delicious chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and what else could bring this place back down to earth but chocolate covered cheerios. I will admit, when these arrived on a little silver tray they scared me a little, but really, they aren’t so bad! especially if you are a cheerio person. Don’t let whimsy discredit the store, Mme Torres loves to cover whatever you can imagine in chocolate, so be ready for a lot of chocolate covered experiments. The quality of the Belgian sourced chocolate is terrific, and there is a variety of darknesses. Of everything, my favorite are the La Maman truffles, they’re rich, perfectly textured, and contrasted with a bitter cocoa powder exterior.

Several of the items border on the edge of cutesy, but it works with the over the top surroundings. Speaking of over the top, for the romantic chocolate lover, Madam’s heart, a heart shaped wood lacquered box, filled with bon bons or truffles, comes packaged in a suede case and gift box for $100. All of the packaging and branding is well executed, down to the magnet ribbon to seal your box of chocolates. The prices are what you might expect, this isn’t See’s, truffles run $75 for a box of 24, bon bons are 25 for $50.

I have tried several of the chocolatiers in Los Angeles, and I’m not sure I would make the comparison between Madame Chocolat and a place like Boule, as the approach is totally different. The technique isn’t revolutionary, but that is the point. Madame Chocolat is an excellent place to grab a gift for a chocolate lover, or just escape to a slower paced chocolate fantasy of sorts. The space is also available for special parties or hosting events.

Operating such a beautiful shop where she can display her creations daily, and being married to arguably the most famous chocolatier in the world, certainly merits Hasty Torres’ title of Madame Chocolat.

Madame Chocolat
212 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.247.9990