Chef Gilles Marchal, the current custodian of a veritable treasure trove of savoir-faire, will set up Maison Chaudun from Paris for the first time in Hong Kong and exclusively at The Mandarin Cake Shop in Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, beginning 15 November 2016 until 15 January 2017. The perfect indulgence or gift this holiday season, Chef Marchal will bring his selection of the world’s greatest cult classic chocolates including dark, milk and pavés.
Maison Chaudun and all its wonders have long been a closely guarded secret, reserved for passionate insiders and discerning connoisseurs. Under the tutelage of Michel Chaudun’s shop in Paris, a generation of chocolate makers have been inspired by Chef Chaudun including his talented successor Chef Marchal.
“Chocolate is an art form that is all about the balance,” shares Chef Marchal. “Our chocolates are about finding subtle, more elegant notes where the flavours complement each other and linger on the palate. I am honoured to have been invited by the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong to share my passion especially during this magical time of the year.”
The pavé, a little square of ganache dusted with bitter cocoa powder, remains the signature of Maison Chaudun. Not to be confused with a truffle, it perfectly embodies the combination of technical sophistication and elegant simplicity that characterises all Chaudun chocolate. For Chef
Marchal, “That first bite of a pavé is sheer ecstasy. The fresh, meltingly soft chocolate delicately fuses with the velvety texture of the fine cocoa for a flavour that’s strong without being cloying.” The ganache is made from a blend of three types of chocolate combined with whipping cream. Left to mature for 24 hours, it is cut into small squares using a guitar cutter, matured for another 24 hours, and then delicately coated in bitter cocoa. Free from preservatives, added sugar, and additives of any kind, this exceptionally fresh chocolate confection is best enjoyed out of the fridge 15 minutes beforehand. Available for sale at The Mandarin Cake Shop, a box of 9 pavés are HKD198 and box of 25 pieces at HKD558.
In addition, Maison Chaudun will offer a variety of Chocolate Truffles, festive Boite Biscuiterie, Pralines, Pain d’epice, a variety of Candied Confit Fruit Peels, and a box of 6 Maison Chaudun Limited Edition Play Cards, created using a secret recipe and designed by renowned illustrator Emmanuel Pierre to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the brand, available for HKD698. For more information or for orders, please contact The Mandarin Cake Shop at 2825 4008 or email [email protected].