La Maison du Chocolat
Artisan chocolate, loved by Paris for over 40 years
Chocolate has always been special.
And La Maison du Chocolate lets you immerse yourself in that feeling, right here in Tokyo.
In 1977, Robert Linxe¸ who would later become known as the “sorcerer of ganache,” opened the first location in Paris.
At the time, dedicated chocolate stores were rare even in France. Maison du Chocolat became a hot topic of discussion, and has supported chocolate culture to this day. [1]
The atmosphere at the time of the store’s opening is described in detail by culinary expert Asako Kishi, who has also served as a judge on the famous Japanese food program “Iron Chef.[2]
When you think of famous chocolateries which rewrote the entire history of French chocolate, which caused an evolution, you think of La Maison du Chocolat, founded in Paris in 1977.
referenceRieko Seto, “Tokyo’s Greatest Patisseries”, 179頁, 2015年, PIA
he chocolates he makes, overflowing with the sweet scent of cacao, soon became the talk of Paris, and caused a boom that would completely captivate the Parisians.
referenceAsako Kishi, “5-Star Souvenirs from Tokyo 2”, page 84, 2004年, Tokyo Shoseki
Even now, 40 years later, each piece is a little taste of heaven. They earn the title “sorcerer of ganache” with a deep melt-in-your-mouth texture and a creamy mellow taste.
In contrast to the recent “bean to bar” boom, characterized by chocolates which aim to perfect the cacao’s own flavor as an ingredient, this chocolate perfects technique.
The secret lies in an almost naïve dedication to handcrafting everything. [3][4]
They craft their chocolates with talent, passion, attention to detail, and an enterprising spirit. Everything, from breaking up the couverture to cutting, coating, decoration, and even packaging, is done by hand.
All the chocolates are handmade onsite using that morning’s milk, for the same fresh flavor you would find in their homeland.
referenceEtsuko Onodera, Hanako, “High-Cacao BOOK”, page 69, 2016年, MAGAZINE HOUSE
And it’s not just the taste—just as “The Tokyo Chocolate Book” mentioned above, the attention to beautiful packaging and design can’t be ignored. These chocolates make a good reward for yourself, or a gift for someone else.
Musician Miu Sakamoto also introduces them as chocolates for special days. [5]
You can tell from the appearance and the packaging how exquisitely made they are, and when you put one in your mouth you feel an intense happiness. (…) I often give them as a birthday gift, or just stop by the store in Roppongi for a piece or two on days when I’m really feeling exhausted.
referenceMiu Sakamoto, anan, “favorite chocolates!!!”, page 22, 2017年, MAGAZINE HOUSE
In the past few decades, all chocolate cheap and expensive has grown closer to us.
But a single piece of carefully crafted chocolate will always be a special thing which makes our hearts dance with joy.
These chocolates are every bit as dazzling as they were 40 years ago—try one and see for yourself.
MAP
- PLACE
- La Maison du Chocolat
- TEL
- +81-3201-6006
- ACCESS
- 3-4-1, Marunochi , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- URL
- http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.us/en_us/