Fondly referred to as Mr. Chocolate, JACQUES TORRES is the authority on all things related to this confectionery delight.
Through his early years as a pastry chef, Jacques developed a deep affinity and passion for chocolate. Raised in France, Jacques fulfilled his American dream in 2000 with the opening of his first chocolate factory, Jacques Torres Chocolate in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Jacques was a pioneer—the first artisan chocolatier to start from cocoa beans to make his own chocolate. Jacques prides himself on specializing in fresh, hand-crafted chocolates using premium ingredients free of preservatives and artificial flavors.
Jacques and his chocolate became an instant success attracting fans from all over the country. In 2004, he opened his second chocolate factory and flagship store, Jacques Torres Chocolate, in downtown New York City on Hudson Street. The demand for his confections grew rapidly, and Jacques opened a total of 8 retail stores throughout Manhattan including two ice cream locations. In 2013, Jacques moved his production and built a state-of-the-art 40,000 sq. ft. chocolate manufacture plant at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
Jacques was the host of the Food Network series “Chocolate with Jacques Torres” and the PBS series “Dessert Circus with Jacques Torres,” and has made many other TV appearances. He is the author of three cookbooks.
He has received numerous awards over the years as well as The James Beard Pastry Chef of the Year Award in 1994, and has been inducted in The James Beard Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage Award in 2003. In 2016, he was inducted in the Chocolate Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine, and given the highest honor in France, The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.
Since 1993 Jacques proudly serves as Dean of Pastry Arts at the award-winning International Culinary Center. In March 2017, Jacques opened New York’s first ever chocolate museum called “Choco-Story New York, Chocolate Museum and Experience with Jacques Torres.”