Sweet spot
Chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s arrival into Shanghai is timed perfectly. The city is fast becoming an epicentre of style and good taste. The recent opening of Maison Pierre Marcolini at Plaza 66 is one of over 30 such outlets around the world in countries as varied as France, the United Kingdom, Monaco, Japan and Kuwait.
During a rare workshop at the recently relaunched uber luxury shopping mall, the Belgium-born Marcolini was a passionate proponent of the humble cocoa bean. In between whipping cream and on the spot designing of his interpretation of a summer black forest gateaux, he talked about inspiration: “I draw it (inspiration) from everywhere: at a modern art exhibition or a conversation amongst friends, or when I discover a new flavour at a restaurant,” he says.
But it’s during trips around the world, Marcolini explains, when one’s mind opens, allowing for experiments “with mixing unexpected flavours inspired by cultures other than our own”. He scours the world – Peru, Vietnam and Brazil – in search of cocoa producers who assist him to create the purest, most sublime varieties of designer chocolate.
