The chocolate bars, candies, pralines, ganaches or even sweets like marshmallows, the chocolate balls et The spreads…The shop opened by Adrien Fort in Craponne-sur-Arzon allows the artisan chocolatier to present all the treats that they have been making in his workshop in Saint-Julien-d'Ance for three years behind a beautiful shop window.
Is this shop a great showcase for your expertise?
Adrien Fort: Originally, I wanted to open this shop for Easter. There was quite a bit of breakage at the markets because the chocolate molds are fragile. Displaying them in a shop avoids this problem. And indeed, it's an opportunity to showcase what I produce, since not everyone comes to the markets I attend. So, my partner and I decided to broaden our customer base through this shop. It's open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's also open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. due to the market, and then on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Opening hours will be longer for the Christmas holidays.
Are you still somewhat present in the markets?
Adrien Fort: Yes. I'm at the Ambert market on Thursday mornings and the Aurec-sur-Loire market on Friday afternoons. It's possible that in the future I'll be at the Puy-en-Velay market on Saturday mornings.
What decor was chosen for the shop?
Adrien Fort: We opted for simplicity by choosing black and white as the colors. They blend well with the world of chocolate. A cabinetmaker from Saint-Pal-en-Chalencon crafted the display furniture. It was important to me to support a local artisan. And then there's a living wall because I love nature and forests. In the end, I think it looks fantastic!
What types of treats can be found there?
Adrien Fort: There are chocolate bars with at least 70% chocolate, marshmallows, and spreads. Among the new items is coconut ganache. We also offer ganache with porcini mushrooms, spices, mint, and verbena, and a praline with almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts. There are also cereal balls, cocoa powder, and mendiants (chocolate discs with nuts and dried fruit). And I also offer ice cream in the summer. The new feature is that customers can choose individual chocolates to fill a box or a bag.
Any special treats in particular for the end of the year?
Adrien Fort: Yes. There are truffles for the holiday season, but also candied orange peels, which can be bought in stores until January.
What is the profile of your clientele?
Adrien Fort: It's a very large shop and we have quite a few regulars, but it's always nice to welcome customers who don't know us. Generally, they're local foodies who come to see us.
Can she come and see you at the workshop?
Adrien Fort: Of course, on Thursday afternoons from 15pm.
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