Jacques Torres needs no introduction. This master of haute chocolate and desserts is one of the top pastry chefs in the world. He became well-known as the executive pastry chef at the famed Le Circque, but then branched out on his own with his eponymous stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. While his hand-crafted chocolates are certainly the focal point (bon bons, chocolate covered cherries, truffles and more), there are other (sweet) reasons to visit Jacques Torres: his ice cream, which is served in crepes, on waffles, sandwiched in cookies, alone or topped with chocolate covered cheerios, plus chocolate croissants and mixes to make cookies and brownies at home. Needless to say, Jacques Torres Chocolate is a must-visit destination to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Haute Living: What’s new at Jacques Torres Chocolate and Ice Cream?
Jacques Torres: Starting savory crepes at the downtown and Brooklyn locations. Working on new chocolates: luxury flavors like truffle, caviar and vodka.

HL: What are some of your favorite dishes at your restaurant?
JT: Bon Bons because you get all the flavor in a small package. It’s what I’m very proud of.

HL: Where do you like to dine when you’re not working?
JT: Real simple and authentic restaurants.

HL: What’s your ideal meal?
JT: Full of flavor, full of surprise, full of authenticity—that’s what I really go after.

HL: Where do you like to dine for a special occasion?
JT: This I would need to pay tribute to my friends who succeeded in being recognized for special occasions: Daniel Boulud and Jean Georges.

HL: What’s your favorite NYC neighborhood?
JT: Right now, Lower East Side, where DBGB is. It’s very hip and interesting with up and coming little places.

HL: What do you like to do in the city on your days off?
JT: Fish! Water calms me down. It helps me recover from the hectic time in the city.

HL: Your favorite vacation destination?
JT: Ibiza

HL: What’s your most memorable meal?
JT: This is difficult because my friends are chefs and they like to over do it when I visit. They are so good to me and extend their culinary experience so I can’t pick one meal.

HL: What are your five favorite ingredients?
JT: Love, authenticity, freshness, diversity and flavor!

Jacques Torres Chocolate is located at:

350 Hudson St, Greenwich Village; 212-414-2462

66 Water St, Brooklyn (DUMBO); 718-875-9772

285 Amsterdam Ave (73rd & 74th); 212-414-2462

The Chelsea Market; 75 9th Ave at 15th; 212-414-2462

Jacques Torres Ice Cream is located at:
62 Water St, Brooklyn (DUMBO); 718-875-9772

To reach Tracey Ceurvels, visit her blog, The Busy Hedonist, or you may email her.