SWEET SPOT

Maison Pierre Marcolini at Shanghai’s Plaza 66 creates edible works of art that remain true to the chocolatier’s grandest dreams.

Chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s arrival in 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 destinations as varied as France, the UK, 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 designing his interpretation of a summer black forest gateau, he talks about inspiration. “I draw it (inspiration) from everywhere: at a modern art exhibition or a conversation among 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. eu.marcolini.com ≠

During a rare workshop at the relaunched mall, Marcolini was a passionate proponent of the humble cocoa bean.