Jacques Torres

Counter display at Jacques Torres Chocolate in DUMBO

Jacques Torres (born June 14, 1959) is a French pastry chef and chocolatier. He is widely known for his expertise in the field of pastry and chocolate making. Torres has earned the nickname "Mr. Chocolate" due to his significant contributions to the world of chocolate.

Early Life and Education

Jacques Torres was born in Algiers, Algeria, and raised in Bandol, a small town in the south of France. He developed an interest in baking at a young age and began an apprenticeship at a local pastry shop at the age of 15. Torres later attended culinary school in France, where he honed his skills in pastry and chocolate making.

Career

Early Career

After completing his education, Torres worked at several prestigious establishments in France, including the Hotel Negresco in Nice. He gained recognition for his talent and was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) in pastry in 1986, becoming the youngest person to receive this honor.

Move to the United States

In 1988, Torres moved to the United States and joined the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles as the Executive Pastry Chef. His innovative creations and dedication to quality quickly earned him a reputation as one of the top pastry chefs in the country.

Jacques Torres Chocolate

In 2000, Torres opened his first chocolate factory and retail shop, Jacques Torres Chocolate, in Brooklyn, New York. The shop became an instant success, known for its high-quality, handcrafted chocolates. Torres has since expanded his business to include multiple locations throughout New York City.

Television and Media

Jacques Torres has appeared on numerous television shows, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. He has been a judge on the popular baking competition show Nailed It! on Netflix and has made guest appearances on shows such as Top Chef, Chopped, and The Martha Stewart Show.

Personal Life

Torres is married to Hasty Khoei, who is also a chocolatier. The couple has two children and resides in New York City.

Awards and Recognition

• Meilleur Ouvrier de France (1986)
• James Beard Foundation Pastry Chef of the Year (1994)
• Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2004)

Related Pages

• Pastry
• Chocolate
• Meilleur Ouvrier de France
• Nailed It!
• Top Chef
• Chopped
• The Martha Stewart Show

External Links

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