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Recently I visited the incredible laboratory of master French chocolatier Patrick Roger. His shops in Paris are some of my favorite places to swoon over chocolate and it was wonderful to have the chance to step behind-the-scenes and watch him make his extraordinary confections and impressive chocolate sculptures. Join me as I check out his workshop, as well as visit his garden and apiary.

(Video produced by Flow Films.)


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103 comments

    • a.o.

    Very kind of them to have let you inside their “laboratoire”.
    Have you ever thought about visiting Jacques Genin’s chocolate and pastry shop in rue de Turenne?
    Provided you ask beforehand, they will also let you visit their lab on the first floor….

    • berit

    All I can say is WOW! What a serious passion behind his craft, I loved every minute of the film.

    • Simon Food Favourites

    i love how they hand make their chocolates. i’ve never heard of Patrick Roger until now but i really hope to visit the shop one day now. great video :-)

    • Gabrielle

    The sculptures are absolutely breathtaking.

    • flavia

    pure and simple magic. thanks for this video – i’ve always died to visit paris, now i’m dying to visit paris and patrick roger’s fantasic chocolate shop.

    • Sigrid

    You cruel cruel man! I just started my spring-diet!

    • Lia

    Amazing David! Thanks for sharing! Please, I want some more :D

    • Justin Watt

    Lovely production qualities on that video. I don’t recall seeing a similar one before, but I admit I’m a new follower of your blog. Would love to know the back story. Will there be more? Perhaps during return visit to the mountains of the Jura? ;)

    • Mickie

    Lol! You “tutoyer”‘d him! I have such an awful time with that, “tu” just seems to slip out at the worst times. I’m sure he was understanding, if it was even mentioned. (I always end up blushing and apologizing when I tutoie someone I shouldn’t.)

    Great video–I’m really hoping you’re planning on more to come.

    Bisous!

    • Mary Sward

    David, you must have done something really good in a previous life, to be able to live where you do, and do what you do. This is my idea of heaven! Such beautiful work at Patrick Roger! Or should I say, “pas mal.”

    • Heather

    I truly enjoyed this video; I’ve always wanted to see a true artisan work! I love that everything is about feedback from the workers and really taking that into consideration and to heart when making the chocolate. If it was available in Colorado I’d buy it all the time!

    • Dani

    Great video! Enjoyed the tour and now I have to get me some chocolate. Stat!

    • Sense of Home

    Thank you for sharing this link.

    -Brenda

    • Sense of Home

    Ok, now I have watched the video, excellent work. I particularly liked the bees and hives, and would love to eat the Berlin Wall.

    -Brenda

    • parisbreakfast

    Wonderful insider view of such a creative chocolatier!
    I love his ‘bees’

    • Expat

    I love this man! I was addicted to his Orangettes when I lived in Paris. I am excited that he is getting the exposure that he so deserves. Cheers.

    • The Celiac Husband

    The European way of starting a career versus endless University stints is so different.
    True craftsmen are worth it. Would it ever work in North America?

    • Laurel Catena

    SO great to see you in video! Thanks for sharing. Loved it!

    • james

    david, keep the videos flowing. Really enjoyed seeing you in action discussing food. Brought it to life. Webvideo personality here you come!

    • Sharon T

    Amazing! Those chocolate sculptures are incredible. His shop is already on my list to visit in October. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Always great to get a peek inside and see the way things are made.

    • illana

    David, This is fantastic!!! Thank you for the tour!
    The video is beautiful as well, and the laboratory is PAS MAL DU TOUT!

    • GrapeSugar

    Sigh…can’t wait to go back. What a lovely video, great job. :) Or, is it , “Pas mal” ?
    :)

    • Mariceli Ramirez

    Impressive! Well done. Can’t wait to go back to Paris.

    • Mairi @ Toast

    Wow, that chocolate looks incredible…just added to the ever growing list of spots to visit in Paris in a couple of weeks. Thank you :)

    • Lisa@bakedinmaine.com

    I love video almost as much as I love chocolate.

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Alison

    Thank You! I was transported, what a gift!

    • suedoise

    A wonderful video. One wants to eat you too David.

    • Mei @ Libertine Eats

    Ah David what a fantastic video! Loved every second of it.

    (Hope you make more!!)

    • Mimi

    David, I love your blog! Thanks for the video. The first time I lived in Paris, I couldn’t miss this shop because there was a life size Rugby player all made of Chocolate in the window, this was during the world Rugby Cup. I was so impressed I had to go in try this wonderful Chocolate. The only thing missing from your video is the wonderful smell of the shop :-)…….Oh well, I still have all my memories. I just moved back to the states after living in France for a year and truly miss it, but I am glad to have you there sharing your experiences with all of us.

    • Darlynne

    The idea of going into any store in Paris with my high school (lifetime ago) French terrifies me. Trying to order what I’d always assumed would be fussy, fusion chocolates that would ultimately disappoint seemed like a waste. But this, THIS, I could do. I love how focused Monsieur Roger is on his customers and the quality of his creations.

    And even if I could only point at a large box and grab another box of those gorgeous blue shiny things, I can smile, hand over my American Express card and say “Merci mille fois,” because I’m thinking that’s how much doing so would cost. And it would be worth every centime, sou or Euro. Thank you!

    • Susan

    David,Thank you so much for this video. It brought back great memories of my last trip to Paris. After I heard you speak at the American Library, I visited his shop and loved buying the caramels and the Feuilleuntine ! I need to go back badly !!

    • Whitney

    I’m a new follower, and I loved this video, the chocolate sculptures, especially.

    • irene

    Thanks for the video. It was good to see how a true chocolatier at work especially when he wanted good and bad feedback to improve his product. Great efforts

    • Colby

    Make more videos! I went to the Vimeo site to see this one and noticed the other one too. Both are wonderful. Please, please do some more.

    • Sophie Delphis

    Beautiful video! It’s great to see the words and pictures that we love to follow in action.

    • JanetMoh

    Great video. It’s nice to see someone so dedicated. The only thing I have to disagree with you about is when you said ‘no one makes a cake and then just eats it themselves…’ ahem I have been known….(hahaha)

    • Mindy

    This video was perfect timing as I just finished your book (which I loved btw). Your experience at Patrick Roger was one of my favorite chapters. Just priceless. Mr Roger’s garden was amazing, as was his sculptures. I have a suggestion for your next video. How about Poilane?!

    • Frances Mercer

    You are so lucky !!!! Thank you for sharing the video. This will definitely be on the list during my next visit.

    • The Quest For Zest

    Tremendous. You should do more of these! You have great on-camera presence.

    • Briana

    That was fantastic, I had a smile on my face the entire time. I’d love to see more of your and your videos, well done!

    I loved the walk through his garden, his attention to detail, and the fact that he has bee hives. Brilliant!

    • Christine

    Very well done video; the resolution is stellar and the editing very nicely done. Most enjoyable!

    • Chandana Hathi

    Wow!!! amazing!!!! Thank you .. I wish I was there !!!!

    • David
    David Lebovitz

    Am glad you all liked the video and I had a great time doing it. Big thanks to the talented Mark Ryan of Flow-Films who produced it.

    (He was amply rewarded with chocolate that day – as was I!)

    The honey is truly exceptional and if you go and they have the domes filled with honey, they are outstanding. Patrick is such a nice guy and very “open” in a way that true masters of their craft are. It really is a special place and his personality comes through with his sculptures.

    Thanks for all your comments about the video! -david

    • Geraldine In Spain

    |OMG…….. do you think this young chocolate man would consider marrying me. I’m REALLY OLD but clean up well!!! And love CHOCOLATE. The carmels look like the best in the world.

    What an amazing store and operation. It is so thrilling to see professionals in their job doing things so perfectly. It would be lovely if everyone took their job so seriously.

    Thanks so much for all your great news David.

    G.

    • Cyndy

    I agree with many above–more videos! I visited the shop while living in Paris and became hooked on the chocolate-covered ginger. The first one was, “Eww,” the second one was, “Oh,” and the rest were gone. I tried to buy more before we left, but alas, they were out.

    • Genevieve

    Longtime reader, first time poster- I just wanted to say how much I loved this video! Wonderful!

    • Elisabet Figueras

    Wonderful video, thanks David. I am waiting for more videos too…

    • Stoich91

    Fantastic video! What an amazing experience. Why only c’est pas mal and not say it is good in French?

    Thanks!

    • Nicole

    Seeing those chocolates and the way they are crafted soothed my soul after a difficult day. Thank you!!!!

    • Karen

    David, David, David, Merci! I so enjoyed the video and all of the green boxes – perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Your blog always makes me smile. Thank you.

    • Patricia

    I would definitely watch you on TV, you have a way with the camera. Great video, thank you for this!

    • Brook – LearnToPreserve

    Wonderfully done David.
    At 48, I am going back to school, to become a Pastry Chef. I just paid my tuition today, in fact, so that I can start in April. Seeing people like you (and Patrick Roger, of course) only affirms what I already believe: that “the sweet life” is going to be fabulous. Hard work, but worth it!

    • Maureen in Oakland

    C’est cooooool!

    • Claudia Miranda

    Awesome video!!!
    I enjoyed it so much; it is so nice, and you a wonderful host, maybe you should start thinking about a TV show were you take us all to see what hapens behind the food we love.
    Thanks for sharing this with us.

    • Carolyn Z

    Another busy day here at home. This video is just the ticket for me to take a break while the corned beef brisket boils. Thank you so much!

    Carolyn Z

    • lrntn

    Fabulous video ! This was on my list on a recent visit…but sadly didn’t. Definitely next time. PS–very much enjoyed your book/Sweet Life in Paris; only complaint is that it ended much too soon :)

    • DebG

    Watch the wonderful ‘Kings of Pastry’ movie for a look at the process which awards MOF’s! For the first time cameras were allowed in and followed a French patissier working in Chicago through the competition. Amazing.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      That is an excellent film. They showed it on television here and I was riveted…much more than I thought I would be!

    • Janet

    David, even though I’ve been a fan of yours since the beginning, this video catapulted me head over heels in love with you even more. Thank-you for being who you are.

    • annie

    Oh, I could just live in here. Thank you for the visual treat!

    • martina

    Beautiful craftsmanship. I loved your comment about the employees not being college students or actors–that they were doing what they wanted to do for their entire career. Thank you for the wonderful tour!

    • Charleston Dave

    Bravo on the new venture, David. I enjoyed the video tremendously. As a mark of your craftsmanship, I will just say that I didn’t think I wanted to spend 7.5 minutes looking at a web video–but at the end it was like a wonderful piece of chocolate, I was left wanting more!

    • Val

    This video blew my head off; it was so well done. And yes, I agree with everyone else. Make more for us to watch because this one was a lot of fun.

    • Wendy

    So great to see you in a video – I kept saying to myself “so that is what he looks like, sounds like, acts like . . . and he looks like he would be a lot of fun!”

    Thank you for being such a great teacher and sharing what you know – we all learn so much from you.

    I ordered your book btw, and it should arrive next week and I look forward to reading it!

    • Wendy

    I forgot I had one question: how do you get people e.g. chocolatiers to agree to let you come visit behind the scenes and be filmed?

    • David
    David Lebovitz

    Stoich91: I think they use “Pas mal” (“not bad”) because overly generous enthusiasm is much more reserved in France than in the US. There’s less optimism, but the flip side is when someone says – “J’adore ça!” (“I adore that!”) then you know you’ve really scored points with them!

    Wendy: It can be tricky however I’ve known his sister for a while, and he’s extremely open about what he does and likes to show it to people. Unlike some of the other places (such as Ladurée, etc..) he says it’s great when people take pictures in his shop because he likes it that people are delighted by what he does. That’s what makes him a true master, in my opinion – he has nothing to hide.

    (When I worked at Chez Panisse, guests were always encouraged to come in the kitchen to see what we were doing. Why not?)

    Charleston: Funny you said that because I told Mark, who produced the film, that generally three to five minutes is maximum for an online video. He wrote back that he had 45 minutes of great footage and due to his talent, he was able to edit it down so nicely & keep it interesting.

    Brook: It’s pretty hard work and I think M. Roger has done an excellent job of combining hard work with having fun with it all. The people who work with him have been there a while, which is always a good sign. Best of luck with your pastry studies!

    • jennifer

    Very nice – bien fait! David, was this the shop in the 16th? Just curious what the “other” salted caramel you were referring to as you were taste testing M Roger’s

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      Hi Jennifer: They may have been Jacques Genin’s caramels, which are outstanding … and well worth the price!

    • Natalie

    This was lovely. There is something grand, truly great, about the practice and execution of craft that we so often overlook in the day-to-day of things. Truly superb.

    • sandra

    So frustrating! I’m in a serious case of chocolate envy and I can’t watch the video. Our internet is playing up and videos are just refusing to load…….

    One thing Spain has in common with France is the very expensive telephone service and slow (internet) speeds in a lot of places. Trying to sort out these things has taken us around 6 months so far….

    • Suzy

    Thank you for sharing that. I have been in quite a few large chocolate factories when my family was in the chocolate business but it’s interesting to see how a smaller producer uses the technology that is out there to make outstanding artisan chocolates.

    • J.

    wonderful video! I really enjoy watching what can be made out of chocolate … It’s fantastic that they use all these self-grown herbs and the honey.

    David, is it possible that I quote you saying “Nobody makes a cake and eats it all for themselves.” in my next post? (Of course I would link back to your video)

    • Sebastian

    Pas mal, Pas mal, but as an uruguayan I would really like to know the story behind the “Alvaro Uruguay” written on the Berlin wall hahaha

    • Italian Postcards

    That was wonderful, like a chocolate postcard from France!

    • Elena T

    I am a chocolate addict. I love the dark chocolate with cranberries. At Patrick Roger, I would try one of the bees made with chocolate.

    • Nan

    What a fun video David! I can only imagine how wonderful all those lovely confections smelled and tasted. Very well produced (and hosted, I might add). Pas mal!

    • Angel Commins

    Wow, your life is amazing, the video was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing everything that you do.

    • Alyssa

    What a treat it is to see you walking and talking–very elegant!

    I love hearing about someone like this who is so passionate about every aspect of his work–from the garden and the bees to the experimental flavors, the big sculptures to the tiny shells, even the little extras in the chocolate boxes. It speaks of a love for what he’s doing and a professionalism that goes way beyond just being in business. That kind of hard work and dedication really creates magic.

    And now, please, I want another film that follows the building of one or two of those sculptures from beginning to end. It was a little frustrating to keep getting glimpses of them and never completely explore one from all angles–such a wonderful tease!

    • Margaret

    Fascinating video and you look so happy to be around all that chocolate! Love the big round “globe” lights in the shop that look like they were made out of string. Do you know what they are actually made of?

    • Cindy Ruth

    David-Thanks so much for the video. We visited Paris for the first time in October 2010, and happened to visit Patrick Roger’s chocolate shop. We brought a nice big box home with us, along with a bag of the caramels. The flavors were so unique and just delicious. This video brought back lots of good memories.

    • Shaheen {The Purple Foodie}

    David, you’re just as entertaining, if not more, in your videos. We loved watching it (yes, everyone in my house reads your blog). Looking forward to more such tours of foodie spots in Paris.

    • Mariangela Sassi

    Loved it. Now can you do a video with Jacques Genin?

    • Debra

    Lovely! And the video wasn’t tooooo fattening!

    • Tian

    Appreciate the effort put into making this video. Pls do post more!

    • Carolyn

    Thank you for the video! You should do more videos! It was very great!

    • Angela

    Fascinating and beautiful to watch, thank you. Having just toured TCHO in San Francisco, I was struck by the lack of hairnets. Not bothered at all but just a little surprised.

    • Maria

    Love Patrick Roger. Love just going in the shop and just inhaling. Love that he has a shop just a 10-minute walk away from my apartment–and he’s actually there on a regular basis! My family mocks me for venerating him like a rock star…but they don’t complain when I bring the chocolate home.
    The video was fun to watch and very informative. I hope to see more!

    • Kathleen

    Such a pleasure to join you on your tour of Patrick’s on St. Patrick’s Day! It was so interesting to see the people, laboratory, garden and shop – just love those bees.
    And the lovely packaging…..from start to finish, it is wonderful to see people who have such pride and passion in their craft.
    Thank you.

    • Carol Wayne

    Hi there…

    Just finished “The Sweet Life in Paris.” thank you for sharing your Parisian life with the world…and for the laughs…

    Also, thanks for the wusthof knife recommend…great knife….

    Next time you come to the Dallas Texas area I hope you get a chance to check out “Dude, Sweet Chocolates” in the Bishop Arts area…the young woman there is amazing and very creative…

    Take care,

    Carol

    • Dee

    David, wonderful to see you . You are so personable , easy to like and passionate about food. Great on video as in print, yes, it comes through.

    • ChocolateCentral

    Funny how much people swoon over chocolate sculptures. I appreciate the intense work and detail involved, but what really makes me swoon are baked goods, such as the ones David bakes. I have just never liked the idea of someone handling and touching something I’m going to eat THAT much. I don’t like dogs in the kitchen either. I know – I have some idiosyncrasies. A good chocolate hazelnut ganache cake – now that will make me swoon!

    • mel in austin

    Thank you so much! i love being able to have a visit from my home in austin, tx. more videos, please!

    • Carolyn

    I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Patrick Roger’s chocolate lab and shop. Thank you for the tour, David. You present well, relaxed, with a good pace and tone of voice. Do more videos, please! It’s pleasing to see people working at what they love to do. The chocolates look delectable, and it’s fascinating to see how they are crafted. I love that they have their own garden and apiary too! Their shop is one I’d love to visit if I were there, but as it is I’m admiring from Canada.

    • Stephanie

    Great little film! I just finished “The Sweet Life in Paris” so this was perfect timing. I can’t wait to visit in July.

    • The Food Mentalist

    I LOVE Patrick Roger Chocolates!Home of the famous Lime handpainted chocolates! I visited him late last year on my honeymoon with my husband. Absolutely divine! A true master :)

    • Mariana Muniz

    I loved the video- you should definitively do more of them! I’been at Roger’s shop, and yes, that little pieces of chocolate are fabulous. I think the chocolatier métier is one of the most difficult ones in the culinary world- take an ingredient special and delicious for itself like chocolate and take it to the next level, giving it textures and balanced combinations of flavours to make it an exquisite experienece is not something easy… Next week I’ll attend a chocolate confectioning workshop, as I want to create my own Easter Eggs to put on my blog (thinking Brazilian flavours like spicy banana with praliné and a more “French approach” like griotte ganache with cardamom…) and the video was inspiring… Congrats!

    • Leslie

    You and Mark did a fantastic job with this video. It is like the Santa’s Workshop of chocolate. One of the best things about your blog is having a behind the scenes look at the food world in Paris. And of course, the amazing recipes. Many thanks – yet again!

    • Stoich91

    Thanks for explaining. I love your blog; even though I’ve never been to Paris, you offer so much culture here that I feel I have!

    • tstar

    David thank you so much for this. I am in Paris now and just walked down the street and passed this amazing chocolate chicken in the window. As I was walking back I saw Patrick Roger’s name on the storefront. I realized I know who this is, because of your blog post and fantastic video. This is why I love reading your blog and laughed out loud reading your book. I will be going back tomorrow to Monsieur Roger’s store to buy a box of chocolates.

    • Millicent

    My parents and I are in Paris this week and I saw your video on Patrick Roger’s factory before I left L.A. last month. Being an avid chocolate lover I was immediately intrigued. I also read the review by C. Dusoulier in the book that you recommended and so I knew I had to stop by this chocolate shop. After relaxing at Jardin du Luxembourg, Mom and I started the trek to Patrick Roger. We finally got there after a lunch at Paul’s and buying post cards. I was excited to try the salted caramel (in your video), but sadly, they didn’t offer it today. However, I left with a big bag of various other caramels and a sample box of chocolates. I’m in love with the “candy bar” with pistachios. Thank you immensely for the video and recommendation. I will share them with my friends!

    • Jonathan Goldstein

    Great post David. I happen to be studying in the South of France and will be in Paris next week. I love that even Patrick is still eager to perfect his recipes and is open and willing to hear public critiques on his chocolate. I have no doubt that they are anything but outstanding and look forward to visiting one of his shops next week.

    • Janet

    Excellent video, you’re very good at explaining things around you. Please do more.

    • Erilyn

    I love this video! I think I want chocolate now, I like how they take the business seriously, not like america where the more the better.

A

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