Louis Robuchon, the son of the late Joel Robuchon, known as a legend in the French culinary world, opened his first chocolaterie, “Éclat de Chocolat Louis Robuchon,” in Omotesando, Tokyo, on March 30th. He shared his feelings just before the opening in an interview with Cake News editorial team.
Related Article: Tokyo, Omotesando: Louis Robuchon opens a chocolaterie on March 30, a dream of his late father Joël RobuchonThe establishment of the chocolaterie, a dream of his late father and legendary chef, Joel Robuchon, was discussed. Louis said, “My father loved chocolate. I have a vivid memory from when I was in middle or high school; I gave him chocolates from a famous chocolaterie in France, and the moment he tasted it, he said, ‘No, this fruit paste contains such and such, it’s not good…’ His taste for chocolate was sharp.”
Continuing, “We have been offering chocolates as part of our tea confectioneries in the store, but we have never done a chocolaterie in the Joel Robuchon establishments around the world. My father passed away before his dream could be realized, so it was something I wanted to do someday. I am happy that it has been realized.”
The chocolaterie “Éclat de Chocolat Louis Robuchon,” a fruition of Louis’s long-held dream, is not financially associated with the existing “Joel Robuchon” establishments in Japan. “It’s entirely separate from Joel Robuchon. This is my personal project,” he stated.
When asked if he feels an ambition to “surpass his great father” through his brand, he answered, “Yes, that’s a goal. Surpassing him in cooking is not easy, but in the realm of chocolate, there might be potential.”
Regarding the unique character he wants to introduce in his brand, distinct from his father’s, Louis said, “My mother is Japanese, so I have Japanese roots, which I believe is a strong point. I want to incorporate Japanese ingredients and techniques into making chocolates. Also, leveraging my youth, I aim to bring a fresh image.”
To people coming to his store, Louis says, “I believe chocolate holds incredible potential and diversity. The chocolates known to the world are just a fraction of what’s possible. It’s like the universe; the part of the universe humanity knows is just a small portion. Chocolates that pair with meals, chocolates using various Japanese ingredients. I want you to enjoy the possibilities.”
The store has been a topic of conversation for selling out at the Isetan Shinjuku store event and for collaborations with high-end brands. Now appearing as a permanent chocolaterie, it aims to explore new frontiers in chocolate, from classic chocolates to those made with select Japanese ingredients, and chocolates that feel like eating a course meal at a French restaurant.
Éclat de Chocolat Louis Robuchon
Address: 1st floor, TWIN PLANET North BLDG, 5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00 – 19:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 03-6427-1402
