I don't like chocolate. Whenever I dine out, I always ask what desserts have no chocolate in them. I even freak out when the kitchen adds a decorative swirl of chocolate sauce to my non-chocolate dessert. Yes, that is how much I dislike chocolate.
So why the review? Because as much as I hate almost all chocolate, I love fine chocolate. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had truly fine chocolate: the Swiss chocolatier in NYC almost 30 years ago, a chocolate pastry in Paris over 20 years ago, a chocolate dessert at the Wynn about 5 years ago, and the box of chocolates I bought from Jean-Marie Auboine. Yes, Jean-Marie's chocolate is THAT good. I also loved his salted caramels. Most salted caramels are too sweet with not enough saltiness, but Jean-Marie's are perfection.
These chocolates are as good as any you'll find at the finest chocolatiers in the world. It's hard to believe that this jewel is tucked away in a nothing little office complex off the beaten path. Just remember the old adage: you get what you pay for. Be prepared to dole out "un bras et une jambe" for these world-class chocolate morsels. But if you have a special occasion coming up, or you just hit big on a slot, the offerings at Jean-Marie Auboine are worth every penny.