A new business that teaches people how to make their own chocolates is set to open at 221 West 79th street, in the former home of Estihana. Voila Chocolat will be run by chocolatier Peter Moustakerski. The opening date for is still unclear, but they’ve set up a Yelp page and posted the following description:
“In our chocolate-making atelier, you can make & personalize your own premium chocolates:
— Learn the secrets of fine chocolatiering
— Work with premium tempered dark, milk, & white chocolate
— Create bars – truffles – molded shapes – chocolate-dipped treats – bark – more
— Choose your favorite ingredients and toppings
— Package & decorate your creations beautifully to give as gifts …or to devour!
— Share a fun & unique experience with family, friends, colleagues — or host special events & celebrations
Learn more here.
Does anyone know how this will differ from the place on Amsterdam around 90th?
I believe *I* have the inside scoop on your question (ahem)…
This place will share authentic, artisanal chocolatiering and use fine tempered chocolate. Guests will actually get to learn and apply the same science and technique and tools that professional chefs use.
The sort of place you’d go to impress a date, or entertain clients, or bring guests from out of town, or do something fun and educational with the family on the weekend. Not just for hosting 10-year olds’ birthday parties (although, there are plenty of sophisticated 10-yo’s on the UWS, and it was actually the founder’s 10-yo daughter’s party that sparked his idea for this).
There will be master classes for hard-core foodies and culinary hobbyists as well.
Also, it will be a half mile (or better) farther away from the gang violence now taking over the streets Up There.
Personally, I prefer my chocolate *without* gunfire surrounding it.
You’ve never tried a milk-chocolate Beretta? You’re missing out, Cato! :o)
Yeah, Estihana had so much potential. All we have now is Asia Gan, which can take forever.
Well, there’s no mention that this new one will be kosher like Chocolate Works is. That’s one difference!
I always wished that Estihana would have been better and cleaner .. never seemed to get past a Grade B from the health department
Ahhh this is awesome!! Cappuccino at Irving and then cross the street for some delicious chocolate. Love this neighborhood.
Does anybody have any idea when it will open?
September 2014 is the current target for opening, if store construction goes according to plan. Currently the business is just waiting for construction permits from the city.
If you sign up for their email newsletter, they will send you an announcement prior to opening and an invitation to their launch week events: the sign-up link is at http://www.voila-chocolat.com
Thanks, Elaine! I’ll definitely check out the store (your store?) when it opens.
sounds really cool thing to do besides it a good familys day out. Please remind me when you open up thank you