Vosges Haut-Chocolat: Unique Recipes and Exotic Ingredients
In a business frequently epitomized by identical delicacies mass-produced and placed in fancy packaging, Vosges Haut-Chocolat is about as outside the box as it gets. Its unique recipes and exotic ingredients have earned Vosges plenty of international recognition, including a Luxist nomination in the best truffles category.
A relative newcomer on the century-old confectionary scene, Vosges was founded in 1998 by chocolatier/entrepreneur Katrina Markoff. After learning the tricks of the French confectionery trade at Le Cordon Blue in Paris, she traversed the globe and completed an array of apprenticeships before returning to open Vosges in Chicago.
Markoff personally selects spices, herbs, roots, flowers, nuts and other ingredients from all over the world. Whether it's combining chocolate with curry or with Applewood bacon, every one of Vosges' chocolates is something of a culinary culture clash. In the spirit of planetary harmony, Vosges' certified-organic facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Vosges offers a wide array of bizarre and delicious truffles ranging from the bite-size four-piece exotic truffle collection, featuring flavors of violet, curry, paprika and wasabi ($10) to the Luxe Marchesa Casati Collection, 12 dark chocolate truffles dusted with edible pearl dust ($275). If that sounds too extravagant, don't worry – Vosges suggests that customers use the accompanying Lucite box to store jewelry after it's been emptied of chocolate.
Vosges has boutiques in Chicago, New York City, O'Hare International Airport and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its products are also carried by retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Zingermans. Vosges chocolates can also be ordered online or by calling its toll-free line at (888) 301-9866.
Vote for the company you believe makes the best truffles. Readers' Choice Winners will be announced on March 1st.
