This evening I left work and on my way home decided to visit the Jacques Torres shop in Grand Central to pickup Valentineâs chocolate for the GF a day earlier to beat the rush. It was 6:15pm and as I entered from the street I noticed an Jacques salesperson walk out of the shop with trash to discard so a few more feet I was able to push the glass door and walk into the store. There was another salesperson behind the counter but I was not greeted nor spoken to. So as I looked at their items for a minute the previous salesperson came back into the store and saw me looking at the display then she immediately said rather loudly and rudely âExcuse me we are closedâ then proceeded to yell at her colleague behind the counter âI told you to watch the door!â. I then thought to myself there was no indication the store was closed, no closed sign at the door, lights were not dimmed, your colleague didnât say anything, nor was the door locked so how am I to assume the store is closed nor should I receive a loud rude statement to leave. All I responded was asking âyou are closed?â Then left because I knew it wasnât worth my breath, effort nor my future return to this store to this salesperson. As other reviewers wrote good chocolates/products but horrible salespeople at this location. @Jacques Torres - you need to hire people that want to work and respect your customers.
Update - the next day - Valentineâs Day I decided to visit Li-Lac Chocolates which is a minute walk nearby inside the Grand Central Market. Long lines but helpful, expedient, and courteous employees that keep things orderly among the hordes seeking sweet gifts on this day and give you service with a smile. Plus the chocolates are very nice as well! Now this is my go to chocolatier in the Grand Central area! Li-Lac is it and donât waste your time or money at Jacques Torres GC because the staff really...
   Read moreAs a lifelong chocolate lover, I've had my share of good chocolate, but a visit to Jacques Torres is in a class of its own. It's not just a chocolate shop; it's a destination, a warm embrace of pure, unadulterated cocoa bliss. The moment you step inside, you are surrounded by the rich aroma of fresh chocolate, a sweet promise of the treasures that await. I am absolutely obsessed with his milk chocolate bar. It's the kind of smooth, creamy confection that melts effortlessly on your tongue, filling your senses with the sweet, pure taste of high quality milk and Belgian chocolate. Unlike other brands that can be overly sugary, this is perfectly balanced sweet enough to satisfy a craving but complex enough to keep you coming back for more. Itâs silky, luscious, and truly the best milk chocolate bar I have ever had. But the real star of the show, especially on a cold day, is the hot chocolate. It's a revelation. Drinking it is like sipping a melted chocolate bar. The classic hot chocolate is incredibly rich and flavorful, made with premium Belgian dark chocolate, yet itâs not overly sweet. It has a velvety, luxurious texture that is simply divine and doesn't get watered down or separate. For an extra touch of decadence, don't forget to ask for the free house-made whipped cream. Itâs a perfect, decadent treat that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. Beyond the heavenly chocolate and hot cocoa, the staff is welcoming and passionate, adding to the delightful experience. Everything, from the charming packaging to the impeccable quality, speaks to the master chocolatier's passion. Whether youâre a long-time "Nailed It!" fan or a first-timer, a trip to Jacques Torres Chocolate is an essential pilgrimage for anyone who truly loves the finest sweets. This is a five-star experience from...
   Read morePsst, the French are coming! The French are coming with their amazing chocolate. After one bite of Jacques Chocolates, I discovered that there is life after visiting Godiva, Lindt and Max Brenner. Jaques Torres's establishment is a 'must go ASAP' place if you desire the finer things in life.
So what to buy? Well, this is a tough one, because everything is wonderful from their hot chocolate, cookies, candies and more, so it is not fair to pinpoint just one area. What I will point out is their excellent customer service, because I must admit it is really needed, because this place is addictive. Why? When you take a deep inhale all you can smell is real chocolate...
Beware: if you are on a diet and you entered this store, you will consider that day a cheat day.
Going back to my great customer experience, Shaqueena has delivered just that, because I am 39 years of age and I transformed like a big kid in this establishment. She explained the store mission and what the place has to offer. In addition, she wanted me to make sure I was happy with my selection because I was too darn excited. I think this place is a hidden drug because I was drooling once I saw the cookies. Call me Cookie Monster, because I want cookies! She even told me about another location I should try, 66 Water Street (Dumbo) where her team will show me around the factory! Ohhhhh man, Willie Wakka Factory in NYC!!!!! Oh, snap, I will be visiting this location tomorrow after work. I am so excited.
Bottom Line: Visit this location and you will soon see why I...
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