Galler chocolates

A friend kindly forwarded me news of Galler's arrival in Harrods. It was in French but I got the gist, went on to google and sleuthed out the rest. I was intrigued.. had they taken over Max Brenner? How might I have missed this?

But no, at least not yet. And, to be clear, I don't think the plans are to take over Max Brenner, but they will create a chocolate tea room as they have in Belgium and the Middle East.

Galler is a Belgian chocolate company, making chocolates the Belgian way but with more care than some of the so called "Belgian" companies. They have a big range and their staff are lovely. As I usually do, I turned up as a customer and the very helpful sales girl offered me a sample and then talked me through their range (at my request). She was very sweet and when I asked what her favourite was (the Earl Grey tea) she gave me a piece to try. I selected a few in a bag to buy and try later and said goodbye to the staff and walked away. On my way out of the hall I stopped to chat with Jessie from La Maison and she asked if I had been to the Galler concession. I said I had. She said she must introduce me. Rather bashfully I returned and explained my business and then learned that one of the men standing near the counter was in fact the UK Director of the company. How exciting. I was then treated to even more information and even more samples (I rolled home!) and learnt lots about this very interesting chocolate company. They have some really unique products. I am always so impressed that every chocolatier, every store has its own offerings that no other chocolatier has.

My favourite (so far) is the dark coffee caramel heart.

Laduree

After being told last year that I had to visit Laduree whilst I was in Paris, and arriving at 6.01pm and not being let in, I was so excited when I heard that they had an outlet in London. I am rarely in that area of town but as I was meeting a friend who was delayed I decided a perfect opportunity to pop in. Over fifteen varieties of macarons. I chose a few to take away (I wanted to try them all!!). It really isn't until you have good food that you realise just how ordinary cheap imitations are. This is what macarons should taste like. Go and try the salted caramel version. Mmmmm... I am told their hot chocolate is quite good, too. Looks like I will have to go back!