The Chocolatier

I love chocolate. It's really as simple as that. Everything I do, see, smell, taste leads me to chocolate. I have such a deep passion for this exotic fruit that evolves into a delectable sweet that my dream was to share my love for it with the world as I feel it in my heart. Madame Chocolat is a dream-come-true for me as I welcome chocolate lovers of all ages to come witness each bonbon being born in my open chocolate factory. It is a place where I can display hand crafted chocolates the classical true European way, as well as show the magical process of a real chocolate factory that produces fresh chocolates daily.

I am a true Angelino by all means. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from Louisville High School in Woodland Hills. I continued to stay in L.A. for college by graduating with a business degree from the "University of Southern California (USC). I worked in the financial industry for 6 years then followed my heart to pursue my passion for chocolate. Of course I didn't want to leave my beloved Los Angeles just yet, so I attending Le Cordon Bleu satellite culinary school in Pasadena. Upon graduation, i was extremely fortunate and honored to have had the rare opportunity to work for legendary world class Master Pastry Chef and Chocolatier, Jacques Torres, in New York. At this time, I was ready to leave Los Angeles for a short while, and jumped on the chance to learn from the Pastry Icon himself, planning all along for my return home to open Madame Chocolat in Los Angeles . After my intense educational experience and formal training under Chef Torres in his chocolate factories, I felt confident to move back home and work on opening the factory and boutique. From the moment I dreamed about opening my own chocolate factory and boutique until I made it a reality by opening the doors to the public, it took a total of almost 5 extensive and diligent years to accomplish.

I am very proud to say that I am certain this is my true calling in my professional life... to be Madame Chocolat, your personal Chocolatier.

-Hasty Torres