Bissinger’s Unveils The Chocolate Lover’s Dream - “Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience”

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 06, 2008 -
ST. LOUIS (July 1, 2007) – Bissinger’s has been satisfying the sweet cravings of millions of people around the world for literally hundreds of years. Now, the beloved confectioner is sharing its latest creation, an experience for all the senses. On June 1, 2007, Bissinger’s officially opened the first ever “Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience” in the heart of St. Louis’ historic but hip Central West End. This groundbreaking new Bissinger’s location is like no other. Dual zones of a candy counter and chocolate lounge, this new concept combines tradition with innovation, and will transform the way aficionados experience Bissinger’s chocolate.

From the moment guests walk into Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience, they know they have arrived at a special place…a place where chocolate is revered and seems to invade every sense. From the rich aromas to the calming music to the smooth fabrics, the warm atmosphere is one of refined luxury. The design use of rich leather, dark woods and white marble blend seamlessly with sleek lighting, interpretive art and contemporary details. The experience strikes an engaging balance between the rich tradition of products steeped in history and today’s discriminating palates. Like an elegant European coffee house reinterpreted for today, Bissinger’s invites guests to linger over their selections and experience handcrafted chocolates as they were meant to be savored.

“Bissinger’s is known for its unparalleled quality and attention to detail,” said Bissinger’s President Ken Kellerhals. “But we’re also known for innovation in the field of chocolate. This new experience will offer all the favorites from our other stores, as well as homemade desserts and small-batch chocolates that you can’t experience anywhere else.” And at more than 900 square feet, it will be the largest of the chocolatier’s locations.

At the helm of this new venture is Bissinger’s own Chocolate Sommelier, Gretchen Morfogen. Morfogen, a classically trained chef and 27-year veteran of the food industry, has spent the past six months tinkering in the kitchens at Bissinger’s, perfecting the flavors of her new desserts and chocolate combinations. Patron favorites include the Cococcino, an oversized latte mug filled with warm chocolate soufflé with a vanilla bean crème anglaise, and the rich Bissinger’s Chocolate Cheesecake, made with Bissinger’s 60 Dark Chocolate and drizzled with ganache.

In addition to the fine chocolates (available in multi-piece chocolate “flights”) and five or six plated desserts, the menu also features a selection of compatible wines – available by the glass or bottle – personally chosen by Kellerhals, whose other passion is, you guessed it, wine. Other drink items featured on the menu include a selection of liqueurs, custom-blended coffees and coffee drinks, tea, and of course, chocolate milk!

“We believe this experiential format will change the way people enjoy chocolate. Much like the evolution of the manner in which people enjoy wine and cheese, so too will our acquaintance with chocolate evolve,” explained Morfogen. “Chocolate is our passion, and we’re excited to present it in a fashion that is both educational and immensely enjoyable.”
The decadent desserts and chocolates that guests enjoy in the 20-seat lounge are also available to go. You’ll be the victor when you show up at a dinner party (or home!) with one of Bissinger’s Chocolate Cheesecakes or the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Special orders for carry-out may be placed 24 hours in advance by calling 314-367-9750.

The new location was designed by Epoch Design Group, the same group that recently handled the dramatic remodel of the Plaza Frontenac location. The intimate space can accommodate 35 people for private parties and chocolate tastings.

About bissinger’s

Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier has been handcrafting fine confections for more than 350 years. The Bissinger family began creating their fine delicacies in 17th-century Paris, and at that time European nobility, heads of state including Ludwig of Bavaria and the Rothschilds were all loyal Bissinger’s enthusiasts. Bissinger’s confections were once enjoyed by King Louis XIV and were served as a gift by Napoleon Bonaparte to his beloved Josephine upon his return from battle. In fact, Karl Frederic Bissinger, the company’s namesake, was named the Confiseur Imperial, or “Candy Maker of the Empire,” for excellence in the confectionery arts by Emperor Louis Napoleon.

Karl Bissinger left France in 1845, bringing his loyal master candy maker and all of the Bissinger family candy making secrets to the United States near Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1927, his son, also named Karl, opened the Bissinger’s candy making kitchens and first Bissinger’s shop in St. Louis on McPherson Avenue. That historic store closed in mid-2007 and a new venue was opened just blocks away − Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience, an ideal destination for chocolate, desserts, coffee and fine wines. A replica of our McPherson store will be re-built in the popular City Museum, for chocolate lovers of all ages to enjoy for years to come.

Bissinger’s handcrafted confections can be purchased at its four retail locations (three in St. Louis, MO and one in Edina, MN), through national catalogs, by calling 800.325.8881, or visiting us online at www.bissingers.com. A handful of Bissinger’s products can be found locally at Straub’s Fine Grocers, across the country at select Whole Food Markets as well as upscale spas and resorts. Bissinger’s headquarters is located at 3983 Gratiot Street in St. Louis, Missouri.

Discover Bissinger's at http://www.bissingers.com