L’Etalon Noir

Along a desolate country road you’ll find The Black Stallion, a bright, yellow little building that seems out of place. You’ll wonder if it’s open and find that it is, even when there isn’t a soul for miles around. Pull up and park in the pebbled lot and find yourself greeted at your car door by a black and white chatty cat. The cat will want in the front door, but I didn’t know if it was allowed.
Once inside, you’ll have the intoxicating aroma of rich chocolate creeping into your nose and oozing a smile across your face. If you’d like, you can buy a flashy tea pot, but the real reason you’re here is the wall covered in beautiful chocolate nibbles. The owner’s wife will greet you in a tone that makes you wonder if she’s really happy to see you, until she learns you speak English and loves chatting you up and the opportunity to practice her English. She was ever so giving and pushed lovely bites our way to try, and couldn’t speak highly enough of her husband the chocolatier.
The Brit hand picked some chocolate covered cordial cherries for his Mum while I hand picked all the yummies I wanted to try. And try I did…
Le Gascon
L’Eau de Charlotte
Caramel au Cointreau (so good!)
La Pistache (very yummy if you like pistachio)
L’Aboukir (a personal favorite)
Le Grand Marnier (I did not try this, as it belonged to The Brit)
Armagnac (mmmm, alcohol and chocolate!)
And there were more, but which ones specifically I couldn’t remember, even with pictures. It was all lovely.
They do deliver, so even if you can’t make it into the shop, I recommend getting online and getting some for yourself or an exceptional gift.