by Lori Baltazar
On the side of the box is written: “How to taste these delicate truffles: place them at an ambient temperature of 19-20°C one hour in advance and savour them in (sic) the height of their aroma and smoothness.” And then a gentle admonition, lest I forget: “They are to be kept in a cool, dry place.”
These are Truffettes de France, and judging from the directions on the box, these aren’t any ordinary confections. Translated as Truffles of France, these rightfully called “food of the gods” are created by Chocmod, a French confectionery company devoted to making exceptional chocolate truffles. Located in the city of Lille, Chocmod was founded in 1948 and specializes in truffles, coated walnuts and other sweets. Naturally, the company’s adherence to quality has succeeded in its making a name for itself far outside of its borders.
Unlike the more common smooth-edged truffles, Truffettes are made in the old European shape, similar to a golf ball whose top was pinched slightly or pressed by an unwitting finger. They are dusted in cocoa powder and are recommended served at the above-mentioned room temperature (naturally), accompanied by one’s best Cognac or coffee (black, please).
So what does a chocolate that comes with precise instructions on how to serve and eat it taste like? Well, scientists say that cacao may contain as many as four hundred different identified aroma chemicals, everything from floral, fruity, earthy, spicy, nutty, and everything in between. Left to itself, the truffle comes to room temperature in no time, especially in Manila’s heat. Each truffle is solid in weight, held firmly between my thumb and index finger, the cocoa powder staining them liberally. With teeth literally sinking into the chocolate nugget, its smoothness is unbroken and unyielding. What is meant to be a sensually complex meditation on chocolate and sugar is turning into a divine revelation ”“ waves of chocolate flavor and memory resounding then receding into an echo with every chew. I taste sugar, I taste fruit, but how do I describe what chocolate tastes like?
Resolutely splendid on the palate, these truffles are periods ”“ full stops ”“ instead of exclamation points in richness and fragrant bouquets. Chocolate tastes like … chocolate: the smoldering heart of an indefinably high quality cacao, the lush creaminess of the chocolate, a sexy but elegant bitterness with balmy undertones of milk, smoke, fruit, and flowers.
It’s this unerring quality product that propelled Jerry Yu, importer of Truffettes de France, to introduce them to his fellow chocolate-loving Filipinos. Having fallen in love with the sweet while on a trip to Canada, Jerry’s wife urged him to bring in the chocolates after countless pasalubongs to friends of the said Truffettes were received with raves and what can only be described as exaltation.
“Most of our Asian neighbors such as Singapore and Hong Kong continue to reinvent themselves by providing more exquisite tasting products to their demanding consumers,” Jerry tells me. “Godiva, Royce, and Leonidas are being sold in these countries [just like in Manila, except for Godiva], but we believe that Truffettes de France chocolates offer high quality, is better tasting, and is comparably more affordable than those other brands.”
Fine chocolate, which melts at about the same temperature as body heat, must be accorded proper care. It’s for this reason that Truffettes de France chocolates are packaged in Gel ice and Insulation bags after purchase. The specially designed wrapper preserves the product for up to four hours in transit. Any longer than that, or if mistakenly forgotten about (shame!), will result in a still gloriously tasting but miserable mess best eaten with a spoon.
Admittedly, I sometimes eat these truffles straight out of the fridge, knowingly cheating myself out of what is meant to be a “food-gasmic” experience. Crouching in front of the fridge with my chin resting on one knee, I’m engaged in my personal ritual of chocolate solemnity. I give in to the scent, the taste ”“ the marvel! ”“ of this chocolate. Biting, chewing, dreaming of more … until I swallow — enormous melting mouthfuls and dreams aplenty. One truffle is all it takes. There is no going back.
Truffettes de France
- First kiosk is targeted to open on the first week of April at the second level of Shangri-la Mall beside the Häagen Dazs ice cream outlet. Plans are afoot to open up to five kiosk outlets within the year.
- Available in:
Original (P200/P420; 80 grams/250 grams)
Red and Gold (a Prestige Specialty (P340/150 grams)
Orange Truffles with Orange Peel (P420/250 grams)
Cappuccino (P420/250 grams)
Grand Marnier (coming soon)
Sugar Free (P450/200 grams)
Coated Walnuts (coming soon). More variety will be introduced depending on the demand.
Truffettes de France: Fan page
Special thanks to Jerry Yu and Agnes Atienza.
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360 calories. That’s how any calories I ate when I had four See’s Candies truffles. I almost forgot I had them- they were meant to be ‘pasalubong’ for friends when I visited CA last January. Your post prompted me to raid my ref. I’m glad I kept them for myself…
360 calories. That’s 45 minutes on the treadmill tomorrow. It was worth it. Definitely.
Tempt me again. Soon.
“these truffles are periods ”“ full stops ”“ instead of exclamation points”
Nicely put and well said. Those truffles look delicious.
Lori, If you are ever in a city that sells this Lebanese chocolate brand – PATCHI – please check them out. I chanced upon the store at the IFC Mall in Hong Kong and in Ocean Terminal on Kowloon side. I think they are by far one of the best I’ve ever tasted…..Brought home boxes and boxes during my last trip. PATCHI can compete with MAISON DU CHOCOLAT French chocolates that I tried in New York and COPENHAGEN Brazilian chocolates that I tried in Rio de Janeiro which are both near and dear to my chocolate-loving heart! And mouth!
Lori, thanks so much for this wonderful post. Love your blog and your brilliant photos ……. “Food-gasmic” indeed ! 🙂
These truffles appear to look like Trader Joe’s Truffles, also made in France but packaged in the U.S. Soo good. I had a whole bag that melted in the car and made them into gooey chocolate brownies! Sinfully rich but worth every bite. Thanks for the mouth-watering post, Lori! I can’t wait to try original French truffles again.
The descriptions, lori…and pictures…it’s just too much.
The opening of this chocoholics dream can’t come soon enough. Thanks for making my morning.
Looking forward to this, so far the offerings at Leonidas and the chocolate bar at Serendra have not been fulfilling. I want that layered flavor of chocolate, one that makes me go jelly at the knees with one taste. And doesn’t leave a waxy coating on the tongue.
Love chocolate truffles! Looking forward to tasting these as I can’t find any here that can compare to my favorites: Maison du Chocolat or Kokoa (only have one left!). First week of April huh? Oh hurry please tuffette guys!
PATCHI is available in Oman,,and u are right ms. tina, they rock!! but what attract me most is the toy they use to compliment an event 🙂
I tried PATCHI in Dubai- world-class! And such exquisite packaging!
Here’s a thought Lori- you may want to consider writing something about local/native cookies e.g. uraro, galletas, otap, biscocho. I crave for these quite often… thanks!
Marie, now I want to know what this toy is that Patchi uses to compliment an event……My curiosity is piqued.
All these truffle importers makes me wonder: is it really impossible to make truffles of similar quality locally, even if you import the ingredients? One would think that even if you import the butter, chocolate, et al, it would have to be less complicated than tansporting fully made, delicate truffles.
Or do they simply want to take advantage of the cache “Imported from _____” ?
Just thinking out loud.
Hi. We sent you the e-Ticket for the Philippine Blog Awards 2007. Please show this at the registration table. You will then be given two entrance tickets: one for you and another for your guest. If you have not received your e-Ticket or have any questions please email philippineblogawards [at] gmail [dot] com. Best of luck to you and your blog. See you there!
reading this blog article is like going thru such sweet sweet misery.
keep em coming! love your blogs!
Hi Lori:
Am a constant lurker here (and at your former site on blogspot).
Did I read your post correctly? Are Royce chocolates available here in Manila? Where?!?!
Ever since I read about them in one of your old posts I’ve been obssessed with them. Whenever I’m in Singapore I bring a special bag with me for hand-carrying Royce back to Manila.
Am excited about this new store that you mentioned. And the Patchi brand that everyone keeps talking in their comments here.
hi lori, i’m a patchi fan too, though i get it in riyadh.
Godiva’s sold in duty free, maybe the Royce’ chocolate is the one that isn’t sold here yet. looking forward to tasting those delectable truffles
Abby, Royce chocolates are sold in Manila at a premium price at the Diamond Hotel on Roxas Boulevard (supposedly the home of the most opulent and authentic Japanese restaurant in the country, where the Japanese PM and dignitaries dine when in Manila), if I remember an article I read correctly. But if you’re ever in HK, I’ve seen Royce sold in City Super in Ocean Center and I think, City Super in IFC as well…….
Ooohhh I love truffles 🙂 My cousin gaves us a box for Christmas but alas, it melted and became a huge truffle 🙁
Hey Lori!!
I’ve been eating this since last Christmas!! We have friends from the States bringing it to us pa!
Grabe it’s every bit as yummy as you say it is!!
And I’m happy that we can buy it here now! YEY! 🙂
I think truffles may be my favorite form of chocolate. Thanks for the tip, Lori, I can’t wait to try this brand! I once committed the shameful act you mentioned of forgetting about a box of truffles in my fridge. (I know, HOW is that possible?!) After a long blackout, I decided to open it and of course it had melted into a big block. No matter, I ate it with a spoon! I must warn everyone out there who wants to try this: if you eat chocolate truffles straight out of the box with a spoon in front of the TV or while reading a book, do not be surprised at how much you will eat in one sitting. I don’t even want to recall how quickly I finished that whole box by myself.
Hi Lori! 🙂
I looove Truffettes de France! They were introduced to me by my sister-in-law when she came home from Canada. I remember eating my first TdF chocolate truffle and going OH MY GOD at the same time– haha.
I love how TdF truffles are so dark and smooth.
Definitely worth every calorie! 😛
(I still haven’t found one that’s as good, although I must say Manila Peninsula’s are the best I’ve tasted locally.)
I’m so glad they’re finally going to be marketed here. Thanks for the tip!
I love your photos, by the way. 🙂
These look exactly like the truffles sold at Trader Joe’s here in the US…admittedly they do taste good but I can’t eat them in good conscience because they include hydrogenated oils (major source of trans fats) which are now known to be extremely unhealthy for you and there are many moves to ban trans fat-containing foods. I adore chocolate and it’s even supposed to be good for you (in moderation!) because of the antioxidant components in dark chocolate. As for all foods, READ the LABELS. A lot of manufacturers have been scrambling to reformulate their recipes in order to even be able to sell their products. Look for truffles and other chocolates that use only natural ingredients. Or make your own–they’re actually easy to make: a ganache (chocolate, butter, cream, maybe a dab of corn syrup) dipped into melted chocolate and then rolled in cocoa. Google “chocholate truffle recipe” and you’ll find several recipes. Je vous souhaite bon appétit!
I get Trufettes du France from Costco here in the US every Christmas to give as gifts. It’s affordably priced at 5 dollars per 1 kilogram. Yup, that’s the price. It tastes much more expensive, though.
Lori, congrats!!!
Congratulations! 😀
Yes, Agnes is to be thanked (blamed actuallY). I consumed 3 boxes all by myself! I love them more than leonidas. The sweetness is just enough. After a simple meal, I always end up with this classy confection.
Congratulations on the Bloggie! =)
Ms. Tina, the PATCHI here caters for occassions like b-day, baby shower and anniversary,cute po kc pag pinresent n nila yung theme n puro covered n ng PATCHI items 🙂
Hi Lori!
Congrats on winning the Deliblog award! 😀
Congarts pla Ms. Lori 🙂
Ay mali spelling 🙁 CONGRATS po!
Hi Lori! Congratulations on your blog award! 🙂
Is the store open already? I cant wait! =)
oooohhh…i’ve had these when i just moved here last january… i eat them straight from the box. oh so yummy…
Hi Lori!!
I soooo love royce!! everytime we go to singapore or we know someone who will go to singapore, we make sure to buy or that they will buy some for us. Especially the champagne truffles that melts in your mouth almost like ice cream. It’s heavenly.
And if you’re saying that Truffettes De France are of much higher quality, then it really must be a must try! thanks!!
Oh, and congratulations!!! *cheers*
Dear Lori,
I thought I’d mention that PATCHI is now selling and shipping online in the USA and Canada, in case anyone is interested. I am managing that project: http://www.patchi.us!
Sue
All the finest chocolates are not only imported…
There is a new Belgian master chocolatier present in Manila and creating here with imported ingredients, fresh pralines, tuffles, chocolates bars & tablettes, and also Belgian Waffles.
You can check his website : ww.chocolatesbybenoit.com
Available to all chocolates lovers!!!
Enjoy!
how can i contact the kiosk of Truffettes de France at Shangri-La?… i need to know if they have special packaging for the truffles. i am planning to give them out to officemates for Christmas.
Thanks!
the authentic truffle chocolate!! i ssooooooo love it!! It’s close to Perfect!
Dear Lori,
I tasted Truffettes de France and it is so delicious. Are there stores where I can buy it from here in the Philippines?
Where can we buy Truffettes de France here in the Philippines?
Where can I buy it in Canada?
Truffettes de France: Looks like shit… but tastes divine.
I would have to try these truffles as I am so disappointed with the truffles and other chocolates I bought from Cacao at Serendra! I basically spent 300 bucks on small pieces of lard that they say is regularly flown in from the US…hmmm, I wouldn’t trade Choc-Nuts for these!
I love the truffles from Truffettes de France compared to Royce. I just looooove it! I could finish the whole box by myself.
Can I ask where to buy this Chocolate Truffles and what’s the specific brand name? Can you suggest more brands of truffles that will truly offer a great taste?
Thanks.
My friend gave me a box of this Trader Joe’s French Truffles, I have to google it, and landed on your page! I love it! I love chocolate, I love truffles! 😉
Hi, are there any more branches in Metro Manila right now? Thank you!
*very good post, i definitely love this site, maintain on it