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ByLauren Cahn/Updated: Sept. 20, 2021 12:47 pm UTC
When Season 6 of Emmy-nominated amateur baking competition "Nailed It!" premieres on September 15 (via Variety), the award-winning master pastry chef Jacques Torreswill be back to judge the calamitous concoctions of the contestants whom Torres also mentors. Torres is known as "one of themost renowned chocolatiers and pastry chefs in the world" (via CNN) and helms achocolate-making empire based in Brooklyn, New York — in general, he is said to accumulate $6.13 million in sales per year according to Dun & Bradstreet. As well, Torres hasbeen a fixture on foodie television since 1998. That's when he debuted his beloved public television series, "Dessert Circus" (perAmerican Archive).
In the years since, Torres has hosted Food Network's "Chocolate with Jacques Torres" during its three-season run, according toFood Network, and he's made numerous appearances on such shows as "Cake Boss:Next Great Baker," saysInternational Culinary Center, as well as "Top Chef," "Chopped," and "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" (via IMDb).However, Torres may be best known by television viewers for his work on "Nailed It!"if only because he has so much knowledge to impart to wannabe bakers,not to mention what appears to be a genuine interest in educating them, especially those with an interest in chocolate.
So, how did Torres come to be so knowledgeable, and what else might this renowned chef have up his sleeve?Read on for the untold truth of Jacques Torres, also known to many around the world as "Mr. Chocolate."
Jacques Torres got an "early start" in more ways than one
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Born in 1960, Jacques Torres spent his first three years in war-torn Algeria (viaBiography) before his family fled to the South of France. Early on, Torres thought he'd grow up to be a carpenter, just like his dad, saysCNN. But, by the time he was 15, he'd already embarked upon his career as a pastry chef with an apprenticeship at a highly regarded local pastry shop, according to hiswebsite.From there, Torres went on to earn his degree as "Master Pastry Chef," according toCulinary Schoolsand landed a job working for the Michelin-starred chef Jacques Maximin at Hotel Negresco in Nice, France, where he eventually rose through the ranks to become Executive Pastry Chef.
At the same time, Torres was also embarking on a career as a master pastry teacher at a culinary school in Cannes while also studying his craft under his role model and inspiration, LouLou Franchain, with whom Torres credits for guiding him toward becoming the youngest pastry chef ever to win the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (M.O.F.) medal in pastry at just 26 (via Biography).Although he isn't even sure what motivated himself to accomplish so much and so quickly, the chef told CNN that he suspects it comes from having been born two months premature. "My friend says when you fight for your life early, it gives you that drive to keep going," Torres explained while recognizing the important role luck has played in his life as well.
The reason for Jacques Torres' deep love and affinity for chocolate
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According to hiswebsite, Jacques Torres came to adore and respect chocolate during his years of training and working as a young pastry chef. That said, Torres has also suggested that it might have something to do with his love for his mother. As Torres has previously recounted, during his childhood, his mother (a house cleaner, perCNN), would "sneak" him pieces of the chocolate bars she'd sometimes purchase. Together, mother and son would "savor" the chocolate "in secret" (via Gothamist).
"For [Torres], chocolate was, and is, a simple pleasure, something that should be accessible to people of all ages and tastes — even babies,"Gothamist explained in the article where their photographer was given a personal tour of Mr. Chocolate's 40,000-square-foot flagship factory in the Brooklyn Army Terminal. In fact, during that tour, Torres explained that his all-ages approach to the confectionary is what's behind his chocolate-covered cereal candy, just one of his chocolate company's many whimsical offerings.
Ultimately, it appears that Torresfelt compelled to make his own because, as he says, someone needed to be setting the standard for artisanal chocolate (if not all chocolate), and no one else seemed to be doing it at the time (via CNN). In fact, it seems that's how Torres came to be the first New York chocolatier to start directly from the cocoa bean, making him"a pioneer in the bean-to-bar movement" (via his website).
Jacques Torres' commitment to molding the next generation of chefs is arguably unparalleled
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You'd be hard-pressed to come up with any television cooking competition in which we have seen Jacques Torres appear as a competitor.This is not to say that Torres is not "competitive," nor is it that he hasn't entered a cooking competition before. Certainly, the M.O.F. that he entered and won when he was just 26 (via Biography) may well count as a one of the biggest competitions any chef can pursue.
It's just that, nowadays, Torres would appear to prioritize his time as a pastry chef with an emphasis on directly shaping the next generation. This seems to have been Torres' priority historically as well. Hewas barely finished with culinary schoolhimself when, in 1983, he began teaching pastry courses in Cannes, France, says the profile in Biography,and he would continue to do that for three more years.
Then, within a year of beginning his job as Le Cirque's Executive Pastry Chef in 1989, Torres was already at work designing the New York City French Culinary Institute's Classic Pastry Arts program. That is now part of what is known as the International Culinary Center, of which Torres is Dean of Pastry Arts (via Culinary Schools).When he moved his chocolate-making business to its current space, it was designed to include a "hands-on classroom" where students of the International Culinary Center would spend 600 hours learning from Torres himself (viaGothamist).
Jacques Torres is married to Madam Chocolat
Since 2007, Jacques Torres has been married to Hasty Torres, according toBiography. A Los Angeles native, the former Hasty Khoei met her future husband when she moved to New York to work for him as a pastry chef, according to IMDb. Hasty Torres'LinkedIn page identifies her as the owner of the Beverly Hills-based luxury chocolate house, Madame Chocolat, although it would appear from other sources that Madame Chocolat is no longer in business.
In either case, Hasty and Jacques Torres are the parents of two young children — a son named Pierre, who was born in 2016, and a daughter named Jacqueline, who was born in 2019 (via the official Jacques Torreswebsite). Besides sharing both a professional and personal passion for chocolate, Jacques and Hasty would appear to share a mutual keen interest in interior design, which they discussed in a 2014 interview with LA Timesregarding the then-recent interior renovation of their Beverly Hills home.
Currently, Jacques and his family make their home in New York City, which is whereTorres' "state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot chocolate manufacturing plant" is located — in Brooklyn to be exact.New YorkCity is also home to seven Jacques Torres retail locations.
Jacques Torres has a heart for ice cream, too
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When you think of Jacque Torres, the first thing that's likely come to mind is chocolate. What only the most enthusiastic Mr. Chocolate fans may know is that Jacques Torres also has a "thing" for ice cream. And when we say "thing," it's that Jacques Torres has always had a soft spot in his heart for the creamy frozen treat, according to the James Beard Foundation newsletter. In fact, as he confessed to the James Beard Foundation, "I actually have more [childhood] memories of eating ice cream than chocolate."
After selling ice cream sandwiches in his retail stores for years, Torres opened another spot specializing in just ice cream in 2009. As well, in 2015, he opened a stand in GrandCentral Terminal known as "Jacques Torres Ice Cream," which may or may not be closed after the pandemic, according to online sources. And, as you might expect from a pioneer of the naturally sourced "bean-to-bar" movement in chocolate-making (via Jacques Torres website), the ice cream that's historically been sold at Jacques Torres Ice Cream is not just homemade — but it goes the extra mile of making each and every flavor from scratch (unlike most commercial ice cream "spinners"). It seems no matter what sweet treat he touches, Torres always does so with care and perfection.
FAQs
What is Jacques Torres best known for? ›
Jacques was a pioneer in the bean to bar movement, he was the first artisan chocolatier in New York City to start from cocoa beans and make his own chocolate. Jacques and his chocolate became an instant success attracting fans from all over the country.
What happened to Jacque Torres? ›In 2000 Jacques left his job and opened a chocolate factory and shop in New York. Today he has seven shop locations across the USA. Jacques is married and he and his now-wife tied the knot in 2007. His wife, Hasty Khoei, is also a chocolatier and the pair share a son, Pierre, who was born in 2016.
How old is Jacque Torres? › Who is the most famous chocolate chef? ›Gerhard Petzl. Switzerland-based world-renowned chocolate master Gerhard Petzl can take any block of chocolate and turn it into the most exquisite piece of art. His repertoire of sweet creations ranges from fruit platters and stilettos to dragons and Egyptian temple cats.
Who is the chocolate guy? ›Amaury Guichon, 30-year-old French chocolate artist, has become the most-followed pastry chef on social media and is world-famous for his fascinating works of edible art sculpted from chocolate.
What kind of chocolate does Jacques Torres use? ›Jacques' Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies use 60% Belgian dark chocolate and as he always says, "It's a lot of chocolate with a little cookie dough around it." Sold as a pack of 6 per box.
How long do Jacques Torres Chocolates last? ›Chocolate bars and baking discs can be stored up to 6 months in their original packaging or in airtight containers. Generally, for all our products refrigeration is not necessary. Cool, dry and no odor are a must.
Who makes the cakes on Nailed It? ›Chef Charity George is the one behind the impressive "Nailed It!" creations that contestants must replicate. San Diego-based pastry chef and cake artist Chef Charity George is the one who crafts the desserts the contestants must try to replicate.
Do Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres get along? ›We always have the producer in our ear saying "Nicole, can you rephrase that?" But that's exactly who she is—she makes jokes all day. She does it to make people laugh. She is a great friend and I love to work with her. We are completely opposites in a way.
Is Wes from Nailed It an actor? ›Here's what we do know: Wes is actually the associate director and stage manager for the show — in other words, he is not an actor. When Nailed It! first began, it was Nicole who brought him front and center on the show. "Nicole somehow got this idea of calling Wes all the time.
Where can I watch Chocolate with Jacques Torres? ›
- Prime Video.
- Disney+
- HBO Max.
- Apple TV+
- Paramount+
- All Streaming Services.
| Pronunciation | French: [ʒɑk] or [ʒak] |
| Gender | Male |
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Word/name | Hebrew |
| Region of origin | French |
Amaury's wife is Fiona Guichon, who is originally from Canada. She has an extensive resume, as the owner of Imperial Tattoo Connexion in Montreal, which is clearly highlighted by the ink all over her body. But that's not all. Fiona is also a freelancer photographer who often captures shots of Amaury making chocolate!
Does Jacques Torres have a kid? › Who is the number 1 pastry chef in the world? ›René Frank, best pastry chef in the world 2022 according to the 50 Best.
Who is the best chocolatier in the US? ›1. Phillip Ashley Chocolates. Chef Phillip Ashley is often referred to as the "Real Life Willy Wonka," a worthy title for one of the country's most decorated chocolatiers.
How old is Amaury? › Who won the chocolate school? ›Paired off into teams of two contestants had nine hours toe create their chocolate structure. The winning team of today's challenge was Tyricia Clark and Melissa Root, Tyricia was also named as best in class.
What is chocolate boy's real name? ›| Willy Wonka | |
|---|---|
| Voiced by | Maurice LaMarche (commercials) James Arnold Taylor (2005 video game) JP Karliak (Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Willy Wonka |
| Occupation | Chocolatier |
Chocolate melts faster the higher the percentage of cocoa butter and fat, so dark chocolate melts the fastest. Once melted, it's glossy and has a good viscosity. Good-quality dark chocolate with no less than 70 per cent cocoa solids will leave you with a darker, richer flavour.
What is the most popular chocolate in NZ? ›
1: Whittakers Chocolate NZ. Let's start with the obvious choice. New Zealand's most loved chocolate. Whittakers Chocolates are the best known chocolates in New Zealand, and are now the number one New Zealand chocolate brand.
What type of chocolate keeps fresh the longest? ›Stored this way, chocolate will last a while: Solid milk chocolate keeps for over a year; solid dark chocolate keeps for nearly two years; and white for four months. Filled chocolates, such as truffles, keep for about three to four months (unless they're full of preservatives).
What chocolate has the longest shelf life? ›Dark chocolate is known for lasting longer than milk and white chocolate. The absence of dairy content makes it less perishable. If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year.
How can you tell if chocolate is still good? ›If your chocolate smells bad or has any kind of mold, it's time to throw it in the trash. And if there are any cracks on the surface, chances are that the chocolate is stale and past its prime. Use your best judgment: If it looks and smells like chocolate, it'll likely taste like chocolate.
Is Nailed It rigged? ›So, is Nailed It! staged? According to Nicole and Jacques, the show is very much real, which is why you won't see GBBO-level desserts on this cooking show.
Why did Nailed It get Cancelled? ›Halloween' Shuts Down After Crew Walks Out Halfway Through New Season. Production on Netflix's “Nailed It! Halloween” was shut down Tuesday after crew members on the cooking competition show went on strike in a bid to join IATSE.
What do they do with the leftover cake on Nailed It? ›The crew also sometimes gets the opportunity to take leftover items. But if an item has been compromised, it's tossed. “There's very minimal of that,” she noted. And at the end of each challenge, items the show doesn't see a need for anymore are donated to missions, shelters or food banks.
Has Nailed It been Cancelled? ›Season 8. Nailed It! Season 7 is all set to release on Netflix on October 5, 2022. This time, the reality show is coming up with a 'Halloween' theme, catering to the Halloween lineup of Netflix in 2022.
How much does Nicole Byer make on Nailed It? ›...
Nicole Byer Net Worth.
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Do they use cake mix on Nailed It? ›
Kim Seeley is the Supervising Culinary Producer of Nailed It! for Magical Elves where she brainstorms the food challenges you see on every episode, stocks the studio's pantry with all the necessary ingredients (plus some extras to stump contestants!), and puts together specialty cake mixes because the set doesn't use ...
Who is the owner of Nailed It? ›Founded by former fashion stylist Donna Johnson, Nail'd it launched in 2014 in a small boutique-style nail bar in the south west of London.
Can you audition for Nailed It? ›Applying for Nailed It
champ, you can apply online via Magical Elves, Nailed It!'s production company. The application process is a bit intensive and asks that you submit photos and answer questions regarding your education, baking history, reasons for trying out, and more.
Prim French villagers look askance at single mom Vianne and her new chocolate shop, but her confections soon stir their taste buds — and their passions. Watch all you want.
Where can I watch the original Charlie and the chocolate? ›You are able to stream Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by renting or purchasing on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Vudu, and Google Play.
Where is Jacques Torres chocolate made? ›Master chocolatier Jacques Torres takes pride in crafting fresh, hand-made chocolate using only premium ingredients in classic and original combinations. Every product is produced in his vast 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art chocolate factory at the historical Brooklyn Army Terminal in New York.
What does Jacque mean in English? ›Jacques is a boy's name of French origin. Being a form of the name Jacob, this name means "supplanter". On This Page. Popularity Trend Chart.
Is Jacques a girl or boy name? ›The name Jacques is boy's name of French origin meaning "supplanter".
Does Jacques have mental health issues? ›Now, in a new interview with The Sun which he shared on social media, Jacques has spoken about his mental health struggles with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and said he "couldn't cope" in the TV villa, adding: "Doing Love Island was the worst decision of my life."
Where does Amaury Guichon work now? ›From there, Guichon went on to found his own culinary school in Las Vegas, where he teaches his techniques to aspiring pastry chefs and hosted the 2021 Netflix series School of Chocolate.
How much does Amaury Guichon cost? ›
...
Amaury Guichon's Personal Information.
| Real Name | Amaury Guichon |
|---|---|
| Address/Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Nationality | Swiss-French |
| Partner | Fiona Bergson (m.2020) |
Since wrapping up the series, Clark is back in the kitchen and sharing her creations with the Capital Region. She sells her pastries and chocolates online and at pop-ups around town like Local Pop-Up at Electric Depot. This year, Clark plans to offer gourmet chocolate holiday specials.
Who is the French chocolate guy? ›Amaury Guichon, 30-year-old French chocolate artist, has become the most-followed pastry chef on social media and is world-famous for his fascinating works of edible art sculpted from chocolate.
Are Jacques and Nicole friends? ›We always have the producer in our ear saying "Nicole, can you rephrase that?" But that's exactly who she is—she makes jokes all day. She does it to make people laugh. She is a great friend and I love to work with her. We are completely opposites in a way.
Is Jacques Pepin on Nailed It? ›Jude's Children's hospital and The Jacques Pepin Foundation. Viewers love Jacques as part of the hosting duo on Nailed It! Despite the incredible disasters on every episode, Jacques faces the competition with good-natured humor.
Is it true Jacques left the villa? ›In a statement from ITV, Jacques made the decision to leave himself and the broadcaster "fully support(s) his decision and look(s) forward to seeing what's next for Jacques."
Has Jaques left the island? ›The reason why Jacques has left Love Island was a deeply personal one and many of his fellow Islanders were left emotional by the decision.
Why does Jaques leave the villa? ›Jacques opened up about his Love Island experience to The Sun following his exit, explaining: "I was feeling so mentally drained, I just wanted to go home and get myself right. It broke me and I was already broken. I was crying my eyes out. I couldn't cope.