Upper West Side Chocolatier Offers Chocolate-Making Classes

Voilà Chocolat tempers chocolate at its Upper West Side location all day, tempting passersby with the sweet smell. Opened last December, there are nine different chocolate-making experiences customers can take part in, ranging from truffle making to chocolate bars and barks. Both walk-ins and reservations are accepted.

Elaine Boxer, head of marketing, says they like to educate people on the difference between chocolatiering and chocolate manufacturing, the former being the art of turning chocolate into a confection, a pastry chef skill.

“We want people of all ages to know how creative, amazing, fun, and scientific chocolate making is,” Boxer says.

Those interested in taking a chocolate-making class can register for a time online, or walk in.

In addition to the nine chocolatiering experiences, Voilà Chocolat offers birthday parties, and has a café and retail space where it sells its handmade confections.

Birthday parties are for all ages and are customized per party. Kids ages 3-6 years will need a parent to help, but everyone gets aprons and are taught where chocolate comes from and chocolatiering techniques, Boxer says. “We love to teach kids where chocolate comes from,” she says.

The space also hosts events such as girls’ night out, bachelorette parties, and more, Boxer says. 

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Main photo: Aspiring chocolatiers can make their own chocolates at Violà Chocolat, where they will learn chefs’ techniques.