When chocolate becomes art

When it comes to creativity in chocolate, chocolate professionals might think they have seen it all. Stéphane Leroux’s new astonishing book “Bleu Chocolat” will prove the opposite. This unique book unveils over 100 breath-taking pieces which look nothing like chocolate, but are sure to whet your creative appetite. 

“Bleu Chocolat” is the result of Stéphane’s collaboration with Belcolade, the real Belgian chocolate brand of Puratos. It offers an incredible source of inspiration, providing the opportunity to chocolate professionals to create similar pieces of their own.

Two volumes: a technical and an artistic book

In two volumes, Stéphane Leroux is sharing his experience and demonstrating the joy he is feeling when working with chocolate. “Chocolate is an exceptional ingredient that unendingly obsesses and impresses me” he says.

In the technical book, Stéphane Leroux is taking the reader via a step-by-step description through the techniques of a marble, cardboard, concrete or porcelain effect.

“My professional path and many encounters have persuaded me that sharing knowledge is necessary for the preservation of our “metier”

The artistic book provides a breath-taking photographic overview of the artistic pieces, and is composed by Belgian photographer Tom Swalens. It is a book to browse and admire the mesmerizing creations of Stéphane. “Photography is the only means I have to immortalize my creations, although I love the ephemeral, fragile aspect of chocolate,” Stéphane says. “This book is saving my creations for the future.”

Chocolate art as you have never seen before

When looking at Stéphane’s pieces, one does not think about chocolate. At first sight, readers see marble, concrete, cardboard, sand and ceramics. They will feel astound to discover all these pieces are chocolate.

“We support our technical advisors in their creations and innovations and are proud to provide a platform for Mr. Leroux via this book. Bleu Chocolat is remarkable because it allows him to share his knowledge about chocolate with chocolate passionates around the world,” says Eddy Van Belle, Chairman of the board of Puratos Group.

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About Belcolade

Belcolade, the real Belgian chocolate brand of Puratos, is well known for its experience in developing specific flavours according to individual requirements. This results in a unique and unlimited palate of flavours designed to inspire and support the world's best chocolatiers, bakers and pastry chefs. In its Chocolate Center, Belcolade is constantly looking for innovative ways to work with chocolate, to share ideas, share best practices, new recipes and experiments. Belcolade chocolate is made from carefully selected cocoa beans, using solely pure cocoa butter and pure, natural vanilla. Belcolade is exclusively manufactured in the Erembodegem plant in Belgium, according to the genuine traditional Belgian production process.

Note to editor

Book information

Author and concept: Stéphane Leroux
Photographer: Tom Swalens
Publisher: BAI, Kontich (Belgium), in collaboration with Belcolade
ISBN: 9789085867326
D/2017/5751/08
Copyright: Stéphane Leroux, BAI, Kontich
Recommended price in the book store: 125 EURO (VAT included) for the two volumes.

Pictures

Reprint with reference to Tom Swalens (photo, video) and Klaas de Buysser (video) free of charge.