When chocolate becomes art

Chocolate lovers all over the world already know that chocolate can enchant you with its smell and taste. Stéphane Leroux’s new astonishing book “Bleu Chocolat” will prove that even just looking at chocolate can mesmerize you too.

“Bleu Chocolat” is the astonishing result of the collaboration between chocolatier Stéphane Leroux and Belcolade, the real Belgian chocolate brand of Puratos. This unique book will leave you flabbergasted. It unveils over 100 breath-taking pieces which look nothing like chocolate.

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”

The beauty of chocolate art caught in pictures

Composed by Belgian photographer Tom Swalens, the artistic volume portrays an array of pieces that look more like modern art. “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.”

The technical volume is a step-by-step guide through the techniques of creating a marble, cardboard, concrete or porcelain chocolate effect.

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.