From Paris to Bedford Hills: Chocolate Makers Debauve & Gallais

Behind the storefront of a Bedford Hills shop that could be mistaken for an upscale antiques dealer, is the U.S. headquarters of Debauve & Gallais—an exclusive purveyor of chocolate (and tea) who has roots in the French monarchy.

The brand was founded in Paris in 1800 by a royal pharmacist, Sulpice Debauve, and its products are still sold from the original location, now an official historical site on Paris’ Left Bank. But locals can access their delectable treats at 56 Babbitt Rd in Bedford Hills.

Debauve, a former chemist to French King Louis XVI, first developed the chocolate “coins” for Queen Marie Antoinette in order to ease her distaste for taking medicines. He was later appointed as the sole chocolate supplier to the French royal families— the royal seal continues to be the company’s logo.

According to Donny Lee, who is the sales manager for U.S. operations, the move of the corporate office, showroom and boutique from Manhattan to Bedford Hills in 2009 has been positive. “We still have our old client base from the city,” he said. “And in Westchester, we find very sophisticated, courteous customers with a sense of respect for our product.”

Lee, a former chef, explains that enjoying the chocolate—its recipe has not changed in over 200 years—is a matter of keeping an open mind and understanding that each chocolatier has developed a unique flavor profile for their product, one that a consumer must interpret. “There is no right or wrong,” he adds. “Here at Debauve & Gallais, we never dilute the cocoa— our chocolate is unadulterated, all-natural and more dense.”

He says that connoisseurs, including the company’s owner who is a Pound Ridge resident, consider Debauve & Gallais chocolate among the best in the world. The owner declined to comment for this story.

Though the shop on Babbitt Road is open for browsers and buyers, Lee explained that the majority of sales are generated online via their website boutique. In addition to France and the United States, the company has retail presence in Greece, China, Korea, Japan and The United Arab Emirates.

Unsurprisingly, experiencing this crafted chocolate comes at designer prices. An assortment of 12 bon-bons in a wood and leather book-shaped box, called “Le Petit Livre,” retails for $330. Lee says business has been steady with clients who return for the 176-piece box that sells for $650.

For a first-time customer, Lee recommends a bar or a small selection that can start at $10.

Some advice for the gourmands and chocoholics who are willing to splurge comes in this precise rule, taken from the company’s website and written by Mr. Debauve himself:

“Place a chocolate in the middle of your tongue. Chew slowly, several times. Let the chocolate linger for several seconds, during which time you may notice a warm sensation from the outer coating of cocoa as it melts on the tongue. The bonbon - still resting on the palate - then begins to withdraw into a blend of subtle aromas until finally it overwhelms the palate with all of the richness of its flavors.”

Debauve & Gallais is located at 56 Babbitt Rd in Bedford Hills. Their number is 914-244-8998 and store hours are Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.