Maison Georges Larnicol
Duo Cake – Kouign Amann atop Gateaux Basque
Kouignette – Original, Almond, Cointreau, Strawberry, Pistachio, Rhum Raisin, Chocolate, Lemon, Salty Caramel
Raisin Hazelnut Cookies
Caramels, Chocolates, Rochers, Candies
Actually visited an evening prior, the proximity to Bordeaux’s most famous purveyor of chocolates difficult to resist when playing tourist in the surrounding center city, it was after an early morning run around Pessac that goods from Maison Georges Larnicol were tasted, the high quality of the goods as prominent to taste as the store was glorious to browse.
Known predominantly for their chocolates, the house established in several French cities fabricating everything it sells on site, Georges Larnicol shines as a gleaming jewelry box next to the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux and with caramels, truffles, and confections in any number of shapes and sizes the phrase “kid in a candy store” barely summarizes the look on faces of those passing by, let alone those choosing to stop in.
Well stocked with servers friendly and fluent in languages ranging at least English, French, Spanish, and Japanese selections at Maison Larnicol run the gamut from baked goods to bon-bons, most items paid in weight and although not inexpensive, price appropriate to ingredients and execution.
Suggested to be rewarmed, the instructions on the box easily followed thanks to my host from Airbnb, the tour of Georges Larnicol began with his signature Kouignettes, a one-of-each flavor sampling showing a substantial amount of butter as well as sweetness ooze forth with each bite, the original and pistachio truly outstandng while the fruited versions trended a bit soggy, tasty but lacking a crisp top.
Generally not taken by chocolates, though the espresso and salted caramels as well as the candy shellacked eggs were memorable bites, the cookies at Larnicol are of the crisp variety and electing for a stack of “Torchette Nature” the flavor of raisins and hazelnuts were extremely prominent, as too was the amount of sugar in each bite.
Tempted by Gateau Breton and Macarons in varying hues, it was eventually in an item noted simply as “Duos” that the €26.45 order would end, and featuring layers of Kouign Amann atop a custard layer of the soft cake from Brittany a “best of both worlds” experience was presented, the tray easily big enough to serve a small family…or one happy traveler slowly picking at it throughout the day.
http://chocolaterielarnicol.fr/