Torrons Vicens
Hard Torron, Traditional Torron, White Chocolate Pistachio, Chocolate Hazelnut
Gema Cremada
Albert Adria Natura – Gin & Tonic, Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate, Yuzu
Featuring several locations around the Globe, without doubt a more ‘tourist friendly’ place than Turrones Ramos in Valencia, it was after a visit to Sagrada Família Basilica that a stop was made at Torrons Vicens, the staff unequivocally friendly with plenty of samples available including Chocolates made in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Albert Adria.
Originally founded in 1775 and still family owned, years of fame and intelligent investing allowing the company to expand into several International markets and styles of Nougat and Chocolate including a Sugar-Free line said to be indistinguishable from the real thing, it was just after 15h00 that the lengthy store on Carrer Provença was entered, a greeter at the door quickly leading patrons to a serving dish of four chopped treats, both the White Chocolate and Pistachio Block as well as Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut sort of like American Holiday “Bark” and pleasant enough while the hard and moist Torron were both very sweet, actually quite a bit moreso than Ramos or La Turronería Iváñez in Bilbao.
Quite the operation, the company now with nearly three dozen stores including a Turron Museum outside of Lleida that many have said to be worth the drive, it was walking deeper into the space that guests found themselves tempted by Bars, Tablets and Chocolate Bon-Bons, a trio of samples from the ElBarri collection all delightful with the Gin & Tonic particularly well crafted and the Olive Oil filled version simple and clean while exaggerating the fruity flavors of the Cocoa.
Picking up some gifts for others plus a few small bars for later it was finally en route to the register that eyes fell upon a package titled Gema Cremada, the Candy that is apparently quite popular around holidays without a doubt the most impressive thing tasted at Vicens with a creamy body made from Marzipan and Sugar beneath a brûléed exterior that helps to mellow the sweetness while also adding a remarkable texture that compelled the purchase of a weighty €7 package for the road.
http://www.vicens.com/