Joost Arijs is best chocolatier in Flanders, say Gault&Millau
The prestigious foodie guide has bestowed the title of best chocolatier on Joost Arijs of Ghent, whose creations look – almost – as good as they taste
New guide to best chocolates
It’s not the first time the jury of the famous gastronomic guide has rewarded Arijs; in 2012, just a year after he opened his shop in downtown Ghent, he was given the title of Belgium’s best patisserie. “I’m honoured, I really hadn’t expected it,” Arijs told Het Laatste Nieuws following yesterday’s announcement.
The guide mentions Arijs’ macadamia praline with caramel by name, “but is that our best praline?” he quipped. “Well, it’s definitely delicious, but we try to make them all delicious.”
88 chocolatiers
The guide chooses a best chocolatier in every region, and Jérôme Grimonpon took home the prize in Brussels. The jury praised both the quality and originality of his pralines, which frequently include ingredients such as a rosemary, matcha tea and a Japanese citrus fruit known as yuzu.
In 2012, Grimonpon won the title of Best Artisanal Chocolate-Maker in Belgium, and he placed second in the World Chocolate Awards in 2015. His shop is in Ukkel.
For Wallonia, meanwhile, the title went to Ariqua Denis in Andenne, Namur province. His pralines, using chocolate beans from Ecuador, Madagascar and Brazil, “are exceptionally refined and original,” said the jury.
The 88 chocolatiers included in the Finest Chocolatiers guide can be found on the Gault&Millau website dedicated to chocolate and patisserie, and the guide is also available there to purchase.
Photo: From Joost Arijs’ Afternoon Port week, in which pastries and chocolates were paired with Graham’s port
©Courtesy Joost Arijs
