Just like fine dining chefs, master chocolatiers take detailed measures to ensure that their creations look as good as they taste. The noted confectioners at a new New York City pop-up, however, take things even further by turning their chocolates into works of art—and fashion. Opened this month, and running until the end of January (with a possible extension), Cacao by Cipriani is a wonderland of sweet treats designed by two Italian expats who are drawing from their diverse backgrounds to craft the city’s most stylish desserts.
The Maître Chocolatiers behind Cacao by Cipriani are Cristiano Spinoni, who previously worked as a make-up artist and hairstylist for celebrities and luxury brands, and Baptiste Roudel, an interior designer. Both spent several years training in the art of making chocolate in Italy, before bringing their 13-plus years of expertise to New York. Now, they are marrying their experiences in the world of art, fashion and design with a shared passion for handmade chocolates, resulting in elaborate, unexpected confections that are (almost) too pretty to eat.
Made with top quality raw ingredients, the products include chocolates made to look like plateau shoes, chic clutches and bamboo handle bags (completed with “jeweled” accents), and even armchairs inspired by brands like Poltrona Frau. Along with these stylish “chocolate objects”—which make for perfect holiday and hostess gifts—the shop also stocks an array of fine chocolates and truffles in an array of gourmet flavors; favorites include truffles made with pure Sicilian pistachio wrapped in 71-percent Madagascar dark chocolate.
Made in the new Artisan Chocolate Factory not far from the new shop, the Cacao by Cipriani products will be available at the pop-up through January (check the website for a possible extension), as well as at the Cipriani Le Specialità store (120 East 42nd Street); for an additional fee, delivery can also be arranged anywhere in Manhattan. Cacao by Cipriani is at 53 Wall Street, and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday by appointment.