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The Story of Chocolat Celeste
Mary Leonard
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Deeply curious about chocolate and a life-long connoisseur, in 2001 Mary Leonard heeded the words of her childhood hero Julia Child: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” That she did.
During her journey into the world of cacao delicacies, Mary apprenticed with Master Chocolatier Tom Cinnamon in Vancouver. She also trained in chocolate technology with Terry Richardson, patent holder for Godiva Chocolate.
A combination of natural talent for cooking, world-class training and a master’s degree in food science and business from the University of Minnesota provided the foundation for a culinary venture close to her heart.
In 2001 Mary opened Chocolat Céleste, a small but ever-expanding chocolate boutique and factory in St. Paul, Minnesota.
"From the beginning, I decided to use only fresh ingredients from local farms (organic, when possible); imported European chocolate, sourced from the best cacao growers in the world; and never, ever any preservatives," says Mary. The result is extraordinarily flavorful artisanal chocolates of a caliber usually available only by direct shipment from Europe.
The unique hand-crafted artisan chocolates from Chocolat Céleste have enjoyed a warm reception among discriminating connoisseurs. In 2004, Mary was named one of “10 Best Emerging American Artisanal Chocolatiers.” Her innovative flavors collections have consistently been hailed by critics and reviewers from leading culinary and food experts nationwide including Conde Nast, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
Visually impressive, gift boxes from Chocolat Céleste are popular favors for New Year’s Eve celebrations at The Mirage and Belagio resorts. They have also graced Meryl Streep’s pre-Oscar Party luncheon table.
Energetic. Expressive. Charming. Mary frequently informs and entertains audiences and business groups with her private tasting events.
“Sharing the finer things in life with friends and colleagues has always been a joyful and deeply memorable experience for me. I get to see eyes light up and a smiles brighten as customers sample and discover unique chocolate notes and nuances. For me the world of fine food is about discovery," says Mary.
Thankfully, there’s much territory to explore.
Let your epicurean journey include Chocolat Céleste now and for years to come.
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Chocolat Céleste creates chocolate delicacies for the connoisseur. Our award-winning truffles and gifts are based on devotion to artistic presentation and flavor perfection. Every day, our chocolatiers craft each piece using the finest ingredients. We use premium European chocolate made from “first cut” cacao beans from around the world. And we continually search for rare and emerging cacao estates from which we can source. To this foundation, we introduce the best ingredients: fresh artisanal cream and butter; and the marketplace's finest liqueurs, nuts, fruits and spices. The secret to our success is allowing the natural flavor notes to take center stage. We never use preservatives.
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