ChocolaTé : a place of relaxation dedicated to chocolate

Saint-Pierre strengthens its reputation as a “trendy” town in Réunion with the opening of ChocolaTé, the first chocolate bar on the island.

The name of the Saint-Pierrois chocolate bar plays on words since the place is also a tea room. Rue du Four à Chaux, it's a bright place, in pastel tones, with simple and elegant decor, with lounge area. Basically, the bar : a counter where the creator officiates, Renan de Villele, his partner Guillaume Darras, a collaborator and a collaborator, all dressed in a chocolate-colored apron.
In front of them, mostly, the eight chocolate toppings offered, as well as chocolate-based cakes. Behind them, the multiple accessories and ingredients that allow them to offer a menu rich in varied chocolate flavors. It is clearly a discovery or rediscovery of chocolate and its uses that the son of Loïc-Olivier de Villèle invites us to, the famous pastry chef and chocolatier from Saint-Gilles les Bains. It's in his parents' pastry shop, he explains, that he has acquired a taste for chocolate and chocolate products, until the idea of ​​creating a place dedicated to them was born.

Top of the range in user-friendliness

Chocolate bars have been spreading in mainland France for two years, arousing curiosity and enthusiasm. They are still few in number. Reunion is therefore not at all late and these innovative points of sale, of a new concept, promise to be much more than a fashion. The virtues of chocolate are well known. ChocolaTé reminds us of them in multiple forms. Waffle toppings, pancake, ice cream… Melted chocolate on fresh cut fruit. Various delicacies dipped in chocolate. Homemade chocolate cakes… Not counting a dozen toppings : hazelnuts, smarties, chantilly, etc. Or a map of possible combinations, accompanied by your choice of drinks : hot or cold chocolate, hot or iced tea, café, fruit juice, etc.
from parents to children, such a communion around chocolate had to offer the best. Renan de Villèle has chosen to supply himself with Valrhona, the world-renowned French chocolatier. Eventually, with this original concept, it’s a new variation of pastry that is invented and savored here with pleasure.

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Three questions to Renan de Villèle

How did you come up with the idea for this concept? ?

It was almost two years ago. I knew the approach of the Canadians who had thought about it for a long time. But they're fast food, including drive-ins on the side of the highway. In France, there was only one chocolate bar then, in Lyon. We also adapted the concept to our requirements : proximity, tasting in a pleasant and comfortable setting, guaranteeing the quality of what we eat.

Why did you choose Valrhona? ?

Valrhona is today the world number one in high-end chocolate. It is one of the main suppliers of large-scale catering, great chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Their chocolates are of very good quality and they are the easiest to work with. This reference brand allows us to offer very good chocolate at the best price.. Finally, Valhrona is represented here in Reunion.

Who is your clientele? ?

Before we start, we did a survey on social networks. We received 800 responses ! The core target that emerged from these responses was a woman aged 30 to 35 years CSP +. Our customers completely confirm this forecast. 70% are women, often with young children.