ABOUT | Belgique Chocolatier
Belgique Chocolatier is an authentic Belgian chocolate shop-- both in quality and appearance. Walking into the store with the rich aroma of chocolate provides an experience one might only have by actually visiting one of the numerous chocolatiers found on many street corners in Belgium. Indulge in the taste of artisan Belgian chocolates and truffles made on the premises with no preservatives. The authentic Belgian hot chocolate and handmade ice creams/sorbets (each in season) alone are worth a drive.
The shop is set in a charming yellow Victorian carriage house in the center of Kent. The interior features a cobblestone floor and mosaic wall depicting the Grand Place in Brussels, completing the European experience. Stone benches await the visitor outside for warm weather seating.
The holidays are magical with 3-foot high chocolate rabbits and chocolate nests & eggs for Easter, and life-sized chocolate turkeys and cornucopias for Thanksgiving. For Valentine’s Day we feature heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and you’ll see chocolate choo-choo trains among the offerings for Christmas. In addition, one can find a variety of imported Belgian chocolate bars such as Côte d’Or and Galler. Café Liégeois coffee/espressos from Belgium are available by the cup or sold by the package for home use. A holiday specialty is the Duck Foie Gras Terrine done in the tradition of the Perigord region in France accompanied by Belgique’s own brioche and sauternes jelly.
Belgique opened a second location in New Canaan, Connecticut at 88 Elm Street for our customers in Fairfield County. The phone number is (203) 801-0538.
About|Chef Pierre Gilissen
Before opening Belgique in 2000, Pierre Gilissen served as Executive Chef & Manager at The Residence of The Netherlands Ambassador to the U.S. in Washington, D.C. Gilissen’s job was to prepare all meals, receptions, teas, etc. for these Ambassadors, their families, and up to 1,000 guests. Prior to that, he worked in Washington as Sous Chef for the British Ambassador to the U.S. Working for embassies gave him the opportunity to cook for such notables as Queen Elizabeth II, President George H.W. Bush, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, King Hussein of Jordan, and violinist Isaac Stern. His particular passion for chocolates began during his time in Washington, D.C.
His résumé also includes working at Michelin 2-star hotel/restaurant Le Moulin Hideux in Noirefontaine, Belgium and Auberge de Lavacherie in Lavacherie, Belgium. He received his culinary education at Belgium’s École Hôtelière de Libramont after 4 years of study emphasizing gourmet cooking, restaurant/hotel management, pastries, and wine.
About|Awards, Press & Royal Occasions
*In 2007, Belgique provided a selection of handmade chocolates to be served after dinner at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, DC for a State Dinner with Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush. Also in attendance were President George H.W. Bush, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and First Ladies Laura Bush & Barbara Bush.
*Also in 2007, we provided crown-shaped chocolates for a reception at the Belgian Consulate in Manhattan with King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium.
*In 2000, we provided chocolates for a Manhattan reception in honor of Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium at the Belgian Consul General’s Residence.
Best Chocolates 2008 - 2011 ~ Connecticut Magazine
Selected the #1 Pick (out of 35 “Things You Must Do This Summer in New England”)—2006 Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England
“One of the 7 Best Hot Chocolates in the World”— Vivre Catalog 2004
“Gilissen is renowned for his exquisite molded chocolates.” “Belgian chocolate aficionados are raving about Kent, CT’s Belgique”— Chocolatier Magazine
“Connecticut’s own ‘Chocolat’”— The Hartford Courant
“…a jewel box of a chocolate store.” “hot chocolate that’s like a liquid candy bar.”— Yankee Magazine
“…a superb chocolate shop.” “…memorable madeleines, handmade chocolates.” “Where the ice cream is homemade.”— New York Times
“…heaven must be like a box of chocolates from Belgique”— Boston Globe
“For a quick pick-me-up, discriminating chocoholics will want to make a pilgrimage…”— Travel & Leisure Magazine
“…you feel as if you are on vacation in Europe.”— Connecticut Magazine
Hours of Operation
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM – 6 PM.
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Easter, Christmas, New Year’s.
Please call for expanded Holiday Schedules & Vacation Closings
Belgique Chocolatier
Pierre & Susan Gilissen, Owners
1 Bridge Street (corner of Routes 7 & 341)
Kent, CT 06757
Phone: 860.927.3681
Website: www.belgiqueonline.com