ABOUT | Belgique Pâtisserie & Chocolatier
Belgique Pâtisserie & Chocolatier is an authentic European pastry and chocolate shop—both in quality and appearance. Walking into the store, with the rich aroma of chocolate and the elegant desserts that many customers say are “too beautiful to eat,” provides an experience one might only have by actually visiting one of the numerous pastry and chocolate shops found on nearly every corner in Belgium. Indulge in a taste of Europe with artisan Belgian chocolates and European cakes and tarts 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 holidays are magical with 3-foot high chocolate rabbits and chocolate nests & eggs for Easter, life-sized chocolate turkeys and cornucopias for Thanksgiving, and heart-shaped chocolate boxes for Valentine’s Day. 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.
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 desserts and 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—Connecticut Magazine
Best Chocolates & Desserts—Litchfield County Times
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 bakery that’s so popular people often wait in lines wrapping around the store for the cakes, truffles, and tarts…a superb chocolate shop...stunning cakes, 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
“Who would think that in a small town… there would be a serious traditional pastry shop?”—Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
“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
About | Wedding Cakes (Belgian style) & Favors
For those who wish to be unique in terms of wedding cake, we offer a special way to please your guests, leaving them with a lasting, elegant impression of your big day. In Belgium when couples get married, they often have many weddings cakes, rather than just one tiered creation. A variety of desserts are presented on a “présentoire” (a pedestal comprised of separate tiers in varying sizes for many different types of cakes and tarts). The look is unforgettable and quite stunning. We also offer a selection of beautiful favor boxes to fill with chocolates, marzipan, etc. For more information, please call or schedule an appointment.
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 Pâtisserie & Chocolatier
Pierre & Susan Gilissen, Owners
1 Bridge Street (corner of Routes 7 & 341)
Kent, CT 06757
Phone: 860.927.3681