Christopher Norman Chocolates: A Portrait of
the Artists as Chocolatiers 

"Every Piece a Masterpiece"
Christopher Norman Chocolates is not your average specialty chocolate shop. While you will still find the tantalizing spice and sweet filled ganaches inherent to many of the chocolatiers that have recently sprouted up in New York City, where else can you find chocolate bearing miniature replicas of original fine art? John Down, a distinguished artist who has been painting since age nine, is Chief Chocolate Officer at Christopher Norman, and gives each chocolate design and taste a superbly artistic flair.

"We like to do things differently," John told us, as we walked through the boutique storefront and entered the factory where all of the chocolates are hand made and hand painted.

Several of the designs feature images of John's paintings transferred onto sugar that beautifully top the truffles, such as the Japanese-inspired Luxury Tea Collection - chocolate truffles infused with Lapsang Souchong, rose, mango and green tea - or, the Tile Box, where rich colors are inlaid on top of the chocolate like mosaic tiles, and filled with pomegranate, orange caramel and hazelnut lemon flavors.

Other delicious innovations include chocolate truffles with such fillings as basil, rosemary and coconut curry, as well as the heavenly wild Italian Amarene dark chocolate-covered cherries. Geometrics include domino-shaped chocolates and Line Drawing Bars, the shape that is so central to John's work.

"I most always begin work with line drawings, because I like the structure it gives me to be even more fluid in my work," reads a placard next to the chocolate bars.

The photos to the left, as well as our video above, capture many of the delectable sights and smells of Christopher Norman Chocolates.

So, who is Christopher Norman? Neither John, nor Partner and President Joe Guiliano, wanted to name the enterprise after just one of them, so they chose John's two middle names.

"This way, the name brings a piece of every one of us," said Joe, who is also a trained musician.

This "collective" mentality is a key part of Christopher Norman Chocolates, a small business that intentionally hires people who have not trained as confectioners or pastry chefs in order to provide them with specialized training, as well as promote community service and cooperation.

"We prefer to take people in who are interested in working and train them in-house, because our methods are really different," Joe explained.

"As a collective, we show our love for what we are doing," added John. "And, we are able to promote better ideals, such as respect and trust."

Promoting Cultural Exchange Through Chocolate
John has exhibited his artwork in Japan several times and sells chocolates there, as well. He and Joe recently traveled back to Tokyo for the Salon du Chocolat - they were the only Americans to have been invited.

"Our aesthetic is very appealing to the Japanese," Joe affirmed. "Craft and skill is such a part of their culture."

The universal language of Christopher Norman Chocolates not only bridges cultures across seas, but also right in the shop's Lower Manhattan community. The Gallery Shop draws neighbors together through its free tastings, which are usually held during the last week of the month (check the website for details), and other events. Christopher Norman Chocolates has also hosted tours of the shop and factory for local schools.

So, stop by and sample scrumptious hand made truffles unlike any you have ever seen or tasted, and sip an espresso or cappuccino at this special chocolate oasis nestled among the cavernous streets of the Financial District. Or, treat yourself or someone special to the gift of art and chocolate by purchasing truffles and other items from the Christopher Norman Chocolates website!

Location: 60 New Street, between Beaver Street and Exchange Place, Manhattan
Subway: 4, 5 trains to Wall Street or Bowling Green; or R, W trains to Rector St.
http://www.christophernormanchocolates.com/