Picholine for Sale, L’Artisan du Chocolat Going Solo
Monday, May 23, 2005 16:57I walked into Picholine for a late lunch today to find the place barren. Most of the shelves of gourmet teas, sauces, pastas, and various dry goods were gone, as was the sorbet case.
When I asked why, a cook said Picholine will focus on lunches and catering now, rather than continue to sell imported packaged goods. There are a few more tables set up for lunch, but the typically fresh salads and sandwiches were flagging, a strong indication that Picholine is in transition.
Next door, at L’Artisan du Chocolat, Christian Alexandre explained that Picholine’s owner is returning to France, after 20 years in Los Angeles, and the store is on the market. In fact, a prospective Picholine buyer came and went while we chatted.
Alexandre and Whajung Park — his wife and the store’s chocolate maker — will be taking full ownership of the L’Artisan storefront now. (Previously, the space behind the counter was Alexandre and Park’s for manufacturing, while the actual storefront was Picholine property.)
Alexandre appeared characteristically upbeat: L’Artisan’s chocolate is pretty widely distributed on the West Coast; they are out from under a partnership/retail contract; there will be less brand confusion, such as customers calling them “Picholine Chocolates;” and the couple continues to make inspired confections. They’ve got brand new lemon, caramel du sel, basil, fennel and thyme chocolates, among others.
L’Artisan du Chocolat
3364 W. 1st St.
L.A., CA
213.252.8722
Update! A day later and the sorbet case is back in place and not a moment too soon.
ChefJoAnna says:
May 23rd, 2005 at 6:06 pm
Bay Cities has done the same thing. Lots fewer packaged goods for playing with, just mass-produced catering-style food.
They got rid of the entire housewares area, relegating it to a small shelf by where the olives used to be.
I like my Godmother sandwiches, too, but I’ll miss the spectacular, expansive selection of yummy things in jars, bottles, cans, and cellophane.
SoCalorie says:
May 23rd, 2005 at 6:13 pm
That’s terrible news. Bay Cities had a wonderful collection of imported goods.
The weakness of the dollar must be esp. hard on small euro/import vendors.
Jonah says:
May 23rd, 2005 at 9:02 pm
What else will I do while waiting 45 minutes for them to call my number, and I opt for the smoked chicken breast with everything, muentser cheese and some peperocinis