la.foodblogging

I 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.