we just got back from visiting a chocolate (and baked goods and pastry) shop in luzy (in burgundy). nope, these are not “tater tots” though they did immediately catch my eye upon entering and i actually thought they were potatoes. there’s a big sign that says, “pommes de terre nouvelles” (new potatoes). we had to ask about them.

artisan chocolatier: “no, they’re NOT potatoes; did you forget you were in a chocolatier?”

us: “heehee.”

they look so real and savory, the thought of them being chocolate and sweet didn’t immediately sound too appealing but…we, of course, had to get a bag anyway, as well as an apricot tarte, chausson aux pommes (apple pastry) and a chocolate macaron, which is a hamburger-shaped pastry made with airy light “cookies” sandwiching a chocolate ganache filling.

omg they did not disappoint. none of them. not in the slightest. and now, they’re gone.

it was refreshing to see an independent artisan chocolate maker/baker use real ingredients, no filler, no vegetable oil, no additives. we will definitely be back there, since this kind of quality chocolate is getting harder and harder to find.

despite the fact that it’s completely unknown, luzy is worth a visit especially to this chocolatier/patisserie. sample one or more of the many excellent things at “D. Verneuil, Artisan Chocolatier.” luzy is a small village so it should be easy to find. if chocolate is not your thing, try a pastry or get real french bread, made with care and the finest ingredients available.