A taste of France comes to Ardmore with Delice et Chocolat - Main Line Media News

Originally posted on https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/2017/07/26/a-taste-of-france-comes-to-ardmore-with-delice-et-chocolat/

France. Sample the confections and it’s like a taste of heaven.

The shop, which opened June 9, is owned by two brothers, Joseph and Antoine Amrani, who hail from Grenoble, France by way of Paris. Joseph Amrani’s wife, Angela Cheng, is also a partner in the new venture.

Antoine Amrani, who studied at the Ritz-Escoffier Culinary School in Paris, worked at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia, as did his brother, who has been on the business side of the restaurant work since coming to the U.S. in 1995. After Le Bec-Fin closed, Joseph Amrani was the general manager at Paramour in the Wayne Hotel, while Antoine Amrani spent some time pursuing his talents in Dubai, where he ran two factories and 23 stores and exported to Asian countries. Antoine Amrani returned to the U.S. less than a year ago and the brothers decided to open their own business, Joseph Amrani explained.

Inside glass cases, tempting pastries greet the eye: candies, a variety of flavorful macaroons, madeleines, strawberry shortcake, “La Diva,” made with sponge cake and white chocolate mousse, and “Tailor’s Tiramisu,” the only offering not authentically French. That last treat is a nod to the former occupant of the building, Joseph Centofanti, a master tailor who ran a tailor shop there for 75 years. The tailor’s old mirror was cleaned, painted and now hangs above a window into the kitchen area, where visitors can observe pastries and candy being prepared.

“People come in thinking he is still here,” said Joseph Amrani. “I tell them, ‘You don’t want me to tailor your clothes, trust me.'”

Delice et Chocolat also serves coffee, espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate made from melted chocolate, and a cocoa bar is planned, said Joseph Amrani. They also make elegant wedding cakes, including an croquet-en-bouche for a recent Main Line bride, as well as a macaroon tower, and chocolate favors. They are also planning a line of gelatos, sorbets and ice cream, he said. These will also be crafted in-house.

“We’re very encouraged with the response in the community, their enthusiasm,” said Joseph Amrani. “Everybody has been very nice.”

Antoine Amrani has always wanted to have his own business.

“We’re a pastry shop and our specialty is chocolates,” he said. “It’s always good to work for yourself.” Antoine Amrani said he was only at “70 percent” and expects his creations to be even better “once I have more employees.” Five employees in addition to themselves will be in place soon.

A selection of macarons available last week included sublime raspberry with rose petal and tasty coconut and lime. Chocolate flavors included Bailey’s hazelnut, coffee, honey and cinnamon, earl grey, coconut, caramel and sea salt and chocolate.

The shop, near the Ardmore train station, also offers lunch. Panini and quiche include croquet monsieur with salad, prosciutto and provolone, manchon au fromage, a croissant filled with Mornay and Swiss cheese. There are also salads on the menu: quinoa tabbouleh, shrimp, chicken, beets and goat cheese, and nicoise salade. Cold sandwiches, such as ham and cheese, tuna, tomato and mozzarella and a salmon club can be paired with soup. Smoothies are also an option.

The modern gray decor, designed by Becky Wein Interiors, is enhanced by carved French cabinets that display family china, including a sugar urn from the Amranis’ grandmother.

“That’s the first thing I put in the store,” said Joseph Amrani, about the urn. “It’s important.”

“We wanted something chic and well designed,” he said. “We are all in the people business. It’s how you connect with your customers that makes a difference. If you’re not true to who you are, people are going to fade away.”

Joseph Amrani’s son, Nicholas, 26, is also involved in the business, helping with marketing and social media. Nicholas Amrani works in wine distribution and is studying to be a sommelier, his dad said. Another son, Joshua, 30, is a software engineer in San Francisco. Cheng’s son, Han, 19, is a student at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

“For me, it’s exciting and scary,” said Cheng, about the new business. She formerly taught English at Shanghai University before coming to the U.S. for her son’s education. “But the customers are fantastic…I like to interact with people. I like to provide good things.”

Customers have mentioned that other towns had pastry shops but Ardmore did not, she said. Joseph Amrani said Ardmore is also a growing area with “good energy.”

Angela Cheng and Joseph Amrani make their home in Gladwyne. Antoine Amrani, his wife, Saviha, and son, Moncef, 8, live in Wayne.

Delice et Chocolat is at 7 Station Avenue in Ardmore Phone 610-649-7001 or visit delicechocolat.com