Wondering who Maurice Gallais was? The Avenue Maurice Gallais in Paris might not instantly conjure images of chocolate. But a relative of his made a significant mark in the confectionary world.
Let’s step back in time to meet Sulpice Debauve. In 1800, Debauve founded a chocolate company. It gained fame later as Debauve & Gallais. This was no ordinary chocolate shop.
Debauve was a former chemist to King Louis XVI. He ingeniously combined cocoa, cane sugar, and medicine. Marie Antoinette had complained about the taste of her medicine. This led to the creation of the Pistoles. The queen named these coin-shaped chocolates herself.
Debauve continued crafting various flavored Pistoles for the queen. His shop opened on the Rive Gauche of Paris. It quickly became a sensation.
In 1823, Jean-Baptiste Auguste Gallais joined his uncle Debauve. Gallais helped create dietary chocolates. These so-called healthy chocolates contained almond milk, vanilla, and orange blossom water. Gallais even wrote a book in 1827. It was called Monographie du cacao ou manuel de l’amateur de chocolat.
The Revue de Paris described the shop in 1832. It spoke of chocolates wrapped in vellum paper and tin foil. They were placed in golden boxes. The chocolates transformed into shells, mussels, and statues. Skilled architects fashioned houses and towers out of chocolate.
After the founders died, Mr. Théry acquired the business. Later, Nicolas-Eugène Hugon took over in 1857. Hugon built a steam-powered factory in Paris. The company used advertising trading cards.
Gustave Hugon became head of the company in 1873. He aimed to sell affordable premium chocolate. He won medals at universal expositions. The shop was managed by Maurice and Georges Hugon later.
Debauve & Gallais claims to be one of the few independent royal suppliers in France. They have expanded globally. They have offices in New York and Tokyo.
Debauve & Gallais offers dark chocolates with high cocoa percentages. They have a cult following. Anatole France called the shop lovely.
So, while walking along Avenue Maurice Gallais remember the delicious legacy. It all started with a chemist, a queen, and a revolutionary chocolate.