I just wrote about seeing stars in Los Angeles and I've read about Sarah's "embarrassed smile" when she met Violet's chef/owner, Jared Simons, BUT nothing could have prepared me for my face-to-face meeting with Kristy Choo of Venice's Jin Patisserie.This past weekend, MS and I decided to take it back to Abbot Kinney, where we first went on one of our first outings together as a couple to Figtree's Cafe. This time, though, we took the car and parked instead of taking Big Blue. We walked down the strip, went over to the boardwalk and watched the dancing rollerskaters, and ended our trip at a favorite stop of mine, Jin Patisserie.
We went to Jin to pick up a special holiday hat box gift for my girlfriend DT who is celebrating her passing the Bar. When I walked up to the counter and asked to purchase a hat box gift, the guy behind the counter asked me to wait while he went in the kitchen. And to my surprise, who but Kristy Choo, the chocolatier came out of the kitchen to help us. I stood there with wide eyes and a smile. I nudged MS and whispered to him..."Oh my gosh! She's Kristy Choo!"Thank goodness MS was as cool as a cucumber and turned on the charm.
MS: You've got a nice place here. So how long have you guys been at this location?
Kristy C: About two years now. It's been great.
MS: So would you consider yourself a chef or an artist?
Kristy C: (smiling) Definitely an artist. I love creating pieces. And I'm glad you're here. (turning to me) So did you have some tea and enjoy your time here? (I shake my head no) It's a bit cold today though, huh? (pointing to the chocolates under the glass) Do you have any favorites?
Me: Oh yes! (I exclaim!) I love the Sea Salt Caramels and the Lychee ones! (with big goofy smile)
She packed the box of chocolates and bags of goodies with care, and I knew that DT would absolutely LOVE this gift box just as much as I loved watching Kristy prepare it. But my visit to Jin was more than just picking up some edible art. Few words and smiles were passed, and I left with a beautiful gift as well as a newfound respect for Kristy and her passion for providing such exquisite sweets to patrons like me.
Jin Patisserie
pastry boutique and tea garden
Street: 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
T: 1.310.399.8801
closed mondays | tues to sun 10.30am - 7.00pm
pictures taken from Jin Patisserie and iVillage websites.
6 comments:
Hi Kristy - I still owe you big time for referring me to Jin Patisserie - just fantastic "art". And that sea salt caramel is probably my favorite as well (I get "little" tastes). A bit "star-struck" were you????
Good thing MS was there with you. Otherwise she might have had to request a restraining order haha.
The joint was stylish, and its head creative guru kristy very talented.
A mix of art and dessert. good mix.
Kirk: I'll let you know when I'm ever down in the SD area! ;)
Dylan: Yup, I'd be all over her chocolates, for sure! You better restrain me now!
Mc: Definitely stylish and artistic! (Just like me!) ;)
methinks the cakes at Jin's are better than the chocolates (and I think the chocolates are really good!)
so you guys should definitely try her cakes if you haven't yet!
Spring Bouquet is my fave ..
that's cool.. i always want to try it when i'm in town, but we never make it.. definitely next time!
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