Critique of the week: Ghyslain Chocolatier

by Justin Broach

With Valentine’s Day coming up and people running out of ideas for their significant others, it is easy to revert back to the standard heart-shaped box full of chocolates. Here, however, is a suggestion that both your taste buds and your Valentine will enjoy.

Ghyslain is a diamond in the rough, situated in the historic part of Richmond.  When approaching Ghyslain, it is tough to ignore the integrity of the building. Do not judge this book by its cover. Once you step in, the outside dissipates from your thoughts and you will not be able to leave without enjoying the fresh aroma and well-organized display of colorful chocolates.

When I first approached the glass counter, I was nearly overwhelmed by the 20 different desserts laid out. Seeing my indecisiveness, my waitress began explaining each dessert in great detail.  She was able to narrow it down to two desserts for me: a strawberry flavored Le Valentin and the Chocolate and Pistachio Milles Feuilles. Unable to decide, I ordered both. Even after enjoying both desserts for a good thirty minutes, I am still unable to tell you which I liked more. Le Valentin had a smooth and whipped texture to the strawberry mousse, accented with a white chocolate outer rim.  The Milles Feuilles, from top to bottom, had a crispy chocolate layer, pistachio mousse, and another layer with chocolate mousse on top of a flourless chocolate cake platform. A glass of milk helped accent and wash down the two desserts.

The interior of the restaurant seemed high-class and very welcoming. The servers were there to give you the best experience you could have, but one trip is not enough to try everything you might want. Luckily, the endless amount of chocolate candies are available to take home in many different fashions, varying from a small packet to a heart-shaped box with leather covering.

For the assorted chocolate lovers, walking up to the glass can seem like approaching heaven. Countless different types of chocolates, varying from magnificent and well detailed turtles and butterflies, to cocoa pods and coffee beans, would fill up those chocolate boxes nicely for your sweetheart.

If cakes and chocolates do not satisfy your sweet tooth, no need to worry. The ten different types of gelati offered by Ghyslain help the cold treat lovers or only make your decision on dessert that much harder. If you do not see your favorite flavor, come back the next week and there may be a couple of new choices, but the crowd favorites from previous weeks are regularly available.

Although Ghyslain does have a larger price tag to go along with it, the food, the atmosphere and the experience are well worth it. Besides, on a day this special, you cannot put a price on love.

Justin Broach is an undeclared junior and may be reached at jabroach09@earlham.edu.