The French crew behind a new Clearwater chocolate shop, specializing in gourmet chocolate bouquets, is set to open at Westfield Countryside Mall this week.
Owned by Francis Peyronnet and his family, Le Bouquet by Francis will hold its grand opening on Thursday, introducing the region to its line of indulgent sweets. Executive pastry chef Jean François Bonnet, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, is flying into town to work with the staff before the premiere.
Alongside an array of milk, dark and white chocolate bouquets, presented in a creatively cone-shaped package that could sway patrons into ditching traditional boxes, Le Bouquet also offers bonbons, cubes, spreads and bars.
Bonnet's culinary philosophy — "analyze, understand, enjoy" — is integrated into all of his recipes. The chocolates feature fruits, spices, fresh herbs and regional flavors to create selections like ginger confit, hazelnut praline, mandarin cinnamon and matcha green tea.
