A Globally Celebrated Chocolatier Reveals His Top 2 Favorite Store-Bought Chocolates

Meet Christophe Rull, a celebrated chocolate maestro and Netflix’s “Bake Squad” star, who oversees pastries at the renowned Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

With his expertise, there's no doubt when Rull speaks about chocolate, his recommendations stand out.

Even while crafting a chocolate collection at The Patisserie, the hotel's brand-new bakery, Rull gladly disclosed his two go-to chocolate brands for store purchase, right in time for festive shopping.

Rull boasts over two decades of experience as a pastry wizard. He has clinched victories in prestigious competitions like "Halloween Wars" and "Holiday Wars" on the Food Network, also gaining fame through Netflix’s series “Bake Squad.” Additionally, he was the USA’s contender at the 2021 World Chocolate Masters—a competition akin to the chocolate artistry Olympics, which names 18 crème de la crème every three years.

Läderach: A Swiss Chocolate Legacy

One of Rull's cherished brands is Läderach, a legacy Swiss chocolate maker managed by Elias Läderach, the trailblazing 2018 World Chocolate Masters victor from Switzerland.

Läderach has been crafting exquisite Swiss chocolates since 1962 and has expanded to include 200 boutiques globally, spanning across 8 U.S. states, the UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

No need to fret if a Läderach shop isn't close by; their extensive selection is available online.

Jean-Marie Auboine: A Master’s Creation

Rull also holds in high regard the chocolate brand by Jean-Marie Auboine, credited as his mentor during several competitive endeavors in creating chocolate showpieces.

Auboine, formerly a head pastry chef at both Miami's Fontainebleau Hotel and the Bellagio in Las Vegas, founded his namesake company back in 2011 with just two team members.

Today, the Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier operation spans a vast 16,000 square feet on the Las Vegas Strip, providing delicacies from chocolates to French macarons, available online and in luxury markets like Costco.