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    Home • Blog Posts

    Denise Acabo Chocolate Star in Paris (À l'Etoile d'Or)

    Published: May 5, 2022 · Modified: Sep 20, 2023 by Jill Colonna20 Comments

    À l'Etoile d'Or (meaning "At the Golden Star"), it was the French chocolate institution in Paris. Denise Acabo entertained devoted star celebrities, tourists and locals when they were in search of the best French chocolate and candy in Paris.

    We are all sad that Denise has now retired and closed the shop
    26 September 2022 after 46 years of business.

    Denise Acabo pigtails

    However, I am keeping this post as Denise is still a legend in Paris.

    I last wrote about this incredible woman in 2018. However, following the nearly disastrous lockdowns over a couple of years, it was a relief to update my news that Denise was welcoming clients again with chocolaterie door wide open when I last saw her in April 2022. Even in spite of back problems, her spirits were still shining.

    inside one of Paris's most famous chocolate shops

    Chocolaterie in Rue Pierre Fontaine

    Not much has changed since before the lockdowns. Surfacing out of the nearby Paris Blanche metro station, the Moulin Rouge cabaret signals the border between the 9th (Pigalle) and 18th (Montmartre) arrondissements.

    Before being lured up the hill to visit Montmartre, a visit to Denise Acabo's curiosity chocolaterie awaits just 5 minutes' walk away in the other direction in the 9th. À l'Etoile d'Or is tucked away on the left in Rue Pierre Fontaine with its wooden-panels, dating from 1903.

    First study the shop window filled with cello-taped press reviews of À l'Etoile d'Or. Amongst porcelaine cups and a chocolate pot (moussoir) are historical chocolate quotations from famous personalities to today's researchers and doctors. It's all fascinating.

    Did you know that just above the shop was one of 3 apartments on the same street where painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec lived? Lautrec also lived at N°19bis, where Degas had his workshop - although didn't get the chance to exchange with the more illustrious artist at the time.

    A L'Etoile D'or Denise Acabo Paris chocolate star

    Is Chocolate an Aphrodisiac?

    This question has us gravitating towards the alluring advice pinned by Denise in the window:

    "Chocolate is an aphrodisiac; women with a weakness for a daily dose of the black square (of chocolate) have a more and satisfying sex life."

    Italian Sex Doctor, Salonia Andrea

    All of a sudden, already in full swing, Paris's Golden Star of Chocolate, Denise Acabo, comes flying outside the door to welcome us inside. My French friends are in awe before even going in. She looks ready to dance a Scottish Ceilidh in an extra-long kilt or plaided skirt with cleverly comfy shoes.

    "The sign on the door should read 'Beware of flying pigtails".

    Great Book of Chocolate by David Lebovitz
    A L'Etoile d'Or Paris chocolate star

    A French Play of Music and Chocolate

    No wonder there are so many articles written about her. Denise Acabo leads us in, apologising for her usual loud music and asks her charming assistant, Mayumi to turn the volume down. 'I adore listening to music,' she confesses. We unanimously urge her to keep it playing as it is.

    Hm. Verdi's Requiem. Are we at the Golden Star to experience a form of death by chocolate, we jest?

    She isn't the only one to love music. She is so proud of her family and explains that her granddaughter, Louise Acabo, is a virtuoso piano and harpsichord (clavecin) player in Strasbourg. An article on her winning the international prize in Rouen at only 19 sits pride of place between books and magazines of famous French pâtisserie chefs and chocolatiers.

    japanese chocolate guides

    The Japanese Chocolate-Loving Corner

    This time I'm with Lucie, my 19-year old daughter (half Corsican, half Scottish) who is excited to continue her studies in Japan this year. So, before leaving this month, we're here to find ideal French chocolate gifts to take to Lucie's teachers in Kobe. Denise certainly has plenty of France's specialities to choose from.

    As if by magic, Mayumi, Denise's only assistant for the past 15 years, is the perfect ambassador for chocolate in Japan. Mayumi is from Kobe and the cherry in the chocolate? She chats away to Lucie in Japanese. While I'm lost, I check out the Japanese corner. It's piled high with Japanese chocolate guides featuring Denise's shop in Paris.

    Japanese guide books on chocolate in Paris

    Denise's Background

    So where is Denise? She recently put her back out and is suffering in her apartment upstairs. Suddenly the phone rings. It's Denise, who asks Mayumi to send us upstairs to see her.  We're speechless. What? Chez elle? What a surprise welcome! She can't bear to miss an opportunity to see clients and speak chocolate.

    Things haven't changed much. She still speaks French at 100km an hour and this time talks more of her background, while sitting on her bed - assorted with her sunshine yellow outfit. This is when I feel a film starting on her life as she tells us the story.

    She was born in Tunisia in 1936 to Italian parents. Her mother was a busy chef from Piemonte, sending her to be brought up by nuns for most of her childhood until 1958, when the war in Algeria made them urgently move to Bordeaux, France. It's there in Bordeaux she marries an Italian she met in Tunis, father to her two children, Martine and Pierre, who have just taken her to the doc about her back. Her voice wavers, talking about her husband's tragic car accident in the 1970s and how she was hurt too. It's in 1976 she buys the shop.

    'See that chair downstairs? Michou, known as the Blue Prince and Parisian cabaret director, spent hours sitting there on that cushion. We'd discuss everything', she says fondly. He died in 2020 and that chair and his signed photos are cherished like so many of the memorabilia on show.

    Despite being in pain with her back, she insists on showing us the historical building behind her apartment. 'It was frequented by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie and also Alexandre Dumas', she beams.

    Denise Acabo in Paris

    Denise Acabo's Passion For Chocolate

    Down-to-earth banter and refreshing cheeky humour is interspersed with her passion for each chocolate and candy. Even outside her shop, she's still there. Lucie is now completely smitten too.

    'Did you take the Santa Lucia clementines?' We're proud to confirm that these half candied chocolate clementines are in the bag. 'And the Berger bar of Corsican Clementine? It's difficult to find - c'est vraiment une délice'. Oops-a-daisy.  We didn't add that one but will do on going back downstairs. Zut. I somehow feel we've failed the chocolate connaisseur test.

    Bernachon trusts only Madame Acabo to sell their exquisite hand-made chocolate outside Lyon (made from scratch, from bean to bar), and the delights from France's gastronomic capital of Lyon are well represented with not only their chocolate tablets and filled chocolates, but also les Coussins de Lyon - literally soft velveteen green 'cushions' filled with curaçao liqueur.

    It's not just Bernachon: she also stocks Bonnat chocolate bars, Henri Le Roux's famous 'CBS', Caramel au Beurre Salé (more about it in my recipe for salted caramel sauce) plus Jacques Genin's soft exotic caramels.

    rows of chocolates and French candy in glass case

    A Dose of Chocolate A Day

    Even at 86 in April 2022, Madame Acabo has no intention of retiring. 'This shop is my life. I live to come downstairs to the shop, to see old and new customers and tell them all about France's incredible chocolate. It was horrible during lockdown.  Nobody was around and nobody was eating chocolate. Today I'm blessed to be here and see clients again.'

    She adores people and has always sported her plaid uniform look. 'Before I used to wear the tartan cravates et tout,' she says. 'Now I'm a little more décontractée' (relaxed). Is it since she got over the gas explosion in the building and then re-opened in 2015? She describes in sheer disbelief how she miraculously avoids a wall falling on top of her as mirrors explose around her. 'I thought I was going to die.'

    Let's talk about something lighter. Denise keeps her youth by taking her daily dose of 5 chocolate disks (palets) each morning, much like Queen Marie-Antoinette did in the days when chocolate was provided and prescribed by pharmacists. Today it's medicine indeed. Avec modération, bien sûr.

    rows of chocolates in France's most famous chocolate store

    French Chocolate Sauternes Raisins & Meryll Streep

    As we'd stocked up on the packs of raisins, it reminds me of the last time. She had pressed some innocent-looking chocolate raisins in our hands.

    Silence. As I bite through the outer coating of dark chocolate, it crashes into a soft, explosive golden raisin with a warming glow of Christmas. "Oh My God!" my mouth utters, taking me completely by surprise.

    'That's exactly what Meryll Streep said!' enthuses Denise and tells us that a princess (whom shall remain anonymous) used to pick up her order of them by the hundred kilo weight.

    I see stars with such a delicate, distinct taste of Sauternes wine coating the mouth, the chocolate not overpowering the flavour. These are meant to be eaten one by one, as they are particularly special - known as les Raisin Dorés® from La Maison Verdier. I wonder if that's how the boutique got it's name?

    rows of bags of chocolate sauternes raisins and candied rose petals

    Traditional Royal French Confections

    She carries tradition by stocking Louis XIV's favourite barley sugar bonbons, various flavours of Les Anis de Flavigny from Burgundy (read about these on my article on Dijon), traditional oblong iced marzipan Calissons from Aix-en-Provence, soft or hard nougat with toasted nuts, pralines, Amandes de Sicile. Love Champagne with something different? Add one of the sugared violets or rose petals.

    Asked what were her own personal favourites in store, she replies with a simple, 'I love absolutely everything here, as I've chosen each individual chocolate or bonbon carefully. I only stock what I truly believe to be the best.'

    Nobody can sway Denise's gut decisions what are the best products.  She constantly receives chocolate samples and yet only a small fraction of them are accepted into her boutique. 'Many of them are just awful, to put it mildly.' she exclaims with wide, sparkly eyes.

    traditional French character paper devinettes epinal

    Traditional French Cartoons, Devinettes d'Épinal

    Look carefully around the shop and you'll see that some chocolate and candy is gift-wrapped in special brightly-coloured French cartoon paper. It's a collector's paper from the end of the 19th Century. The cartoon-style images are 'What-am-I?' guessing games that can be turned upside down and are in full colour.

    Denise explains that she is the only shop in France that continues this tradition of using les Devinettes d'Épinal and has been using it for 50 years. Alas, since 2019, these cartoons are no longer produced but she continues to have them printed especially for the shop.

    Denise Acabo Paris chocolate Pigalle

    Corsican Candy Specialities

    There's also a Corsican corner, eyeing my favourite tastes from my husband's Island of Beauty: jams with Corsican clementines, plus chestnut honey and confiture d'Angélique (angelica jam).

    We're steered to the health virtues of angelica, thanks to Monsieur Thonnard who produces the exceptional Angelique de Niort.

    shelves of famous French candy

    Angelica's Strengthening Properties

    Her notes explain that Angelica is an excellent fortifiant... As early as the middle ages, angelica was given to weaker children to suck on and give them strength.

    Did you know that in the 14th century, angelica was grown in Monastery gardens to prevent the plague (la peste), but these days it's also known to help cure respiratory problems and digestive troubles? I love these previous images of Denise in full action.

    Denise Acabo Paris A l'Etoile d'Or

    Madame Acabo shows us the same healthy angelica beckoning underneath a thin coating of delicious chocolate. We guess she's taking this on a regular basis, with such energy, enthusiasm and character.

    Meanwhile, back on the golden stars, my mind and eyes wander to Meryll Streep's favourite Perles de Lorraine (caramel with mirabelle plum liqueur), hoping to bump into her for a rendition of Abba in flares and avoid questions like what it was like to film with Clint Eastwood - or does she wear Prada?

    Ensure you give yourself time to visit A l'Etoile d'Or, as anything under 20 minutes is just not realistic if you want to discover the stories behind the chocolates and candy - not to mention have the urge to buy most of the shop's contents!

    Denise Acabo oozes such contagiously cheerful chocolate-induced endorphins that you'll most likely leave elated and be planning your next trip for a taste of more. Moreover, the good news is her back is so much better.

    packages of chocolate treats

    Madame Acabo didn't see what we bought in her shop, so she'll be happy to see that we did get many of her favourites, which will no doubt be appreciated in Japan. Here's to Denise and her contagious enthusiasm for all things chocolate and candy!

    À l'Etoile d'Or is now sadly closed. However, for the best artisanal French traditional candies, see the best Candy Shops in Paris.

    Denise Acabo with Jill Colonna Paris

    This post was first published 12 October 2018 but is now updated with her latest news and additional new images. Even in September 2022 with the shop closed, I'm keeping this post as Denise Acabo has been such a legend to promote the best artisanal French chocolate.

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    Jill Colonna standing in a French patisserie lab holding a giant whisk over an oversized mixer bowl

    Meet Jill Colonna

    Jill is both Scottish and French and author of the book and blog, Mad About Macarons since 2010. Here she shares over 30 years of experience of living the healthy food life with her French family in Paris - via easy recipes and local food guides in France.

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    1. Rosanne

      April 06, 2022 at 1:54 am

      Did Denise survive the lockdowns? I have not seen any recent comments. I sent my son and French daughter-in-law to her shop 6 years ago. They loved visiting with her and buying the wonderful chocolates she recommended.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        April 09, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        Hi Rosanne,
        Yes, thank heavens Denise is still going strong at her boutique and I've even talked to her today - she has a sore back and at 86, she is absolutely incredible! Please do pop in to her shop. She always loves to see enthusiastic customers who love good chocolate. I'll update this post to share her news.

        Reply
    2. Kim

      January 30, 2021 at 5:57 am

      Jill I am truly enjoying reading your blogs. You are a gifted writer. I am taking notes and planning our visit in July. I am looking forward to meeting Madame Acabo! And tasting those innocent looking chocolate raisins! We will be staying in Montmartre and after reading so many of your posts, I really wish you will still doing tours. I am sure we will muddle through somehow ?

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        January 30, 2021 at 2:33 pm

        Thank you for your most encouraging words, Kim. I'm so happy that you will be staying in Montmartre. I guess you've seen my other article, designed especially for you, then? It's a self-guided chocolate and pastry tour of Montmartre.

        Reply
    3. Doreen Vigilante

      September 18, 2019 at 3:08 am

      Great read and great store. I met Denise a few years ago at her shop. She is a delight! Do you remember seeing any French Glace Fruit in her shop? Thanks

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        September 18, 2019 at 11:15 am

        Isn't she quite a character? You know, I can't remember seeing any - but thanks for the excuse to return soon for another dose of Denise and her exquisite choices, Doreen!

        Reply
    4. Dorothy

      April 14, 2019 at 10:02 pm

      je t'aime Denise! can't wait to visit her again next month!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        April 15, 2019 at 2:31 pm

        Isn't she amazing? Glad you're seeing her again soon.

        Reply
    5. Christina Conte

      October 26, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      I'd love to visit Denise, but unless she speaks English, there will be a lot of charades! What a lovely shop and even lovelier owner! Who wouldn't want to be be like she is at her age! Amazing!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 26, 2018 at 4:51 pm

        I'm sure she speaks some English. In any case, chocolate - like wine - is understood in any language, right?

        Reply
    6. mimi rippee

      October 14, 2018 at 9:34 pm

      What a delightful post! Madame Acabo is a riot! Pigtails and all!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 18, 2018 at 10:51 pm

        Thanks so much, Mimi. Glad you enjoyed the read.

        Reply
    7. Kristen

      October 14, 2018 at 6:12 am

      Thanks so much for writing this delightful article. I can’t wait to experience it for myself after learning more French. Thanks again for the well written article and the fun instagram shots.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 14, 2018 at 8:13 am

        It's a real pleasure, Kristen and thanks for your kind words - great news on your French!

        Reply
    8. Betty

      October 13, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      What a great post, Jill! I remember reading about her from reading David Lebovitz's blog. So glad she was able to recover and re-open her business after that frightening gas explosion. I'm fascinated by all of the varieties of sweets she has here in her shop (I knew about candied violets, but not about candied rose petals!!), but I also appreciate that you explained the origin of the paper that she uses to wrap up the boxes. I had always wondered about it! Once again, your research has been fun for you, but informative for us as well!!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 13, 2018 at 10:19 pm

        It's such a pleasure, Betty. I want to share such incredible experiences here and as you can't join us, then this is the next best thing.

        Reply
    9. Olivia

      October 12, 2018 at 10:33 pm

      Ahhhhh I must visit here next time I go to France...it sounds deliciously charming and just the place i would enjoy:)

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 13, 2018 at 11:15 am

        It's the kind of place where memories are made, Olivia. You'd love it.

        Reply
    10. ZeFrenchy

      October 12, 2018 at 10:10 pm

      Amazing article.
      THANK YOU for sharing all of this so generously with all your readers - I'm sure so many people miss a lot of what she says in French so it's appreciated when you go into more detail. So interesting to read about the devinettes she uses. I can't believe I still haven't gone there!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        October 13, 2018 at 11:27 am

        It's a real pleasure. I actually wish I could have gone into more detail but to be perfectly honest, she told us so many things that I thought was better to keep to ourselves and not publish. She was so funny and frank that it would sound disrespectful, when it's the opposite! What a character and a half.

        Reply

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