Jacques Torres

Jacques Torres, affectionately known as "Mr. Chocolate," is a celebrated pastry chef and chocolatier renowned for his exceptional skills in the culinary arts. He serves as the Dean of Pastry Arts at the International Culinary Center, where he has made a significant impact on aspiring chefs. Torres has gained widespread recognition through his appearances on various television programs, including his role as a judge on Season 4 of *Next Great Baker* and as a co-host on the humorous cooking show *Nailed It!* with Nicole Byer.

His culinary journey began in 1980 under the mentorship of two-star Michelin chef Jacques Maximin at the Hotel Negresco, where he also pursued a Master Pastry Chef degree. Torres’ teaching tenure at a culinary school in Cannes from 1983 to 1986 preceded his notable achievement in 1986, when he became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier Pâtissier de France award.

Upon relocating to the United States, he took on the role of Corporate Pastry Chef for the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in 1988 before moving to Le Cirque, where he excelled as Executive Pastry Chef for over a decade. Joining the International Culinary Center in 1993, he designed the Classic Pastry Arts Curriculum in 1996, solidifying his position as Dean.

In 2000, Torres opened his chocolate factory and retail shop in Brooklyn, which has since expanded to eight locations, including an ice cream shop in Grand Central Terminal. In March 2017, he launched Choco-Story New York, the city’s first chocolate museum, located at his flagship store in Manhattan.