Jacques Torres was born on June 14, 1959, in Algiers, Algeria. He spent his early years in the picturesque fishing village of Bandol in Southern France. Growing up in a small coastal town, Torres was surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea, which would later inspire his culinary creations.
At the age of 15, Torres began his culinary journey by apprenticing at a local pastry shop. It was here that he discovered his love for all things sweet and his natural talent for crafting delicious desserts. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for perfection, Torres quickly rose through the ranks and honed his skills as a pastry chef.
Throughout his career, Torres has received numerous industry honors, including the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Pastry Chef of the Year. He is also known for being the youngest person to ever win the Meilleur Ouvrier Patissier de France competition, a prestigious title in the world of pastry.
In 2000, Torres founded the Jacques Torres Chocolate shop, where he showcased his innovative chocolate creations to a growing audience of admirers. His unique blend of traditional French techniques and modern flavors quickly gained him a reputation as one of the top chocolatiers in the world.
Not content with just running his own shop, Torres also ventured into the world of television, hosting the popular Food Network show, Chocolate with Jacques Torres. His engaging personality and expert knowledge of all things chocolate endeared him to viewers around the world.
In 2007, Torres married chocolatier Hasty Khoei, with whom he shares a passion for creating delicious sweets. Together, they welcomed their son Pierre in August 2016, passing down the family tradition of culinary excellence to the next generation.
In 2010, Torres had the honor of preparing a $30,000-per-couple dinner for a fundraiser hosted by President Barack Obama. His exquisite chocolate creations wowed guests and showcased his talent on a national stage.
As Jacques Torres continues to push the boundaries of chocolate and pastry-making, his legacy as a master chocolatier and pastry chef only continues to grow. With a keen eye for detail, a passion for perfection, and a love for all things sweet, Torres is truly a one-of-a-kind talent in the culinary world.