Chocolat Céleste in St. Paul, MN

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Telephone:	+1 651-644-3823
Website:	chocolatceleste.com
Address:	652 Transfer Rd Ste 16A, St. Paul, MN, 55114 Midway
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	370 ftTransfer Rd 960 ftVandalia St 0.3 miPrior Av
Categories:	Chocolatiers & Shops

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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Parking	Private Lot

Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
Take-out	No

Today

Today	10:00 am – 5:30 pm Closed now
Local time (St. Paul)	18:29 Friday, 29 November 2024

Business hours

Monday	10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday	10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday	10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday	10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday	10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday	10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

Chocolat Céleste creates chocolate delicacies for the connoisseur. Our award-winning truffles and gifts are based on devotion to artistic presentation and flavor perfection.

Every day, our chocolatiers craft each piece using the finest ingredients. We use premium European chocolate made from «first cut» cacao beans from around the world. And we continually search for rare and emerging cacao estates from which we can source. To this foundation, we introduce the best ingredients: fresh artisanal cream and butter from Minnesota Dairy Farms; and the marketplace’s finest liqueurs, nuts, fruits and spices.

The secret to our success is allowing the natural flavor notes to take center stage. We never use preservatives.

History

Established in 2002.

Deeply curious about chocolate and a life-long connoisseur, in 2002 Mary Leonard heeded the words of her childhood hero Julia Child: «Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.» That she did.

During her journey into the world of cacao delicacies, Mary apprenticed with Master Chocolatier Tom Cinnamon in Vancouver. She also trained in chocolate technology with Terry Richardson, patent holder for Godiva Chocolate.

A combination of natural talent for cooking, world-class training and a master’s degree in food science and business from the University of Minnesota provided the foundation for a culinary venture close to her heart.

In 2002 Mary opened Chocolat Céleste, a small but ever-expanding chocolate boutique and factory in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Meet the Business Owner

Mary L.

Business Owner

Energetic. Expressive. Charming. Mary frequently informs and entertains audiences and business groups with her private tasting events.

«Sharing the finer things in life with friends and colleagues has always been a joyful and deeply memorable experience for me. I get to see eyes light up and a smiles brighten as customers sample and discover unique chocolate notes and nuances. For me the world of fine food is about discovery,» says Mary.

Thankfully, there’s much territory to explore.

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21 reviews of Chocolat Céleste

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Chum S.

Place rating: 5
Saint Paul, MN

I have had Chocolat Celeste’s chocolates several times at events and also at the store. They are extremely high quality and ultra high end. If you are a foodie, you will be able to taste the quality. But you are just looking for some average joe quality with matching prices, this is not the place for you.
The owner Mary was at the store when I was there and is very passionate about her product which I love.

Becca S.

Place rating: 1
Saint Paul, MN

Unfortunate service from what looked like a fantastic local company.
We’ve read many good things about this place and were excited that a little company right in our backyard was making such great waves in the Twin Cities. So we were glad to pay a premium to support what appeared to be a gem.
But we were shocked at the type of service we received after placing our order. It was promised to be shipped by a specific date. When the $ 200 worth of chocolates never arrived, we called. And called. And left voicemail messages. And got people on the phone who promised to call us back and never did.
Exhausted, we finally requested our money back. They were glad to respond to that call and tell us they would be happy to refund our money.
No apology at all.
Two weeks later, still no refund, still no word, and no regard for the overdraft charges I had to incur because of their lethargic sense of urgency and lack of commitment to any sort of customer care. And so we emailed. Nothing. Sent a letter in the mail.
It’s now been 26 days. We finally received a check in the mail. Today. For the original amount. No overdraft reimbursement.
No apology. Not even a note enclosed.
Perhaps now that her chocolates have been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, our Merriam Park Christmas presents just don’t matter as much as Meryl Streep’s.
Needless to say, we haven’t been invited back. And we won’t be asking for another chance.

Elena R.

Place rating: 1
Inver Grove Heights, MN

I had heard good things about this place and was looking to buy some high end chocolates for several people on my Christmas list. I was prepared for the high prices, as I thought it would be worth it. I was prepared to spend a lot there.
However, the owner and the helper in the front seemed very hurried. I was looking for some suggestions and guidance. While some initial questions were answered, the owner increasingly looked impatient to be done with our interaction. She did not seem interested in continuing to help, saying she was busy, and needed to attend to other things. She tried to hand me off to the helper, but then proceeded to stay and instruct her helper in an impatient way on how to use the cash register. The helper seemed to have no clue how to do it.
Ultimately I spent probably $ 100 less than I was planning on spending and ended up feeling badly about spending anything in a place that did not seem to value my business. The chocolate was good, but the whole experience left me feeling cold. I won’t be back.

Jessica B.

Place rating: 2
Columbia Heights, MN

I was on my way to school and saw a big sign for this place and I had some extra time so I decided to check it out. If the large billboard didn’t direct you to this place, you’d never know it existed. it’s back in this weird strip of small businesses or offices or something. Odd place for a random chocolate store! Cute little store but it has a funky smell almost like chemicals. not much to look at, they just had a display of different truffles which were outrageously priced (which I’m willing to pay for good chocolate) and then a few other chocolate things you can purchase. I wondered around for a bit and someone eventually came up front and said hello. I decided on a cashew/caramel/chocolate cluster thing that was around 6 dollars and it wasn’t anything special. The chocolate tastes average and the caramel was plain and didn’t have much flavor to it. Yes, the products look pretty but I don’t think I’ll return.

Kari W.

Place rating: 4
Saint Paul, MN

These chocolates are amazingly delicious… and beautiful… and expensive.
If you’re looking to impress someone with a beautiful box of artisan chocolates, this is the place to go. I recently picked up a box for a client gift and she loved them. There were many flavors to choose from and Mary helped us put a gorgeous assortment together.
A year or two ago I contracted Mary to create little gift boxes for a different client event –she did an excellent job making custom designs for our event. She delivered them to me without hassle and they were a huge hit at my event.
There are only two [slight] negatives I can share about this place. First, it’s expensive. Plan on spending $ 39 for 12 pieces, $ 18 for 6. They do not accept AmEx, so keep that in mind. Second, it’s really hard to find. It’s tucked back off University Avenue in St. Paul in the industrial area. Not where you would expect to find such a classy little shop. They belong on 50^th and France or on Grand Avenue… not Territorial Road.

Paula S.

Place rating: 2
Saint Paul, MN

I’ve been here three times now and don’t expect to go back.
The first visit was a quick trip to check out the place and buy a couple of truffles. They were tasty but not stand-out from other high end chocolatiers.
On the second visit I spent just over $ 60 on chocolate; I was very happy to find a place with Pralus, my favorite chocolate bar brand. When I reached for my credit card, I was asked to use cash instead. As I dug around for enough cash and asked my friend to loan me the rest, I had to listen to the woman’s complaint that Visa makes more on this business than anyone else.
Finally on my third visit (only because my mom really wanted to go), nobody was in the front of the store. We browsed a bit, tried to get someone’s attention, and eventually gave up and left without any chocolate.

Lisa E.

Place rating: 3
Saint Paul, MN

To start off, the location is a little bit tricky to notice; thankfully there is a large sign to guide your way. The chocolates were beautiful, but very pricey; $ 18.00 for 6 left me feeling a bit anxious.
The flavor of each was nice enough, the texture sublime and the aesthetic most pleasing, but for a few of the pieces, the depth of flavor was just not a bang for the buck.
Rather than just reading from the description cards, I wish that the sales person who helped us knew a bit more about each type and could have made recommendations based on what we were asking; we were left floundering a bit.

Patty M.

Place rating: 5
Richfield, MN

Deeeelicous and Mary couldn’t be nicer!
I had heard about this place before but it was such a hike to get there that I never went. I saw the truffle making class advertised, and it was too good to pass up, so I dragged my hubby along and away we went.
It wasn’t just a typical decorating class. Mary showed us from start to finish how to make different kinds of truffles, how to use the machines, how to stencil the truffles, and way more. It was seriously hands on, and far more in depth than I though we’d get. Not to mention we walked away with a ton of professional grade truffles. Score! I will definitely be back again now that I know how wonderful this place is!

Mark M.

Place rating: 3
St Paul, MN

Well… meh. First of all, what a strange location for a high-quality chocolate shop. I do have to say, the chocolates are beautiful… if I really wanted to impress someone with a corporate or hostess gift this would be a top choice. Everything was good and high-quality, but I don’t feel like it’s a good value for the price for someone just wanting a little treat for themselves. For the price of one bon-bon here I can get six from Candyland. Is the quality and presentation better here? Absolutely. Six times better? No way.

Chris P.

Place rating: 4
Minneapolis, MN

Handmade chocolate! I’ve missed their tours but got the State Fair special – bacon bon bons with sea salt. I’ve gotten Xmas presents here too (and, of course, something for me).
Came back in September for a tour and tasting. Magnificent! The stories were great and it was divine tasting the different types of chocolates from all over the world.

Chris Z.

Place rating: 3
Eau Claire, WI

Good but not great. The fillings are too thick and sometimes gritty. The chocolate isn’t anything special. They look nice and are acceptable but very overpriced for what you get. In particular, this is the first time I have had salted chocolate I didn’t like. The salt was mixed in which gave an unpleasant flavor. I thought it was supposed to be a caramel but it tasted like melted store bought chocolate chips, cream and salt. A few flavors were ok but that is it.

Russ H.

Place rating: 5
Andover, MN

Wonderful chocolatier with hand made and hand wrapped chocolates. Good value and great customer service. I will definitely be back.

Annie M.

Place rating: 2
St Paul, MN

There are much better chocolate places in St. Paul, and definitely places where the folks who work there are nicer. Twice now I’ve experienced very poor customer service.

Anne C.

Place rating: 5
Minneapolis, MN

Came here for a Groupon and loved it! The store is in a semi business park location but once you walk in, the shop is so cute and clean. Very friendly, explained each of the chocolates and took the time to get to know me. Love it!

Dan R.

Place rating: 5
Saint Paul, MN

Chocolate Celeste makes the most delectable truffles I’ve ever had! I’m a chocolate lover through and through and they never miss the mark! Their treats are worth splurging on!
Their new location is tricky to find at first, but offers better parking. Mary Leonard, the owner, will be featured on MSNBC June 5… tune in!

L L.

Place rating: 5
Taylors Falls, MN

Scrumptious, decadent, sexy, delicious… and the list goes on. These chocolates are fantastic. You will NEVER confuse them with candy. Each chocolate is made by hand one piece at a time. You can’t get better than that. Valentines is around the corner… may be we should all indulge :)

Melissa C.

Place rating: 4
St Paul, MN

Mmm… chocolate.
If you’re going to spend money on chocolate, don’t get the cheap waxy stuff. Get this stuff.
I mean come on, you’re worth more than generic chocolate – and you’re already spending the money and calories. Go good or go home.
Chocolat Celeste makes their chocolates large and super-rich. You might even be able to save a truffle for two servings. I mean, I doubt it, but there’s certainly enough there for the iron-willed to do just that.
Definitely worth the splurge in price and in diet. :)

Kim R.

Place rating: 4
Saint Paul, MN

Stopped by Chocolat Celeste last night for their open house at their new location. My husband is a chocoholic and he introduced me to truffles. He had been going to Chocolat Celeste for years and is a big fan of their Celestial Sweetie truffle.
While I don’t consider myself a true chocolate lover, I can still appreciate the truffles at Chocolat Celeste. Each truffle is homemade and always perfectly rich and creamy. I love trying new flavors to discover which ones I like best.
At the open house last night, there was wine from Alexis Bailey vineyard as well as delcious turtles and flourless chocolate whiskey cake from Chocolat Celeste.
As long as they are open, I know we will keep coming back to fill my husband’s chocolate craving.

Sarah p.

Place rating: 5
Washington, DC

I wish I’d read earlier that Amy Z sometimes lunches at Chocolat Celeste, because I have invited her along for my chocolately lunch today.
I popped in today at noon, and before I knew it, I’d indulged in their signature truffle, the Sweetie, which was filled with sweet Frangelico indulgence. It felt and tasted sinful. Silky lusciousness.
Shouldn’t I have had a more balanced meal, like a soup and salad? Wouldn’t I feel better about myself if I’d consumed some vitamins instead? Screw that… it’s cold and grey outside and I needed a pick me up. Besides, doesn’t chocolate have antioxidants?

Becky S.

Place rating: 5
Saint Paul, MN

I’ve given their chocolates for gifts more often than for a treat for myself, but if there is better chocolate out there, I don’t know where it is.
Beautiful truffles.
Local, small company, female owned.
Keep up the great work.

Jennifer W.

Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA

MMMM! This is the RIGHT box of chocolates to give your significant other! The inside was creamy and full of flavor. Caution– they do need to be refrigerated. Take my word for it, they will go moldy and you won’t know until you take a bite…

Chocolat Céleste

St. Paul, United States

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21 reviews of Chocolat Céleste