Recchiuti / Valrhona Collaborative Valentine’s Statue
Over the course of three days in January 2026, Michael Recchiuti and Mario Bacherini constructed a statue for display in our Ferry Building location - entirely out of chocolate.
Michael Recchiuti and Valrhona chef Mario Barcherini undertook the process of constructing a two and a half foot tall chocolate statue for display at our Ferry Building location. Initially started as a sketch by Mario, the structure took shape in pieces; chocolate arches, rolls of dough, and hand folded designs of flower and leaf. Each segment was shaped individually at our kitchen in the Dogpatch, before being transferred to our store at the Ferry Building for installation.
For the larger pedestal, consisting of two circular chocolate disks and a stand, the pieces were placed on heated pads, to keep their shape and fuse their connection to each other. Each component had to go through a few layers of spray with the various colors of coating (the same process we use on our Rose Caramel pieces). Each layer offered a new texture, allowing for a thick sedimentary effect. The two centerpiece lover figures were formed in a gelatin mold, small characters in an embrace serving quite literally as the heart of the piece, appropriately branded with a Ginger Heart truffle.
This piece will remain on display in store through Valentine's Day, an embodiment of a collaboration that is now 25+ years strong. The Valrhona blends inform every aspect of the Recchiuti experience, and we welcome any chance to host our French friends. The process was documented from start to finish and is available to watch at the link below.