Annie Lennox enjoys some tasty "Sweet Dreams"

This Jin’s a Tonic

Oscar-winner Annie Lennox recently took “tea” – Venice, Calif. style, at Jin, a Zen-inspired, oasis of an outdoor tea garden. Lennox, who wore navy blue pants, a red floral top under a cardigan, ordered a scone set and an iced cappuccino.

Jin received a ‘Best of LA 2004’ award from Los Angeles Magazine. Jin Patisserie is also an E-luxury cyber destination. International award-winning chef, co-owner, and chocolatière Kristy Choo makes made-to-order chocolates and pastries.

“Jin is unique because its chocolates are artisanal, which means hand-crafted, and its ingredients are exceptionally fresh and unique,” explains Choo, who co-owns Jin Patisserie with her husband Kim Oh. Quality chocolate from around the world is infused with various teas, spices, and herbs, hand-selected by the chef who often travels to different countries in search of new ingredients. “Americans may not yet be accustomed to these flavors, but they immediately fall in love with their savory tastes!” she exclaims.

The chocolatière explains her chocolate making process, “Instead of machine dipping, I hand-dip and hand-paint each batch of chocolates, which takes on average 3-4 days to create from start to finish. There are very few luxury chocolate companies that offer chocolates not made by machines.”

Choo fell in love with pastry-making while studying at the San Francisco California Culinary Academy. Later, Choo taught herself chocolate making under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef Kenny Kong of Singapore’s Swissôtel, who invited her to become the official chocolatière for Singapore’s national team in the prestigious “Food & Hotel Asia” competition in 2002, during which she won the competitive “Petit Four” category, defeating formidable opponents from around the world.

Online shoppers can choose from twenty-two flavors of Jin Patisserie chocolate which come pre-set and packaged in several types of custom boxes. Some of the flavors include Earl Grey Feuilletine, Lychee, and Lavender. Pictures of each exquisitely designed chocolate along with a complete description are available online. The prices are: Wood box 5 pieces, $18.50; Paper boxes, 6 pieces $15.00, 9 pieces $20.50, 12 pieces $25.00; Silk boxes, 9 pieces $32.00, 15 pieces $42.00, and 20 pieces $55.00. Other delicacies available on the website include: various types of Cookies for $6.75 a bag (net weight 5.3 oz.); and Pound Cake for $13.75 (net weight 10 oz.). Typical turnaround for an online order takes three business days. Shipping & handling fees depend on the weight of the package and delivery location.

Jin Patisserie's pastry boutique and tea garden is in Venice, California. Services not available online include customization, corporate gifts, cakes, tarts, and teas. For more information regarding the new E-shop website or the Jin Patisserie Boutique and Tea Garden, visit www.jinpatisserie.com.

Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291-3366
(310) 399-8801