Choc-O-Pain Brings Taste of France to the Garden State

In every region of France, neighborhoods take their boulangeries, patisseries, and cafes very seriously. These meeting spots offer a warm convivial atmosphere, delicious coffee, fresh homemade breads, pastries, and light fare to locals and tourists alike.

Choc-O-Pain French Bakery and Café has brought this warm & welcoming rustic French café experience, first to a quiet tree-lined street in Hoboken, then to downtown Jersey City. Without outdoor seating, an eclectic assortment of comfortable couches and chairs, and a small play area for children, Choc-O-Pain offers an environment that works for the entire neighborhood.

Born and raised in France, when Clemence Danko arrived with her husband in Hoboken, NJ, she hard-pressed to find a fresh croissant or good baguette west of the Hudson River. Ms. Danko made the decision to leave her pharmaceutical background behind, but not her passion for French food and culture. Three years later, in January 2012, after spending a year of intense study at some of New York City’s most renowned culinary schools, she opened Choc-O-Pain a French Bakery and Café in Hoboken, New Jersey. A year later, in March 2013, Ms. Danko opened a second location in Jersey City.

Choc-O-Pain bakes all of their breads in the traditional European way, using only four basic ingredients: flour, water, leaven, a a bit of salt. The breads are all sourdough based and require a long, slow fermentation process. It’s this slow process, which takes about 12 to 24 hours, that develops the textures and flavors of each bread, creating just the right tang of sourdough, and the perfect ratio of crumb-to-crust.

On the sweet side, Choc-O-Pain’s boulangerie offers freshly-baked Viennoiseries (classic French breakfast pastries), tartes, macarons, and other desserts such as bread pudding financiers and flourless chocolate heaven cake.

The café menu offers a savory selection of classics, plus their own French-inspired interpretations. Committed to using seasonal and locally-grown ingredients as much as possible, the menu includes a traditional Croque-Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, salads, and ready-made sandwiches.

Choc-O-Pain is located at 157 First Street in Hoboken and 530 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; and 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

Bon Appétit!

TAD