CHELSEA — The chocolatey dream melted away.
Cocoa-lovers were stunned this week to find out that Jacques Torres Chocolate in Chelsea Market was no more. The popular purveyor of sweets closed down after four years, according to a statement on the company's website.
"We thank our customers for their support and hope to sweeten the lives of those in the Chelsea area again in the future," the statement said.
"In the meantime, we welcome you to visit us at any of our four other stores on Hudson Street, the Upper West Side, in Rockefeller Center, and in DUMBO, Brooklyn."
A spokeswoman could not give any more details on the restaurant's closure.
The shop was long a hit among the food stands and specialty retailers of Chelsea Market, offering up high-quality treats like truffles, bon bons, chocolate chip cookies, fudge and artisanal hot chocolate, which is especially popular for wintertime strolls along the High Line.
The spot was a frequent stop on the way home for locals with a sweet tooth.
"They were always so friendly, giving us more samples than they probably should have," said Cindy Weiss, 44, who typically picked up a champagne truffle or two at the store once or twice a week.
Another regular, Barbara Nixon, said the move was "so sad."
Also known as Mr. Chocolate, French-born Jacques Torres opened his first chocolate factory in DUMBO in 2000 and now has several shops around the city selling his chocolaty confections.
Weiss said that she hopes the spot returns to the neighborhood, but said it might be okay to lay off the truffles for a while.
"It will probably be better for my waistline now that they're gone," she said.
