228227 Wed Nov 16 16:57:09 -0800 2005 6 18 Manhattan 0 1212635 Have friends visiting from out of town who want to go to Jacque Torres. Can anyone comment on which location is better to visit: the downtown "Chocolate Haven" or the Brooklyn Factory? Thanks. Wed Nov 16 16:57:09 -0800 2005 0 Almondine 1 1212640 i prefer the DUMBO location. it has a cozy vibe, and you could visit almondine across the street. i don't like the manhattan location. very stark, not very comfortable. i think they both offer the same products, so you won't miss out on that either way. Wed Nov 16 17:23:00 -0800 2005 1212635 0 twiggles 2 1212642 Thanks - I ironically didn't even know about Almondine the bakery until you mentioned it. We'll definately go to Brooklyn. Wed Nov 16 17:34:25 -0800 2005 1212640 0 Almondine 3 1212650 it's a bakery that jacques is a partner in with Herve Poussot. very good pastries, baguettes, etc. note that both places close at 7pm. Wed Nov 16 17:57:13 -0800 2005 1212642 0 twiggles 2 1212794 I would go to the one in Manhattan as Jacques is typically there several days a week. Would be a nice treat for fan of his, no? Thu Nov 17 13:04:23 -0800 2005 1212640 0 Hmmm 1 1213053 The real attraction of the Manhattan branch is that it's a factory, so you can see chocolates being made (and Jacques Torres makes his own chocolate from cocoa beans--most chocolate shops buy a base). Fri Nov 18 15:19:23 -0800 2005 1212635 0 Chorus Girl 1 1213150 Given that JT's chocolates really aren't that great (good, but not GREAT), I would definitely go with DUMBO, which has a nice bit of atmosphere to it and is in a fun location for out-of-towners to visit. Sat Nov 19 09:40:13 -0800 2005 1212635 0 Tim