Jacques Torres Reveals New Ice Cream Flavors And Chocolate Factory

Jacques Torres knows what makes us melt: ice cream. Just in time for the summer, the pastry chef, known as "Mr. Chocolate," introduced some new ice cream flavors at his 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social with Driscoll's Berries.

At his eponymous Hudson Street chocolate store, chef Torres gave us a taste of his six new ice cream flavors: mint chocolate chip, strawberry shortcake, toasted coconut, "Wicked" (chocolate with ancho and chipotle chilies), salted caramel, and jasmine honey pecan. Torres believes in creating classic flavors and using fresh ingredients. "This is what I call 'back to the basics' and real," he said.

His favorite flavor is the mint chocolate chip, he told The Daily Meal. Those who try the flavor would not be surprised as to why. Ken Goto, Jacques Torres' business partner, told us that they make the ice cream by steeping fresh mint leaves. The natural essence of the mint and the house-made chocolate chunks will win over those who aren't fans of this flavor.

Another flavor worth trying is the strawberry shortcake, which is Torres' second favorite. It is made with Driscoll's strawberries and is perfect for June 14th's National Strawberry Shortcake Day. The fragrant jasmine honey pecan was also a popular choice amongst guests.

In addition to the ice cream, Mr. Chocolate displayed the floor plan for his new manufacturing facility in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Located on the sixth floor of The Brooklyn Army Terminal, the factory will be the central production site for the Jacques Torres Chocolate stores in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and SoHo. Construction started in May and the facility is expected to open in late fall. Chocolate-lovers can soon attend public tours of this chocolate factory.

Meanwhile, we can cool down with Jacques Torres' new ice creams as we wait in anticipation for that chocolate factory tour.