Maria Chehab
From tempting individual treats to gorgeous gift boxes and sumptuous hampers, Maison Samadi provides a mouthwatering chocolate and confectionary choice for all occasions
Having spent an indulgent hour in Maison Samadi, the elegant chocolatier in Ravenscourt Park – during which, I confess, generous quantities of the irresistible products were sampled – I left feeling envious of those pupils who pass by en route to and from school.
‘Since opening in February, we have noticed that more mums and dads are now dropping in with their children to choose a chocolate as a little treat,’ says Maria Chehab, the charming owner. ‘That’s just lovely. Since launching in the UK four years ago, we’ve focused primarily on the hospitality market – for example, we supply exquisite chocolate and confectionary gifts to luxury hotels such as The Dorchester, The Mandarin Oriental and The Jumeirah Carlton.
‘So, having this boutique in our local area (Maria and her family live in Chiswick) is an exciting new step for us. We’re delighted that Chiswick and Hammersmith residents are already becoming regulars, whether they’re buying just one piece of chocolate, creating a gift box or placing an order for a celebration.’
Maison Samadi builds on a remarkable family heritage. ‘My great grandfather, Muhieddine Samadi, started the Samadi business in 1872 in Beirut,’ Maria tells me. ‘Hassan Samadi, my grandfather, developed it – he took over when he was 15 after his father’s death – and made it synonymous with outstanding quality; and my uncles then expanded the brand across the Middle East and into Europe. I’m so proud to be following in their footsteps.’
Maison Samadi chocolates are handmade using the finest ingredients. ‘They contain no alcohol or animal fat (except cow’s milk),’ says Maria. ‘Each chocolate creation is individually wrapped to preserve the delicate taste and our hand-crafted chocolate gifts are decorated by skilled artisans.’
The actual process of selection is all part of the enjoyment at Maison Samadi. ‘Customers are very welcome to try before buying,’ explains Maria. ‘We love that. They can have a coffee – that’s the best complement to chocolate – and tell us what they prefer and whether they have any allergy issues. Then, we can help them put together the perfect bespoke gift box (different sizes of the signature boxes are available).’
The chocolates are beautifully arranged like precious jewels and, as I can confirm, the choice is remarkable: milk, dark, white and ‘no added sugar’ chocolates, macaroons, calissons, marrons glacés, petit gateaux, nougat, marzipan, malban, stuffed dates, sugar and chocolate-coated almonds, sugar-coated chocolate dragées, fruity chocolate bonbons, even smooth chocolate bars…
With such extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Maria and her friendly team are the experts when it comes to arrangements and hampers for events, parties and special occasions of all kinds. ‘If we’re catering for a wedding, we can create a design with customised decoration and colours that fit the theme,’ she explains. ‘Also, we approach the wrapping in the same tailored way – it could be pastels, bright tones, shimmering gold, whatever the client wants. We believe that exceptional presentation always adds another layer of luxury.’
I had one last question for Maria. I couldn’t help noticing that everyone at Maison Samadi looks enviably slim. Surrounded daily by so much temptation, how? ‘We use pure, natural ingredients with strong flavours, so smaller quantities are really satisfying. Oh, and of course, we work hard and with passion!’
Maison Samadi
301 King Street, W6 9NH
+447775730133
contact@maisonsamadi.com
https://www.maisonsamadi.com