Rachel Zoe Insler, chocolatier/owner, Bespoke Chocolates, New York City
PastryScoop.com Golden Scoop Award Winner 2008 for Best Confection

My hometown is… Rockville Centre, New York…but I usually say Long Island when people ask.

I get inspired by… Culinarily speaking I am most inspired by foreign travel, but more regularly I enjoy scoping out the dessert menus of New York City’s amazing restaurants: high-end and low-key. Otherwise, I am most inspired by my wonderful friends and family.

My favorite truffle on my menu right now is… The Southampton Tea Truffle. [Caribbean chocolate blended with apricot-spiked Ceylon black tea]

My favorite nonfood indulgence is… Naps. I LOVE naps! Well, loved is more accurate. Not many naps involved in opening a new business in New York City. But there is something about being in bed in the afternoon that’s the best feeling.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a… It changed pretty much weekly. I do recall ballerina week, which led my parents to start telling me, “Rachel, you can be anything you want to be, except a ballerina.”

The soundtrack of my life would include… Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Simon & Garfunkel, Al Green, Jay-Z, The Killers, The Cure

I like desserts because… I love feeding people and making them happy with delicious things. It’s so simple and pure.

If I could get away from the kitchen for a month, I’d spend the time… Traveling with my soon-to-be husband, but I’d probably try to get into some great pastry chefs’ kitchens while on the road. I have so much left to learn!

chocolate hazelnut spread

espresso squares (front) and chai spice truffles

Bespoke Chocolates
6 Extra Place
New York, NY 10003
212.260.7103
www.bespokechocolates.com