Hof der dingen - Chocolate-sniffing device: how snorting chocolate became popular

How will Dominique Persoone be remembered? Perhaps as the man who taught his people how to eat chocolate. 

Like many ambitious chefs from West Flanders, this Bruges native was trained at the prestigious culinary school Ter Groene Poorte. Through his collaborations with chocolatiers like Pierre Hermé and Pascal Brunstein he developed a passion for chocolate. 

Dominique has never been one to play it safe. He loves experimenting with unexpected and bold flavours, which he proudly showcases at his chocolate boutique The Chocolate Line that he founded with his wife Fabienne De Staerke in Bruges. Visiting this boutique provides a unique experience that will delight all your senses. You’ll find world class Belgian chocolate and pralines with unexpected flavour pairings – cauliflower, basil, black olives – that redefine what chocolate can be. His fearless creativity even earned him a mention in the Michelin Guide. 

But Dominique Persoone is more than a chocolatier. 

He's a TV personality, an entrepreneur, and a man with a mission. He runs his own cacao plantation and launched a social employment project in Virunga National Park (Congo), contributing to both environmental and community sustainability. His son Julius is gradually stepping into the spotlight as well – often seen alongside his father creating chocolate masterpieces and recently opening his own dessert bar in the heart of Bruges. 

And then, of course, there’s the rock 'n roll. With his edgy style and rebellious spirit, it’s no surprise that The Rolling Stones requested him to create something “exceptional” for Ron Wood’s birthday party. They asked – and Persoone delivered. 

The result? The now-infamous Chocolate Shooter—inspired by a device once used to snort tobacco snuff. Persoone’s version delivers a hit of Dominican Republic or Peruvian cocoa powder mixed with mint and either a hint of ginger or raspberry…. straight up the nose. Because why not?