Chef Lisa Arielle Allen is an American in Paris, fully trained as a Pastry Chef by the esteemed Ferrandi école de gastronomie, with additional training in many highly respected kitchens and schools. She has also been judging for the Academy of Chocolate since 2019, acting as a Grand Juror since 2023, and is proud to have obtained her Level 2 certification as an official Chocolate Taster from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting in 2024.
Lisa runs Tarts & Truffles as a small culinary consulting business in Paris, offering a variety of private, bespoke, and public tours and hands-on workshops in Paris. She also managed the Edwart Chocolate Atelier from 2018-2023, and delights in sharing her passion for chocolate with everyone who comes through the door- including you!
Prior to making Paris her home, Lisa was born in the United States but was always compelled to travel. Her original training was an as Arts Educator, with a BA from Tufts University near Boston, and an MFA in Photography and Arts Education from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She holds a permanent certification from New York State as an Arts Specialist for grades K-12.
After working in the city, she began her career as an International School teacher in 2005, which took her to five different countries! While teaching full time, she also catered small events, took private orders, and enjoyed making surrounding lives sweeter whenever possible.
This previous career in education - and the arts! - gives her a unique breadth of experience, ease and perspective when it comes to connecting with travelers and clients of all ages and backgrounds when they land on her tours or in her kitchen.
Classes and tours are available in English,French and Spanish, though translators for other languages can be organized upon request.
Lisa has also been offering a select clientele bespoke hand-made sweet treats and custom catering since 2017, by individual order only. Orders can always be picked up from the home kitchen studio in Paris 12, or delivered within Paris for an additional fee.
Looking for more?
Check my Resources page for a growing list of extra information, recipe links, insider addresses in Paris, and other helpful tips. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or help with other aspects of your Paris experience; there is someone in my close network of top providers to grant any wish!
Please note that this website is still in development! Thank you in advance for your patience as it gets refined and filled out.
“I have now ordered 2 beautiful cakes from Lisa for 2 different birthdays...my son and my husband but both delicious! Lisa is very professional and answers all your cake needs quickly. I recommend her and her cakes highly! Thanks again Lisa!”
“I have had the pleasure of taking a tart class with Lisa. This was something special my boyfriend and I got to experience together on our vacation. She truly made it unique to our interests and found ways for both of us to actively be involved. She didn’t just show us how it’s done, but she taught us. Lisa made the whole process comfortable, and went above and beyond to show us her tricks of the trade. It was by far our favorite memory during our vacation. Lisa is one of kind. Her services are something I would come back to over and over again, and would recommend or gift to any family member. Thank you Lisa hope to see you again soon!”
“For the birthday of our little Girl we were lucky to have been introduced to Lisa through Facebook. Although a short notice, she managed to make an excellent cake for us. She is very professional, helpful and really knows what she is doing. Highly recommended!”
“Thank you so much Lisa! The cake was really incredible, truly the best cake experience in Paris in the past 9 years. My wife was extremely happy that she was finally able to enjoy a cake from you!
So clean and well done, it’s just perfect.”