Sebastian Brecht: Obsessive Chocolate Disorder

Art & Culture

Creative and Quirky Artisan Chocolate by a Celebrated NYC Pastry Chef

Obsessive Chocolate Disorder Sebastian Brecht

About Sebastian Brecht: Obsessive Chocolate Disorder

 & why it made the Carpe City list

  • Obsessive Chocolate Disorder is more than a chocolate shop; it’s an experience. Just ask the owner, Sebastian Brecht, who provides a mini-tasting for any interested customer.
  • This innovative gem of a chocolate shop creates some unique chocolate combinations: Rose Tea and Pistachio, Mango Passion Jelly with Vanilla, and Bergamot Purée with butter and cream.
  • Don’t fret though, they also have amazing basics like dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt.  Delish!
  • Each chocolate is handcrafted by the adventurous Sebastian Brecht himself, so the selection changes often.
  • Some favorites during our recent tasting: Balsamic Burst, Banana Forever, and Caramel Pecan Bon Bons … and the Area 51 … and Brechtfast Bar …and….
  • Just like a good parent, Sebastian Brecht does not have any “favorite” pieces because each chocolate is special for its own unique reason!

Carpe City Trivia

Sebastian Brecht: The Willy Wonka of the East Village

Sebastian Brecht was born in Paris then moved to New York City at two years old for his parents’ theater professions. His father, Stefan Brecht, was a poet and theater critic; his mother, Mary Brecht, was a costume designer. Even Sebastian’s grandparents had successful theater careers: his grandfather was the famous German playwright Bertolt Brecht married to popular German actress Helene Weigel. Sebastian seemed to be destined for the theater considering his family background. However, Sebastian returned to his French roots and found fame through a different type of art — pastries. After attending the French Culinary Institute, he made a name for himself by working throughout New York at some top restaurants, such as The Waverly Inn, La Reserve, and Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery. Sebastian designed cakes at Dean and DeLuca. He developed quite a reputation for his works of delicious art — so much so that he opened his very open chocolate shop in the East Village, Obsessive Chocolate Disorder. Ironically, his shop sits on a street famous for its avant-garde theater!  (See La Mamaand the Fourth Arts Block.) Sebastian can attest to his own obsessive compulsive disorder, yet his shop’s name highlights the light-hearted side to Sebastian as he continues to search for the perfect chocolate recipe.

By: Kelly McDermott

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