Jacques Torres, Sweet Empire, and That Viral “Beaver” Moment

Few people are better suited to a winter baking battlefield than Jacques Torres, especially when the stakes involve sugar, precision, and a very spirited sense of humor. In a recent Q & A, he talks about stepping into the role of judge on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars, bringing a lifetime of experience to every critique while still cheering on the next generation of pastry talent. He’s there to observe, guide, and hold the bar high, showing that serious standards and genuine kindness can absolutely share the same plate.

Recently, one judging moment on the show had the internet in stitches: while evaluating a beaver‑decorated cake, Jacques casually remarked that he’d never “tasted beaver” before. The innocent comment, paired with his completely earnest delivery, instantly went viral across Instagram and TikTok and was widely hailed as one of the funniest moments in baking show history. True to form, Jacques took it all in good humor, later acknowledging it as a “very funny moment” and proving that even in a world of precise technique and high standards, there’s always room for a bit of laughter.

That same spirit of generosity continues off camera. This March, Jacques will be at Salon du Chocolat NYC, teaching, answering questions, and spending time with chocolate lovers, students, and professionals who want to understand not just how chocolate works, but why it still matters so much. He also reflects on how technology and even AI may fit into the future of chocolate, from helping streamline operations to supporting innovation, while making it clear that no algorithm can replace the hands, intuition, and creativity of a chocolatier. If you’re curious about how he balances innovation with artistry and where he believes the chocolate industry is headed, check out the full Q & A with Jacques Torres from Total Food Service in his own words.