Shannon Hughes Grochowski trekked out west from the Deep South at the age of 19. After graduating from Montana State University. She could never quite shake what she calls her “Julia Child” impulse. So, she did what Julia did andbegan spending most of her spare time in the kitchen. Later, a trip to France confirmed that culinary impulse. It was the patisseries and chocolateries that captured her heart– not necessarily la Tour Eiffel.
Shannon trains extensively in Paris kitchens every summer with renowned Pastry Chefs, such as Gérard Taurin a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Pierre Prevost, Sébastien Gaudard and many more.

Wlady Grochowski began his culinary experimentations in Paris as a young child. He was constantly asking his Maman to lick the bowl -especially if it contained chocolate. His Grand-Mère from the Vosges region of France also influenced him. She made a Chocolate Marquise dessert and a to "die for" flourless chocolate cake. When Wlady turned 10, he receive his first Livre de Cuisine. This cook book was quite advanced, but it didn't prevent him from experimentations! Wlady studied management at the Sorbonne, and attempted a career in auto racing. Upon moving to the United States in 1993 in his late twenties, Wlady started selling french traditional cakes through word of mouth. His early frustrations in finding good chocolate led him to a quest to contact professional sources for French chocolates, and other great European chocolates. His insatiable passion for great chocolate is forever a pursuit.

La Chatelaine has been featured in Food & Wine, Victoria, Big Sky Journal and numerous other publications.
La Châtelaine Chocolat was recently named 2013 Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in the USA, and has won several awards in San Francisco and Seattle. La Châtelaine’s two Bozeman-based chocolateries are located at 110 South Rouse Ave., and in the Lobby of The Baxter downtown