I am originally from Lorraine in France . . . I came to Ireland to create fine handmade chocolates.
Chocolate is a wonderful product to work with . . .
because it can take an infinite palate of flavourings.
I get my inspiration . . .
the Caha Mountains, lakes and bays that surround me in Bonane.
It's tempting to eat a lot of chocolate when I am surrounded by it every day . . .
but if I did I wouldn't keep my perfect physique!
People don't realise how much of our work is done by hand . . .
it is 100 per cent.
Irish people like their chocolate . . .
they are the third largest consumers in Europe.
It gives me a buzz when . . .
I create a new original chocolate.
The best advice I've ever been given is . . .
eat less, but well.
If I wasn't doing this . . .
I'd be a rock star.
When I'm not working . . .
I love travelling around Ireland, especially in the Beara peninsula.
My favourite restaurants are . . .
any of the many top-class restaurants in Kenmare.
My dream dinner party
guests would be . . .
Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Rosanna Davidson.
And I'd cook them
. . .
ratatouille.
Five things I always have in my larder are
. . .
duck fat, Moroccan spices, a jar of cassoulet, green olives and tomato concentrate.
If I only had a tenner to go
shopping with, I'd buy . . .
bread
and butter.
My ideal day off is spent . . .
enjoying the company of friends.
I really care about . . .
family and friendship.
I'm really good at . . .
escaping the washing up.
I wish I was better at . . .
saving money.
I often imagine myself . . .
sunning myself on the beach, with a pina colada.
My guilty pleasure is . . .
good red wine.
In conversation with Marie-Claire Digby
Benoit Lorge will host chocolate master classes on March 31st in Hotel Meyrick, Galway, as part of Easter Sunday lunch.
Tel: 091-564041 or see
lorge.ie.
