True Character

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.