A converted post office on the road between Kenmare and Glengarriff is an unlikely spot for a chocolate factory, but it is here that Benoit Lorge works his special brand of chocolatey magic, creating a range of more than 40 different types of treats.
This French Willy Wonka set up his business in 2003 after five years working as a pastry chef at Sheen Falls Lodge hotel. His chocolate creations are infused with different flavours from one season to the next. In summer, Lorge favours fruity, fragrant combinations, while in winter his chocolates lean more towards traditional flavours such as pralines and chocolates infused with spices and liqueurs. Some of the less obvious taste combinations include olive oil and rosemary, and whiskey and paprika. Lorge also runs specialist courses in the art of preparing, tempering and finishing chocolate including a bimonthly children’s workshop. Yummy. Tel: 087-9917172, www.lorge.ie.