AFTERNOON TREAT
Cool down your afternoon with a glass of iced chocolate, best enjoyed with Chocolate Passion Fruit Cake, made with 70% dark chocolate and passion fruit, served with meringue.
BITTERSWEET
There is no need to describe the beauty of chocolate — everyone knows how it lifts your mood instantly
STORY AND STYLE
EKARIN YUSUKSOMBOON
PHOTOGRAPHY
PIPAT JAMRAT
ASSISTANT STYLIST
NOPPAWAN CHERDSUKJAI
Chocolate has been around for centuries, initially known as the gift of god.
Thousands of years later, chocolate has been made into countless drinks and dishes, and is now seen as a special gift. Scientifically, chocolate contains tryptophan amino acid, which triggers serotonin, which is called the happiness hormone. So, when you have a piece of chocolate, your stress is melted away and replaced by a feeling of happiness. Chocolate also contains theobromine, phenethylamine and caffeine, which boost your energy level. This is why many of us are passionate about chocolate. More importantly, cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate, are packed with flavonoids, which can help prevent heart diseases and cancer. When consumed in moderation, chocolate can make you healthy and happy.
Thousands of articles have been published about chocolate, but it continues to be a popular topic. The signature bittersweet flavour, the tempting colour, and the way it melts are often highlighted in chocolate-related movies. Chocolate is also interpreted into meaningful stories such as Like Water for Chocolate and Chocolat. And don’t forget that famous chocolate quote from Forrest Gump, “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Dominique Ferchaud, French Executive Chef of Pullman Bangkok King Power, is skilled in cooking sweet and savoury dishes, and is a big fan of chocolate. That’s why there’s a chocolate room in this hotel. Try his chocolate praline and you will see that he pays attention to every detail. “White chocolate is great for making fruity pralines because white chocolate is sweet. When eaten with tangy fruits, the flavour is just perfect. Very tangy fruits like passion fruit go better with milk chocolate, while dark chocolate is great with rum.”
A piece of praline can tell a lengthy story about chocolate.
MODERN CLASSIC
This dessert goes back to the 16th century. Canelés, which looks like a skirt, is now a popular dessert. The caramel-coated shell is crunchy with a soft and tender custard centre.
FRENCH FAVOURITE
Chocolate macaron is not too sweet and goes well with any beverage.
SIGNATURE PÂTISSERIE
Chocolate Croissant served with a cup of hot chocolate makes a very delightful meal.
PRETTY LITTLE THINGS
Chef Dominique Ferchaud has created an assortment of pralines — passion fruit, hazelnut, pistachio, almond, and others — in 12 flavours in total, using 70% dark chocolate imported from Belgium, France and Uganda.
CHOCOLATE CREATION
Chocolate is used to create various shapes and forms, including Christmas trees for the upcoming winter.
FOOD & DRINK
*Special thanks to The Junction At Pullman, Pullman Bangkok King Power, tel: 0 2680 9999, www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com
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