Now that takes the raisin

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Grape Story’s newest branch is at the Nine mall on Rama IX road. It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call (02) 434 6921-8.
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The story began with just a few clusters of black Opor grapes grown to produce a beautiful landscape at the Premium Outlet in Khao Yai run by the Pena House Group. The grapes were later picked and used in grape pies that sold very well at the outlet – so well in fact that the fashion company saw the potential to branch out into the food retail business at its shopping malls.

That’s the tale behind Grape Story, the bakery shop that offers all things grape from cheesecakes, pies, panna cotta to waffle, jellies and juices. Painted in an attractive violet shade, the first branch can be found at Circle mall on Ratchapruk Road and the |second outlet has just opened at the Nine mall on Rama IX Road.

Initially, Pena House’s vice president Phannee Tantichirasakul, who just loves making pastry, simply stuffed her pies with grapes. All who tested her creation agreed it was delicious and would sell. At its newest branch, the compact shop offers only four sets of table and chairs upholstered in vintage fabrics but the choices of pastry are much more extensive and there’s plenty to take home.

Once again, the grape used here is black Opor, which is one of the juiciest around, so do try the 100-per-cent grape juice that sells for Bt75. The flavour of grape juice may vary according to the season but the grape fillings of bakery items will all be cooked to get the same standard.

For an energy boost on a hot day, order the grape punch soda for Bt95. For that you get a glass full of grape ice cubes and a separate jug of grape juice and soda. Just pour the mixture onto the ice cubes for a refreshing drink with a fizzy kick.

Grape Story is a place to be enjoyed while sipping cool grape juice and crunching on some crackers. It’s worth ordering a set of grape pie and a grape punch soda for Bt115. Or you may choose to go with other drinks like iced lemon juice, iced lemon soda, hot apple cider, hot vanilla caramel tea or hot cappuccino. Prices range from Bt105 to Bt139.

Other mouth-watering treats are grape cheesecake for Bt115 with the layers of cracker, cheese and grape mousse stuffed with grape jam for Bt115 and heart-shaped grape cheese pie topped with fresh grapes for Bt145.

The shelves are also stocked with many sweet treats to take home. Among the good choices are grape caramel sauce pie (Bt85 a pack), grape caramelised puff sticks (Bt95 a pack), mini grape cup cookies (Bt15 each), waffle grape (Bt45) and grape jelly (Bt65). Free wireless Internet is also offered.