Dessert in the fresh air

SET IN VERDANT pasture land, the Chocolate Factory and Restaurant has become a popular stop for travellers en route to Khao Yai National Park with its delectable Italian food and desserts designed by French chef Eric Perez, who once fed Bill Clinton, America’s gourmet president.

New-wave restaurateur Namnueng Eamcharoenying and his family own the place, which borrows its inspiration from a chocolate bistro in Australia that has an open kitchen. 

Namnueng came home and learned all about patisseries with Perez, a world-class chef, and devised her own recipes. To begin with she served her Japanese-style cakes from a booth called Piece of Cake at The Mall and Tops supermarkets.

Last month she went big-time, opening the Chocolate Factory and the Restaurant on five rai atop a hill in Nakhon Ratchasima

Inside it even looks like a factory, with a modern-industrial style in a mix of metal, wood and glass. Cosy and comfortable, it has dining areas both indoors and outside with combined seating for 160. And, recalling that Australian bistro, the pantry reveals its secrets – you can see how the chocolate goodies are made.

In addition to Namnueng’s light cakes, which aren’t overly sweet and thus healthier, like her signature Strawberry Shortcake and Orange Cake made with fresh cream, there is smooth chocolate from Belgium, France and Switzerland. Many of the items come in cute shapes, like lipsticks, lemons and apples.

But the Italian influence is evident too, as in the highly recommended Duck Foie Gras in raspberry and chocolate sauce (Bt680) and Spicy Sausage Pasta (Bt250). There’s also Grilled Rack of Lamb with rosemary sauce and Pan-fried Norwegian Salmon with dill sauce. You can have Salmon in Fish Sauce, Salmon Teriyaki and Baked River Prawn with Cheese as well. 

Among the favourite desserts, Apricot White Chocolate is Bt40 and Strawberry Shortcake, Crepe Cakes and Orange Cakes from Bt75 to Bt85. You can’t go wrong either with the Red Velvet Iced Chocolate and Cream Cheese (Bt155) and the Classic Hot Chocolate.

 

 

SWEET COUNTRY

>>The Chocolate Factory is on Thanarat Road in Nakhon Ratchasima and open daily from 10.30am to 10pm. 

>>Book ahead if you like at (089) 675 3662 or www.Facebook.com/Chocolate FactoryThailand.