Chocolate delights at the Empire
By Kartika Rahman

Award-wining chef and chocolate maker David Laris.

Art, culture, chocolate - combine it and stage it at one of the world's luxurious hotels, and you have Chocolate Delights at The Empire, with award-winning chef and chocolate maker, David Laris. For twelve days, from April 29 to May 10, 2006, David Laris brings Mouthwatering Chocolate Days: Sumptuous Flavours, Exquisite Creations.

In Brunei, Laris is eager to try local delicacies, for inspirational experimentations with his chocolate talents.

In an exclusive interview with the enthusiastic Laris, who brings his audience through a passionate tale of Chocolate's history, the origins and inspirations of his exquisite coco creations, "I'm trying to present a chocolate lifestyle," Laris says.

Exponent on chocolatierisms, Laris goes on to topics of physical and spiritual effects of chocolate in modern medicine and ancient rituals, "Chocolate has an astonishing effect, especially on women! They come in to the Chocolate Room and turn into little girls!" he exclaims, continuing to elaborate on chocolate's mysteries and chemical foundations.

Experience the passion of Chef Laris and his team of two chefs, at The Empire Hotel & Country Club. They will present some of the exquisite chocolates and desserts that have become a signature of his Shanghai restaurant, where they are created in a showpiece temperature controlled 'Chocolate Room'.

Featured in the promotion will be a 'Chocolate Afternoon Tea' served in the hotel's spectacular marble Lobby Lounge and a variety of range of special chocolate desserts will be a highlight of the daily Dinner Buffet and Sunday Brunch at the Atrium Café.

Boxes of Laris chocolates will be on sale throughout the promotion and chocolate enthusiasts can sign up for a chocolate demonstration on May 3 at the Lobby.

Commenting on the Laris Chocolate Promotion, General Manager Anne Busfield said, "In Shanghai last year we were so impressed with the exquisite desserts at Laris at Three on the Bund we knew we had to share our experience with our guests here in Brunei. Not only will David and his team have a chance to visit Brunei but our Chef de Partie, Sarinah Nursyafiqah Binti Muhd Marak will be honing her skills at Laris in Shanghai in the lead up to the promotion."

The David Laris event at The Empire Hotel & Country Club is sponsored by Baiduri Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin