What’s the best way to enjoy eating chocolate?
As you want. You have to find the product and the chocolate you like. Chocolate is really open-minded. It is the most complete thing you’ll find on earth. It’s good for your brain and your body. It doesn’t make you fat; trust me, I eat it every day.

How important is cocoa percentage when buying chocolate?
Percent of cocoa is only one indicator. The kinds of cocoa, where it comes from, that matters too. What you have to do is read the ingredients. Pure dark chocolate should only contain cocoa, cocoa butter and sugar. If you see lecithin or any preservatives, it means the chocolate is industrial. Like if you buy a Louis Vuitton bag, you want real leather, not PVC, right?

Is single plantation important?
Of course. My family has worked with the same plantations for centuries. Each place gives you a different taste and different kind of chocolate, just like wine. For example, in Indonesia, they grow a kind of cocoa that is sweeter than elsewhere. Chocolate is the earth, it’s the signature of the soil. I really think it’s important, that’s why I usually go visit every plantation I work with. Most are small family farms, 1-2 hectares. I know every one of them.

What’s your favorite chocolate region?
Central America, which has been the world’s main supplier for hundreds of years. Chocolate is a part of the region there. All the countries like Mexico, Peru or Venezuela are very priceless not only for their chocolate’s good taste but for their heritage that goes back to 5,000 years ago. That’s why in my work, I try to make the best out of these historic cocoa varieties, I don’t try to hide or change their flavor profile.

Bonnat chocolates are available at Chocolab (Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. www.sofitel.com).