Xocolat : for all things chocolatey

Sigh! Chocolate places are sprouting in Manila. This can only be bad for the diet but it’s also good since who can resist a heavenly thing like chocolate? There’s nothing like choco to tickle our taste buds, boost our energy and rescue us from the doldrums. Now that rainy days are here in this side of the globe, a cup of hot chocolate (or even coffee infused with cocoa) is the ultimate comfort drink.

Xocolat is one of the original places in Manila where you can get your chocolate fix. It must be five years old, and I just discovered it recently! Must be because their old and new locations were far away from me. But as the saying goes: better late than never! It’s never too late to get high… with chocolate!

Branches are in Katipunan, Libis, Promenade Greenhills and Serendra. We chose to dine at Casita Xocolat in Libis, easier to find if you’re coming from C5. The location near the soon-to-be developed Nuvo City is secluded, almost qualifying as a hideaway. But the discovery all adds up to the thrill of the hunt 😉

I’ve been to a lot of chocolate places recently but nothing else has tickled my fancy than this Xoco latte drink (P145). Am happy to say it was love at first sip. First, the waiter brings in a transparent mug filled with callets (chips) of chocolate, then pours in espresso and tops it off with steamed milk. I liked the blending of flavors of this one, especially as it wasn’t too strong nor too sweet. Hubby, meanwhile, had the house bestseller Aztec Xocolat, described in the menu as a “dark brew bursting with spice.” It’s so good (and thick!) you can even dip your churros (crullers) in it.

Nothing’s more sinful than chocolate fries , and they have it here. Thick-cut fries (P95) in their signature choco spice rub with a delectable honey mustard mayonnaise for dipping.

For the main course, we had their spiced chicken (P195) and tender-baked pork belly with potato gratin and cacao-bagoong sauce (P185). The latter is specially remarkable because “sauce pa lang, ulam na.” I can never tell what ingredients went with that unique sauce, but the bagoong (shrimp paste) certainly came out very tasty, not fishy.

When you’re in a place like this, having a high-calorie drink PLUS dessert can be fattening, but who can resist trying out their desserts? Our eyes were caught by the giant X deep dark chocolate cake and ordered a slice, but Mr. Z – the other foodie – said the texture was “dry.” I am sure it wasn’t consistently dry, maybe the baker was having a bad day? LOL. I certainly couldn’t say the same of my carrot cake (P85/slice) which was delicious and very moist.

In Xocolat, you’re better off sipping your drink in hushed conversations or in total silence and savor the ultimate high from good quality chocolate. Otherwise, just let these signs say it all –

Find Xocolat at the following addresses:

Topy’s Place
Economia corner Calle Industria
Bagumbayan, Libis
Quezon City
Tel. No. 4707563

172 B. Gonzales St.
Loyola Heights
Katipunan, Quezon City
Tel. No. 9294186

Serendra
Fort Bonifacio, Global City
Tel. No. 8562146

Promenade Greenhills
San Juan City, Metro Manila
Tel. No. 514-3862