Fashioned for chocoholics

Since I  am a chocoholic, it was serendipity that Marco Polo Plaza Cebu invited me for Tout Chocolat, a six-course dinner that incorporates this delicious treat in every dish.  I found out from the hotel’s charming general manager Julie Najar,  one of a handful of efficient lady hotel managers in the Philippines, that it took several months to  taste test various delectable combinations, a perfect excuse to indulge while doing her job.

Upon arrival, we were whisked off to the  spa’s Wellness Zone for an additional treat: its trademark hilot massage, one of the best I have experienced.  The therapist made sure that all the body aches and kinks  were eased after an early morning flight and Cebu’s city traffic that took us longer to reach our hotel than to fly in.

As dinner approached, we enjoyed the scenic view of the city from the Blu Bar & Grill.

Marco Polo resident manager Xavier Masson originally brought up the concept of having an all-chocolate menu that was perfected by executive chef Stefano Verillo.

“What we bring with Tout Chocolat is new territory in terms of culinary taste and expectation. Who would imagine to add each course — from starter to the last dish — with chocolate in such a delicate fashion so as not to overpower the dish,” chef Verillo enthused. Each course is served with a chocolate cocktail or wine particularly chosen to complement the flavors of the dish.

The quality and diversity of Cebu’s bounty were evident in the variety of dishes on the menu. Even the cocoa beans are grown nearby and made into high-quality tablea by no less than Cebu’s charming chocolate queen Raquel T. Choa. Her famed The Chocolate Chamber is a must-go salon for the best in quality desserts. Her handmade truffles are coveted by connoisseurs. An interesting product that caught my eye was the cocoa butter that can be used for the face and body, proving that chocolate is not only meant for eating. It’s good for the body, too.

* * *

“Tout Chocolat” is available every Friday at the Blu Bar & Grill, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

For reservations, email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com or visit www.marcopoloplazacebu.com.

For comments and ideas, email:jacinto.fa@gmail.com.