Dubai chocolate madness in Manila
AF Hospitality (AFH) has a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Filipino pastry consultant, Chef Nouel Catis, the creator of the Original Dubai Chocolate. This exclusive partnership will introduce three new Dubai Chocolate-inspired desserts at AFH restaurants: a mano, Ramen Ron, and Steak & Frice available now until June 11, 2025.
AFH founder Amado Forés shares, “This collaboration between Chef Nouel, our pastry chef Chico Glendale Orcine, and the head chefs of our three restaurants reflects everything we stand for — innovation, heritage, and joy. It’s been such a rewarding process working together, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience how we’ve re-imagined Dubai Chocolate across all our concepts.”
Nouel has captivated dessert lovers worldwide with his innovative approach to flavor alchemy, blending nostalgic flavors with bold new creations. His latest collaboration with AFH highlights the richness of Dubai Chocolate, elevating the dessert experience across the group’s restaurants.
Nouel says, “This initial collaboration has been instrumental in inspiring us to reimagine and innovate our recipes, ensuring they resonate deeply with Filipino tastes and preferences… People around the globe likely already associate my name with the iconic Dubai Chocolate or the irresistible pistachio kunafa, but few realize that chocolate is just one of my many culinary endeavors. Since this collaboration marks the exciting homecoming launch of my brand in the Philippines, it must make a powerful impression — and what better way than by drawing inspiration from my acclaimed pistachio-kunafa recipe? Moreover, AF Hospitality boasts its own collection of highly coveted desserts, creating the perfect opportunity to blend our strengths for an unparalleled synergy.”
This is what one can expect from Nouel’s first-ever collaboration in the Philippines. Steak & Frice’s Dubai Chocolate Crepe is a rich twist on the classic Steak & Frice crepe, filled with crunchy pistachio-kataifi and drizzled with dark chocolate and pistachio cream and finished with roasted kataifi and toasted pistachios. Ramen Ron’s Dubai Chocolate Mochi is a reimagining of Chef Tamura-san’s signature chilled mochi — handmade Japanese mochifilled with milk chocolate and pistachio namelaka, then topped with pistachio sauce, crispy roasted kataifi, and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. It is a delicate fusion of Japanese tradition and Middle Eastern flair. a mano’s Dubai Chocolate Soft Serve is a decadent twist on a mano’s signature Burrata Gelato Soft Serve where it is coated with melted dark chocolate and served in a house made dark chocolate-dipped waffle bowl with a pistachio-kataifi crunch then topped with crushed pistachios and roasted kataifi. I loved all three and I cannot choose if I was asked what my favorite is!
“This moment brings with it both excitement and a hint of nervousness — but above all, immense pride,” Chef Nouel shares. “Returning home to showcase the culinary creations that have revolutionized how desserts are enjoyed in the Middle East is truly special. Creating viral sensations has become second nature in my process, and now my mission is to elevate our beloved Filipino desserts in the same significant and impactful way, introducing them to wider popularity and appreciation.”
A portion of the proceeds from the AFH and Chef Nouel Catis dessert collaboration will go to MAD Travel’s AgroForestry Program with Dumagat Cacao Farmers.
Guests can pick up a Dessert Passport at any AFH restaurant — a mano, Ramen Ron, or Steak & Frice — and collect a stamp each time they enjoy a Dubai Chocolate dessert. Those who complete the trio will receive a complimentary SNA’AP chocolate bar, Nouel’s signature creation. Guests are free to choose between milk and dark varieties until supplies last. These will also be available for purchase exclusively at AF Hospitality restaurants for the duration of the collaboration.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ in Manila this September
The critically acclaimed, Tony award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen will be staged in the Philippines. GMG Productions confirmed the run of the UK touring production of Dear Evan Hansen, bringing one of the most celebrated musicals of the past decade to Filipino audiences and is set to run this September at The Theatre at Solaire.
CEO of GMG Productions Carlos Candal shared “Filipino audiences have been asking for Dear Evan Hansen for years, and we’re beyond excited to finally bring this production to Manila. The story, music, and message of Dear Evan Hansen resonate so deeply with so many people, and we can’t wait for Filipino fans to experience it live.”
The musical is about Evan, an anxious high school student longing for a sense of belonging. When a misunderstanding spirals into something far bigger than he ever imagined, he faces an impossible decision: Tell the truth and lose everything or embrace a lie that brings him closer to the life he has always dreamed of. As the story unfolds, Evan navigates the complexities of truth, connection, and self-acceptance in a world that often feels isolating.
Dear Evan Hansen has won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. It features a book by Steven Levenson and music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Nottingham Playhouse UK tour production is directed by Adam Penford.
Since its Broadway debut in 2016, the show has touched the hearts of audiences across the globe. The New York Times called it, “a breathtaking knockout of a musical,” while The Washington Post hailed it as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”
Dear Evan Hansen will run until September 28 at the Theatre at Solaire, with the Manila season presented by GMG Productions. Tickets are on sale exclusively via TicketWorld.
Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com. *
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