A Unique Dining Experience For Chocoholics

I recently joined the first AURO Chocolate Bar Crawl in Poblacion, the latest dining and drinking mecca in the heart of Makati.

Marion Branellec – De Guzman, Martin De Guzman, Tessa Alindogan, your author, Jenny Zapanta and Sandra Rocha – Araneta

Auro is a critically award-winning, proudly Pinoy bean-to-bar chocolate company founded by Mark Ocampo. Yes you heard it right CHOCOLATE! For someone who loves dark chocolates, I know what is good and what is really good. Now Auro has come up with different kinds of chocolate bars that will truly make any chocoholics mouth water.

Going back to the Bar Crawl. Operated by Fat Girls Day Out, we went to five of the top establishments in Poblacion that created a special savory dish and drink infused with AURO chocolate. What I appreciated about this particular bar crawl is that they are also vegetarian friendly and they also served non-alcoholic drinks, which was perfect for me since I have not had a sip of alcohol for 13 years already.

Our first stop was Khao Khai

We had Khao Khai’s 77% Dark chocolate bagoong dip with fresh cut green mangoes for starter. I had the Green Mango with Vegan Chocolate Bagoong. I was served the traditional Thai Iced Tea that I enjoyed drinking while nibbling on some chocolate off the rim of the glass. Very refreshing!

Second stop was Lampara

This establishment serves Neo-Filipino food that really gives a whole new meaning to modern Pinoy cuisine. I had the Surpresa – made of Bean sprouts, tofu, roasted peanuts and Auro cocoa nibs with chocolate sauce encased in a ball. Oh the explosion of flavors in my mouth was truly an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.

Stop number three was Alamat Filipino Pub and Deli

I have been hearing so many good things about this place and its all true. Known for serving exotic comfort meals by Chef Niño Laus such as the Pinais – comprised of Rice crisp, Pinakbet Salsa tossed in Auro Dark Chocolate Vinigaette and Laing followed by a shot of Auro Chocolate Drink (Non-Alcoholic of course). I am still dreaming of that drink!

Next stop was Polilya

This for me served my favorite dish of the crawl. Since I love chicken it was perfect! Polilya’s Deep-fried Hainanese Chicken topped with mole infused with 77% Auro Dark Chocolate, kesong puti and cilantro is what a gastronomical bite is all about. Every single element of that dish complemented each other. One bite was not enough, thankfully they also served the vegetarian option, which was Mole with Vegetarian Fritters. It was literally a harmonious fiesta in my mouth.

Our final stop was Pedro Tap House

Everyone got to try out the Auro Chocolate Chili Cheese Dog infused with 55% Dark Chocolate finished off with melted cheddar cheese. The vegetarian option was Red Bean Chocolate Chili Stout Shepherd’s Pie served with cola topped with a mixture of whipped cream and melted 55% Auro Dark Chocolate.

It was truly a gastronomical feast everyone should experience, especially if you have friends or relatives visiting from abroad.

This is happening every Friday and Saturday from 4:30 – 7:30pm. The Auro Chocolate Bar Crawl promptly begins at 5pm. They only accept 30 people per day so don’t wait any longer book your ticket on www.aurochocolate.com/barcrawl for this unique chocolate experience!