Everything Cacao, Everything Local at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe

From Tagaytay down south and Baguio up north to Bonifacio Global City, Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu brings its inventive chocolate inspired menu to SkyPark at SM Aura Premier. And that's just the beginning as Visum Ventures, the same group behind Koomi, Oh My Greek, Zig Healthy Made Happy and Salt & Ice promises even more locations for Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe in the pipeline. It's yet another unique concept in the Visum Ventures culinary portfolio of restaurant brands. Everything cacao, everything local, let Happy Ongpauco-Tiu show you her playfully creative, elegant and inspired take on comfort food at Tsokolateria Artisana Cafe...

Located high up at Level 5 of SkyPark in SM Aura Premier, Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe offers a unique dining experience with its "everything cacao, everything local" concept reflected in a lavish yet comforting menu from soups and salads to brunch tarts, breakfast and brunch, pasta to risotto and a whole lot more including all-time Filipino classics and the traditional tsokolateh. If you've experienced dining at their Tagaytay and Baguio branches before, the new location at SM Aura Premier has all the familiar elements of the two dining destinations from its homey look and feel to its creative repertoire of lavish dishes infused with chocolate. 

Happy Ongpauco-Tiu continues a long family culinary tradition adding her own chapter to an illustrious story that includes Barrio Fiesta, Bakahan at Manukan, the Singing Cooks and Waiters and Isdaan Floating Restaurant with her own unique concepts led by a successful catering company and Pamana Restaurant (for more on Pamana Restaurant, see my post Pamana: A Legacy of Filipino Cuisine from six years ago). 

At Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu's own philosophy on local cuisine is highlighted with an impressive menu of local flavors reimagined with the deep notes of chocolate. Tradition and comforting local flavors are the inspiration behind the dishes at Tsokolateh Artisanal Cafe with a fresh and modern spin by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

Inside Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe, diners are surrounded by ornate and elegant plates, cutlery and glasses, all available for sale from Happy Ongpauco-Tiu's curated personal collection adding that personal touch to your dining experience. Dining at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe is like visiting your favorite aunt's place, setting the tone and mood for a casual and satisfying feast. 

Local artisan chocolate threads the unique concept together in an elegant and seamless weave, and a pot of sweet Tsokolate Ah (P 150 Solo/P 280 Double) or bittersweet Tsokolate Eh (P 150 Solo/P 280 Double) sets you up for the perfect start at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

Served in the traditional "batirol" style stirred with a wooden implement...

...and poured to your cup, a soothing sip takes you back to countless childhood summers with its deep and nutty hints. Thick and velvety smooth, the Tsokolate Ah drapes your palate with its deep and lingering richness followed by a comforting sweetness while the Tsokolate Eh brings more pronounced and bolder notes with a subtle and mildly sharp bitter finish. Sourced from local farms, both the Tsokolate Ah and Tsokolate Eh sets the tone for a lavish feast at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

If you wish to start with dessert, no worries. The Tsoko Mallow (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) gives you that indulgent start at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.  

Topped with pillow soft marshmallows dusted with chocolate, the Tsoko Mallow is just one of many inventive creations at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe. Craving for some soothing heat? The Sili Labuyo Tsoko Blend (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) is the one for you. Coffee and chocolate? The Tsoko Barako (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) blended with brewed coffee hits the spot. Like it sweet and indulgent? The Tsoko Nut (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) with Choc-Nut and whipped cream may be the one for you along with the Frozen Hot Tsoko (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) with vanilla ice cream, the Tostadong Yema (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) with decadent yema cubes and the Dulce de Leche (P 180 Solo/P 340 Double) with homemade caramel. Feeling adventurous? The Tsokolate Ah with Lechon Chicharon Disc (P 199 Solo/P 370 Double) adds a savory crunch for that sweet and salty finish with each comforting sip. And if you still can't decide, the Tsoko Tablea Sampler (P 560) lets you experience all the bestselling variants in one flight. 

The wide variety of inventive local chocolate blends gives you an idea on the creative process behind the menu at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe. And for starters, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu rolls out an impressive trifecta of appetizers...

...starting with the Wild Mushroom Soup (P 285) with its deep earthy and nutty notes from the assorted mushrooms and luscious fresh cream. The flavors are then layered with the bold flavors of chocolate from the bitter tsoko paste for that contrasting yet balanced finish. Creamy, rich, nutty and bittersweet, who would've thought chocolate would elevate the usual mushroom soup transforming it with intense flavors from the tsoko paste? That's just one of many more flavorful experiences by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

The Sizzling Molten Quezo (P 485) with baked Quezong Puti, Camembert and Quezo de Bola in olive oil and topped with farm-fresh salsa and garlic cacao paired with toast delivers a flavorful cheesy burst followed by the tart freshness of the salsa and the deep nutty hints of the unique garlic cacao adding depth to the dish.

Simply dip and twirl your toast for that cheesy burst in your mouth that will have you going for another piece. It's this subtle infusion of local chocolate that sets many of the dishes at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe apart from the rest for a unique dining experience. Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe also offers a savory option with the Longanisa Fundido (P 350) with caramelized onions, tsoko maple and cacao melba for that solid flavorful punch.

Other equally comforting soup and salad options at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe include the Roasted Kalabasa Quezong Puti Cream Soup (P 370), Pinoy Caprese (P 365) with farm fresh and tart tomatoes, basil, quezong puti and tsoko vinaigrette; and Juan Caesar Salad (P 365) with chicken inasal and crunchy croutons.

More cheese? Absolutely. The Pugon-Baked Brie (P 399) topped with crisp adobo flakes and drizzled with honey and guava jam is another sweet and savory flavor experience at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

The creamy notes from the brie, the sweetness of the honey and guava jam and the savory textural contrasts from the adobo flakes conspire for bite after bite of rich flavors. 

Other equally tempting appetizers at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe include the Sisig Croquetas (P 450) with spicy cacao nibs, the Kamote Fries with Caramelized Queso (P 199) or Sili-Garlic & Molten Quezo (P 250) and the Chicken Inasal Poppers (P 350) sprinkled with chili powder for that soothing heat. And that's just for starters.

Happy Ongpauco-Tiu weaves a distinctly local spin to traditional pasta dishes with her Pasta Locale selection at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe like the Spicy Tuyo Pasta (P 450) with salty dried fish flakes, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan topped with crisp espada and cherry tomatoes and paired with chocolate-infused fresh-baked bread. The play on contrasting textures and bold flavors makes this dish an absolute must-try at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe. But there's more...

The Alimango at Aligue Pasta (P 450) with soft yet firm noodles evenly coated in fresh and rich aligue or crab fat, generously dabbed with aligue butter and slathered with the proprietary Cacaoglio Olio, cacao nibs and toasted garlic bits is a seafood lover's dream on a plate. Topped with crisp espada and served with fresh-baked chocolate-infused toast, the Alimango at Aligue Pasta is as decadent as it gets at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe with its unrestrained yet delicately balanced flavors. 

The Smoked Black Pasta Palabok (P 450) is yet another inventive and flavorful take on a traditional local staple with black noodles loaded with the day's fresh catch of succulent seafood and draped in rich palabok sauce. Topped with crunchy slabs of pork chicharon for that added layer of intense flavors followed by subtle smoky hints, the Smoked Black Pasta Palabok is by far one of the most lavish and creative expressions of the local dish I've experienced. And you'll find it here at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

Other pasta dishes at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe include the Truffle Bacon Lechon Carbonara (P 450), Malunggay Pesto (P 340), Longanisa Bolognese (P 450) and Summer Pasta (P 420) with cherry tomatoes, olives, zucchini, basil, lemon zest and Quezo de Bola shavings. A selection of risotto dishes also gets the Happy Ongpauco-Tiu touch with the Black Risotto Cooked in Cacao Garlic (P 540), Aligue Risotto with Tsoko Shavings (P 420) and Mushroom Risotto with Cacao Vinaigrette (P 520).

Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe also offers their own take on crisp and savory flatbreads with their All-Day Brunch Tarts like the Pinoy Caprese (P 490) with Mozzarella, Cheddar, Quezong Puti, basil and cherry tomatoes...

...and the Longanisa (P 490) with local sausages, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Quezong Puti and cherry tomatoes on a thin and crunchy crust with its blend of sweet, savory and creamy notes. The Truffle Mushroom (P 490) is another bestseller from their All-Day Brunch Tart menu.

In between bites, cleanse you palate with refreshing sips of Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe's signature Houseblend Tea... 

...and you're ready for another round from the extensive menu. Late brunch or lunch? Feast your eyes on these sumptuous options from the kitchen of Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe and do come hungry...

Food, they say, always triggers both emotions and memories and good food transports you to a different time and place. Happy Ongpauco-Tiu does just that with her wide array of All-Time Favorites of comforting classics in her own creative style...

...like the Artisanal Longganisa (P 520) with local sausages, scrambled egg and a side of tomatoes and cucumbers...

...the Bacon Lechon Kawali (P 395) with tanglad-marinated bacon cut crispy pork liempo cooked in peppercorns, bay leaf and cacao nibs... 

...and the Gourmet Tinapa (P 280) with sili labuyo, red onions, tomatoes and scrambled egg on garlic fried rice. Each dish is a sumptuous feast on its own, just what you need for a late brunch, lunch or even late merienda and dinner any time of day. Comforting flavors are brought back and served with a fresh new twist for new flavor experiences, that's what you can expect at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

Other specials include the Bagnet Sisig (P 360), Adobo Overload (P 475), Sukiyaki Sweet Ribeye Tapa (P 550), Salpicao and Sriracha (P 575), Old Fashioned San Andres Tapa (P 475), Bulalong Corned Beef (P 375), Seafood Trio (P 440) with bangus, danggit and espada, Smoked Bangus and Eggs (P 390) and Bangus Salpicao (P 360).

Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe also spins its whimsical touch to the local pan de sal with its own Bruschetta Pandesal selection like Croque Madame (P 380), Homemade Spicy Sardines (P 250), Oh My Gulay (P 290), Adobo Flakes (P 350), Bacon Belly (P 380), Pinoy Caprese (P 380), Calamares (P 380), Grilled Quesong Puti Overload (P 290) and the Bruschetta Pandesal Platter (P 699).

Happy Ongpauco-Tiu then takes it up a notch with her reinterpretation of the waffle, transforming and elevating it with her Churros Waffle. That's right, fried waffles with that crunch of churros. And it's a texture that just makes this waffle unlike any you've tried before.

A dab of butter, a drizzle of sweet honey and thick tsokolate syrup, and the Churros Waffle with its chewy crispness is another winner from the playbook of Happy Ongpauco-Tiu at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

The traditional champorado also gets the makeover at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe with the Tablea Champorado (P 390 Solo/P 570 Double) prepared the old-fashioned way with local tablea chocolate. But instead of the usual malagkit rice, Tsokolateria Artisanal Chocolate uses Black Mountain Rice served with crispy bacon lechon, pork chicharon and dried espada fish.

A drizzle of creamy milk and thick chocolate syrup completes the comforting rice porridge. The soft and mildly chewy Black Mountain Rice gives the dish a delectable texture pairing well with the deep richness of the tablea chocolate. 

The nutty sweetness of the tablea chocolate is tempered by the subtle salty hints of the crispy bacon lechon, pork chicharon and dried espada for that nostalgic sweet and salty yet balanced finish from childhood. Perfect for merienda, the Tablea Champorado with Black Mountain Rice, artisan tablea chocolate and sides of bacon lechon, chicharon and espada transports you back to countless childhood summers.

Another novel innovation at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe is the line-up of Pancake Souffle in different tempting variants drawing inspiration from local delicacies like the Bibingka, Quezo at Itlog na Maalat (P 340), Calamansi (P 285), Yema Pancake Souffle (P 270) drizzled with chocolate, Tablea (P 320) and Ube at Macapuno (P 375). Soft and fluffy, the Pancake Souffle creations rounds out the extensive menu at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe.

Libations? Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe's got that covered too for a round of good vibes. And yes, some of the soothing concoctions are infused with chocolate too.

Pick your libation at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe like the Almond Joy topped with chocolate shavings...

...the Pink Berry Bliss with a schmear of chocolate on the side...

...and the Happy Spritzer for those long and laid-back afternoons. 

Tradition and comforting flavors with a modern and contemporary vibe, Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe offers a fresh and even unexpected treat with its inventive chocolate-infused menu for one of the more unique dining experiences in the metro. 

The extensive menu also showcases the limitless possibilities of local cacao in transforming popular dishes widening your palate to even more flavorful expressions created by Happy Onpauco-Tiu at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe. If you haven't tried Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe in Tagaytay or Baguio, now's your chance. And you don't even have to drive far. 

Now you know where to find everything cacao, everything local in the metro. Step inside Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe and rediscover comfortingly familiar flavors reinvented with a touch of chocolate.