A feast of flavors featuring Venchi’s authentic Italian chocolate paired with Filipino ingredients
When it comes to chocolate, there is no room for compromise. Every savor of Venchi excites the senses with both satisfaction and craving. While chocolate is most commonly considered a treat, it doesn’t always have to be the case. Venchi is redefining the way we experience chocolate, proving that it can be enjoyed at any time of the day–from early bites to late-night indulgences.
This summer, the award-winning fine Italian chocogelaterie is presenting six chocolate pairings, each featuring a signature Venchi creation, complementary Filipino ingredients, and a shot of Don Papa Rum cocktail. Together, with the participation of M Dining + Bar, this delectable assemblage transforms Venchi chocolates into an all-day experience–an ode to the shared love of food and drink between Filipinos and Italians.
GB Mantelli brings Venchi chocolate mastery to the Philippines
Founded in 1878, what began as a small chocolate shop in Piedmont, Italy, has expanded into a a globally recognized brand. With over 250 chocolate recipes and 90 flavors of gelato, Venchi continues to delight indulgence seekers across the globe. At the heart of this legacy is Giovanni Battista (GB) Mantelli–Venchi’s Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador–whose passion and creativity drive the brand forward. Fueled by a deep passion for chocolate and a relentless vigor to experiment, GB Mantelli’s mission is to explore chocolate in all its forms, gifting moments of positive indulgence and conviviality to chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.
In line with this, GB Mantelli is embarking on a tour of Asia, hosting exclusive chocolate pairing events in Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and, and of course, the Philippines. The highly anticipated Philippine leg will take place on April 1 at M Dining + Bar, where it will bring together notable chocoholics, distinguished guests, business leaders and friends from the media for an unforgettable celebration of flavor and craftsmanship.
Introducing the pairings
Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors as Venchi presents six decadent chocolate pairings, each thoughtfully crafted to highlight the harmony between Venchi and a selection of local ingredients. Adding to the experience, Don Papa Rum cocktails are thoughtfully matched to complement each creation, offering a sophisticated, multi-sensory journey.
Buongiorno! (Brunch)
The first pairing is all about delivering a comforting and energizing start to the day. Blending rich chocolates with bold morning flavors, brunch takes on a whole new meaning with Cremino 1878, Venchi’s smooth, three-layered Piedmontese chocolate featuring alternating double layers of Gianduja that pairs beautifully with local morning treats. Taho, with its silky texture and caramelized arnibal, enhances the hazelnut notes of the chocolate, while sago pearls add a playful contrast. For a heartier bite, a variety of Kakanin or rice cakes (puto, sapin-sapin and kutsinta) highlight Cremino’s nutty richness with its subtle sweetness. Tying it all together is the Don & Grey cocktail, blending Don Papa Rum with earl grey-coconut soda for a bright, refreshing finish.
Tavola Con Amici (Lunch)
Showcasing a fusion of savory and sweet, Venchi Pistachio chocolate “dressed” in Guianduiotto with its creamy and nutty profile, pairs effortlessly with Filipino lunch staple like Gising-Gising. With its mild sweetness of coconut milk, the dish enhances the creamy salted white chocolate and rich paste of pistachio, while its subtle spice provides contrast. Another is the Salted Duck Egg with Roasted Tomatoes, a common side dish that unveils an umami depth that perfectly balances the pistachio’s nutty sweetness, while the tomatoes provide a refreshing burst of acidity. Rounding this out is the Masskarita cocktail, featuring pineapple-infused Don Papa Masskara, agave nectar, lemon juice, and a dash of siling labuyo.
Dolce Merenda (Afternoon Snack)
Third on the list is a luxurious twist on the classic Filipino merienda. Chocoviar Arancia, infused with the bright, citrusy notes of Sicilian Blood Orange, brings a lively freshness that marries seamlessly with afternoon favorites like Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong. The dish’s sharp tanginess enhances the citrus notes of the chocolate, while the umami-rich bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) adds a salty depth. Drawing out the chocolate’s orange essence is the Calamansi Jelly with Toasted Coconut, of which the latter provides a subtle crunch. Completing this is the Darker Don cocktail, a vibrant blend of Don Papa Rum, ginger beer, and calamansi.
L’Ora dell’Aperitivo (Pre-Dinner Bites)
Venchi offers a refreshing indulgence that balances citrus, spirits, and chocolate. Nougatine, a Venchi tradition in chocolate, with its crunchy, caramelized hazelnut crumbs in smooth 60% dark chocolate, delivers a bold, nutty-sweet profile perfect for an aperitivo. It pairs well with Honey-Roasted Pili Nuts, adding buttery sweetness and extra crunch. For a more adventurous twist, Crispy Chicharon with Spiced Vinegar provides a savory, tangy contrast. Don Papa’s Ube Macapuno Lowball ties it all together with a light, subtly sweet blend of coconut oil-washed rum, ube cordial, angostura bitters, and soda water.
Cena Raffinata (Dinner)
Dinner presents a refined sensory experience where chocolate enhances bold, savory flavors. Venchi’s Chocoviar 75%, a rich, creamy dark chocolate in a 75% extra dark shell offers a slightly bitter profile, with a sophisticated counterpoint to favorites like Grilled Liempo Glazed with Muscovado. The charred, smoky pork belly and caramelized sweetness create an umami-sweet balance that complements the chocolate’s intensity. Alternately, Laing with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes unveils an unexpected harmony with its low-cooked taro leaves, coconut milk, and subtle heat. Completing this is the Sunseeker cocktail that blends Don Papa Rum with banana-vanilla syrup, banana puree, lemon juice, and soy milk whey.
La Notte è Giovane (Late-Night Cocktail)
The final pairing brings the day to a bold close, whether as a late-night cocktail or a midnight snack. Espresso Caffè, with its seven fine blends of arabica coffee with intense, 75% extra dark chocolate and crunchy cocoa beans finds a delicate contrast in Toasted Barquillos, whose light, crispy texture balances the intensity of the espresso. On the other hand, a muscovado ice cream with latik offers a caramelized sweetness that deepens the chocolate’s complex coffee notes. The DPR Manhattan completes the gastronomic experience, unfolding a smooth blend of Don Papa Rum, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters.
Verrissimo, Allegrissimo, Buonissimo
From comforting brunch pairings to bold late-night indulgences, Venchi masterfully transforms chocolate into an experience that suits every occasion. Each pairing not only highlights the brand’s Italian heritage and way of living but also celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Philippines, creating a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. With Venchi, every moment becomes an opportunity to savor something extraordinary.
Venchi Chocogelateria boutiques are located in Central Square BGC and The Podium. Good Eats by SSI, a member of the SSI Group, Inc. is the exclusive franchise holder of Venchi in the Philippines. Stay connected with the latest updates and mouth-watering chocolate inspiration by following @venchi_ph on Instagram, @VenchiPH on Facebook or visit venchiph.com.
About Venchi:
Venchi Italian Chocolate is on a mission to bring the flavor of the Italian Allegria (joy and happiness) to the world. Venchi creates everyday unforgettable moments of sharing and celebration. With 145 years of expertise in chocolate making, Venchi’s history dates back to 1878 when Silviano Venchi, a 20-year-old from Turin who loved chocolate spent his life savings on two bronze cauldrons to experiment which chocolate.
Today, Silviano Venchi’s passion, meticulous care and courage to experiment remain. Venchi’s values include “Verissimo” (Heritage) – from Piedmont where the art of chocolate is part of the company’s DNA. “Allegrissimo” (Allegria) – living the Italian Way. And “Buonissimo” (Balance) – featuring 100% wholesome raw materials, less sugar, and no artificial ingredients. The brand is known for its imaginatively named chocolates: Chocoviar, Gianduiotti, Cremini, bars, chocolate and hazelnut spread, and its famous authentic Italian Gelato.
Venchi is an internationally known brand with more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors. It is sold in more than 70 countries and more than 180 boutiques in key cities worldwide including London, Hong Kong, Dubai, New York, Berlin, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Venchi products are available at its boutiques, via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/venchi, and its online store at https://us.venchi.com. Venchi can be found on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
#expatphilippines
#expatph
#VenchiChocolates
#italianchocolate
#DonPapaRum
#MDining
#ChocolateAndRum
#FilipinoComfortFood
#GourmetPairings
#PremiumExperience
#LuxuryAndFlavor
#MDiningPlusBar
#FoodieHeaven
#IndulgeInStyle
Stores Specialists, Inc
#GoodEatsBySSI
#crosscultural
