Chocolate is considered as one of the most popular food and drink in the world. This wonderful flavor has been discovered 2,000 years ago from the pods of a cacao tree. This means that chocolate existed way before civilization started. It was made as a frothy drink, with different seasonings such as chili peppers, cornmeal and other ingredients to make it spicy. I wonder how it tasted since sugar was not yet famous during that time. But it must have suited the taste of people back then since it became famous from Mexico, Central America, Europe and later on to the whole world.
People just love to indulge on these sweet delicacies. Some think chocolate acts as an aphrodisiac, though there is no proof for this belief. The explanation most common for this is the chemical substance (phenethylamine) present in chocolates which gives the feeling of intimacy and mild sexual desire. Perhaps this is why it is being given as a gift during courtship. Others would eat chocolate to feel happy. It is said that eating these sweets produce serotonin in the brain, which gives the feeling of pleasure.
From a frothy drink, its flavor was developed through new recipes and technology as well. Today, chocolate is available in different types.
Unsweetened chocolate. This is also know as the bitter chocolate and is usually used in baking.
Dark chocolate. Chocolate without milk as an additive.
Milk chocolate. Chocolate milk powder or condensed milk added.
Semisweet chocolate. Dark chocolate with high sugar content.
Bittersweet chocolate. Unsweetened chocolate, in which sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin and vanilla has been added.
Couverture. Term use for chocolates rich in cocoa butter.
White chocolate. Confection based on cocoa butter w/o the cocoa solids.
Nowadays, because of chocolate's popularity and being one of the richest flavor in the world, many brands are being introduced and advertised. Anyone who would like to get enough dosage of their favorite chocolate could get it anywhere. Chocolates in the form of candies, bars, cookies, cakes, ice cream and drinks are available in stores. Restaurants also serve this as desserts.
The first restaurant in Manila that serves chocolate as their specialty is Max Brenner, which is also known as "The Chocolate Bar". As you would see in their menu if you visit them, they serve variety of foods with chocolate or made from it. You'll be confused on what to order because of so many choices.
One of my favorite is their chocolate fondue. It includes two types of melted chocolate (dark and white chocolate) for dipping. You would be given a plate with sliced fruits (apple and banana), whole strawberry, pieces of brownies, cheese , marshmallows and lady finger. Peanuts and coconut shreds were also served.
Fondue was derived from the French word "fondre" which means melt.
The first chocolate fondue was made with Swiss Toblerone chocolate and became a companion to Swiss cheese fondue.
Max Brenner also serves breakfast and burgers. One of their specialty is Suckao, which they described as the injection of thick hot chocolate served in a cup with a metallic straw and a candle underneath. Another is Chocolate Splenda based souffle cake. Other must-try's are their Choctails, Alcohol Chocolate Aphrodisiacs, and Chocishakes. These are selection of chocolate beverages made from white chocolate and non-fat milk, blended with ice and laced with a shot of espresso.
Very cozy interior
Cute boxes for their chocolates
What triggered my curiosity and fascination is the choclate machine they have inside the store. It led me to think that this is where all the white and dark chocolates are coming from since the machines are connected to a pipe, which lead to the bar where they are preparing the drinks and the food.
machine for the dark chocolate
machine for the white chocolate
Orders would cost around Php 300-400. If you would like to order the fondue, it would be at Php 350 which is good for 2 persons. All fees are not inclusive of taxes. It might be a little expensive but if you are a chocolate addict, then this would definitely be the place to go.
Max Brenner is located at GF Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City (tel. no.: 728-8801). You may visit their website at http://www.maxbrenner.com/ once they finish constructing it. For gifts, you may go to http://www.maxbrenner.com.au/maxgifts/ . Prices would be in US Dollars.
