{"id":92354,"date":"2019-01-21T12:00:25","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T04:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/?p=92354"},"modified":"2019-12-04T11:58:04","modified_gmt":"2019-12-04T03:58:04","slug":"xocolat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/xocolat\/","title":{"rendered":"Xocolat: A timeless Katipunan classic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>X still marks the spot<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>After temporarily closing their iconic doors along <a href=\"https:\/\/ph.phonebooky.com\/restaurants\/katipunan\">Katipunan<\/a> avenue, Xocolat has found a new home just across their old location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The storied streets of Katipunan have seen more than its fair share of restaurants, bars, and cafes come and go, but only a select few establishments have elevated themselves to becoming <em>institutions<\/em> of the famous avenue. One such institution that has served generations of Katipunan&#8217;s students, workers, friends, and families is <strong>Xocolat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDQxNTZcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODUzNC5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95394\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A large glass door enclosed in an old wooden frame greets those that would visit Xocolat. Before customers even enter the store, the door already almost perfectly encapsulates the cafe. Managing to be both <strong>new and old<\/strong>, fresh and familiar, sleek and personal at the same time, coming across this door, one thing is for certain: <strong>you have definitely found your spot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ph.phonebooky.com\/biz\/xocolat-loyola-heights\/\">Book now and get up to P200 off!<\/a><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>With their <strong>strong connection<\/strong> to the students and natives of Katipunan, perhaps it comes as no surprise that Xocolat was a concept that was born and raised there. The founders of Xocolat were actually a group of friends hailing from Ateneo de Manila University, just on the other side of the avenue.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDQ1NThcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODM0Ni5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95395\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating from Ateneo and having the opportunity to travel all over the world, this tightly-knit <em>barkada<\/em> finally decided it was time to <strong>take their culinary experiences home<\/strong>. Taking from strong <strong>European influences<\/strong>&#8211; and particularly inspired by their time in <strong>Barcelona <\/strong>and the rest of Spain- these chocolate-loving friends envisioned a cafe where friends could be at ease, hang out, relax, and enjoy some <strong>good&nbsp;chocolate<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDQ4NTJcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODI5NS5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95398\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes without saying that Xocolat is a cafe that is <strong>defined&nbsp;by&nbsp;chocolate<\/strong>. From the very name of the place to the food and drinks served to the undeniably home-y and comfortable vibe chocolate accompanies, the chocolate experience has become Xocolat&#8217;s <strong>trademark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, this focus on chocolate is most readily seen in the cakes that are served. Easily their bestsellers, these <strong>high&nbsp;quality&nbsp;cakes<\/strong> are a testament to the love and respect that they&#8217;ve given to the cocoa bean. These cakes can be ordered as slices to be enjoyed as everyday treats at the cafe or can be the <strong>perfect&nbsp;take&nbsp;home<\/strong> surprise for special celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNTQzMTdcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODI2MC5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95423\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, just serving the typical roster of chocolate recipes isn&#8217;t enough for Xocolat.  With the belief that the <strong>flavors of chocolate<\/strong> can be pushed even further (and perhaps with the intention of challenging Filipino tastebuds), Xocolat offers up a <strong>different and daring<\/strong> take on what chocolate can do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDUwMzVcL00wQktZLUNOLVhjaG9jb2xhdC04NTE3LmpwZyIsImJ1Y2tldCI6ImJvb2t5cmVwb3J0In0=\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95399\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In their on-going effort to find unique ways to <strong>incorporate chocolate<\/strong> into almost everything that&#8217;s on the menu, Xocolat has concocted dishes that may seem to sport odd combinations at first, but quickly make culinary sense after a bite or two. In fact, the original group of owners of Xocolat are still very much involved in <strong>constantly adjusting and rebuilding their menu<\/strong>, trying out <strong>new flavors and combinations<\/strong>&#8211; out of their pure love of chocolate, eating, and creating unforgettable dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDUyMDRcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODM5Ny5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95400\" width=\"700\" height=\"468\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, chocolate might not be the most intuitive thing to pair up with pork belly, but hey, <em>it&nbsp;just&nbsp;works.<\/em> And ultimately, these bold twists on established dishes result in a <strong>rewarding<\/strong> food experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally located in one of the older houses that could be found around Katipunan, Xocolat has <strong>moved right across the street<\/strong> into a newer, more modern building. Fun fact: before they chose their new location, they polled regulars on possible places to move to. The regulars overwhelmingly voted that Xocolat stay in the main Katipunan area instead of moving to nearby streets or malls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNTQ1MDFcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODI4Ni5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95424\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the update in location, Xocolat has made it a point to retain the <strong>personal&nbsp;and&nbsp;intimate<\/strong> feel that regulars have counted on them for. The furniture has become more uniform and streamlined compared to the tables and couches of old, but <strong>customer&nbsp;comfort<\/strong> is still the priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDUzMDBcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODI5Ni5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95402\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Though some might feel that nothing can ever replace the <strong>at-home feel<\/strong> of an actual house, Xocolat puts in a successful effort in replicating as much as they can. Deep wooden tables and foliage adorning the inside call back to their old furniture and patio area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a welcome change, the new space has allowed for <strong>larger and longer tables<\/strong> making it easier for large groups to either dine together or work on a project. The open space and room-length windows have also made it possible for more <strong>natural&nbsp;light<\/strong> to enter the cafe, creating a more welcoming feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDUzNTRcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODI1Ny5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95403\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a new and updated look and the same unforgettable flavors, now is definitely a good time to pay a visit to this Katipunan classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/ph.phonebooky.com\/biz\/xocolat-loyola-heights\/\">View menu<br \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ph.phonebooky.com\/restaurants\/xocolat\">View 3 branches<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/xocolat.com.ph\/\">View their website<\/a><br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/sih.booky.ph\/eyJrZXkiOiJibG9nXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE5XC8wMVwvMjExNDU0NDZcL0JLWS1DTi1YY2hvY29sYXQtODMwNi5qcGciLCJidWNrZXQiOiJib29reXJlcG9ydCJ9\" alt=\"Xocolat\" class=\"wp-image-95404\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Photo from Booky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/ph.phonebooky.com\/app\/\">Booky<\/a> app today and be the first to know about our incredible and exclusive offers on all things food, fitness, and beauty!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>X still marks the spot<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":95418,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[539],"post_tag":[660],"malls":[],"booky_location":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92354"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92354"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92354\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":144699,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92354\/revisions\/144699"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=92354"},{"taxonomy":"malls","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/malls?post=92354"},{"taxonomy":"booky_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/booky.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/booky_location?post=92354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}