X still marks the spot
After temporarily closing their iconic doors along Katipunan avenue, Xocolat has found a new home just across their old location.
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 institutions of the famous avenue. One such institution that has served generations of Katipunan’s students, workers, friends, and families is Xocolat.
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 new and old, fresh and familiar, sleek and personal at the same time, coming across this door, one thing is for certain: you have definitely found your spot.
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With their strong connection 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.
After graduating from Ateneo and having the opportunity to travel all over the world, this tightly-knit barkada finally decided it was time to take their culinary experiences home. Taking from strong European influences– and particularly inspired by their time in Barcelona and the rest of Spain- these chocolate-loving friends envisioned a cafe where friends could be at ease, hang out, relax, and enjoy some good chocolate.
It goes without saying that Xocolat is a cafe that is defined by chocolate. 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’s trademark.
Of course, this focus on chocolate is most readily seen in the cakes that are served. Easily their bestsellers, these high quality cakes are a testament to the love and respect that they’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 perfect take home surprise for special celebrations.
However, just serving the typical roster of chocolate recipes isn’t enough for Xocolat. With the belief that the flavors of chocolate can be pushed even further (and perhaps with the intention of challenging Filipino tastebuds), Xocolat offers up a different and daring take on what chocolate can do.
In their on-going effort to find unique ways to incorporate chocolate into almost everything that’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 constantly adjusting and rebuilding their menu, trying out new flavors and combinations– out of their pure love of chocolate, eating, and creating unforgettable dishes.
After all, chocolate might not be the most intuitive thing to pair up with pork belly, but hey, it just works. And ultimately, these bold twists on established dishes result in a rewarding food experience.
Originally located in one of the older houses that could be found around Katipunan, Xocolat has moved right across the street 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.
Despite the update in location, Xocolat has made it a point to retain the personal and intimate 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 customer comfort is still the priority.
Though some might feel that nothing can ever replace the at-home feel 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.
In a welcome change, the new space has allowed for larger and longer tables 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 natural light to enter the cafe, creating a more welcoming feel.
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.
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