tablea | EAT. BLOG. EXERCISE.

Tsoko.Nut Batirol, located at 2/F SM Makati, East Drive cor. Hotel Drive, Ayala Center, Makati (Contact #: +632 816-4305); with branches at RCBC Plaza Manila, The Eastwood Excelsior, SM Cubao, SM North Edsa, Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong, and Filinvest Muntinlupa.

Date: August 12, 2012

~~~~~~~~~~~~

LEXY SAYS:

Most chocoholics I know are very fond of the usual chocolate— uber sweet, milky, fatty… ordinary. I’m a self-confessed choco-addict, but I would like to believe that I’m one of the “different” guys. 🙂 I prefer dark chocolates not just because they’re more beneficial, but they also have this distinct taste that just lingers in your mouth.

With that preference in mind (plus my desire to feel something native!), I’ve decided to try this homegrown choco shop famously known as Tsoko.Nut Batirol. 🙂 I’ve read about their yummy “Tsokolate Ah” before (like, years ago), but I never got the chance to taste it… even if one of the branches is just a bus ride away. Hahaha.

Just a brief intro about this feel-good shop: Tsoko.Nut Batirol is like any other coffee shops, but with a local touch. It is owned by Marian Romano and started operations in 2004. The company uses tsokolate from Leyte, where a group roasts and grinds cacao for the shop. Simply put, Tsoko.Nut Batirol is the perfect place when you’re feeling all home-y and local and you just want to reminisce the good ol’ days.

And oh, “batirol” (or batidor) is the wooden thing used to make native tsokolate from tablea cacao balls. You can see it in this picture:

Anyway, let’s get to the main point! And that is simple: Tsoko.Nut Batirol surely is a must-try place! 🙂

Since it’s situated inside a mall (SM Makati, to be exact), the native vibe is somehow decreased. However, the quality of the products is still guaranteed to bring a person back to the good ol’ times of fresh cacaos and native delicacies.

(Lotsa goodies to choose from! From Napoleons to their Tablea Cake :>)

I ordered Tsokolate Ah Batirol (Php 78.00 for regular, Php 89.00 for large), of course (though at first I was torn between that and a sugar-free one with pinipig… good thing they don’t have pinipig, haha!), along with some pastries such as their Bibingka with Kesong Puti at Itlog na Pula (meant to be shared at Php 85.00!) and Chocolate Cake (Php 88.00).

Now, the verdict. (Haha, as if I’m really serious. But kidding aside, these are my honest comments.)

Tsokolate Ah Batirol – This one-of-a-kind drink had me at the smell. Its strong cacao features are very evident in its aroma… I can sniff it all day (haha!). At first sip, I was, like, transported back to the province (specifically Bataan) where I tasted my very first hot chocolate made from pure cocoa balls. It’s just so nostalgic and completely Filipino! 🙂 It’s not your usual milky and sweet hot choco. Personally, I like its bitter-ish and bold chocolate flavor, it’s what makes it so special. Best consumed while it’s still hot and smokin’. Hahaha. Seriously, if you’re craving for an authentic and out-of-this-world choco drink, go here. You’ll fall in love with their tsokolate in an instant. 😉

Oh by the way, they have many kinds of Tsokolate Ah. If you want it with nuts, cashew or pinipig, go ahead. I think you’ll be begging for more. 🙂

Bibingka with Kesong Puti at Itlog na Pula – It’s actually my first time to taste a bibingka, and I’m glad my first wasn’t bad at all! 🙂 This native delicacy’s awesome! Served on a banana leaf and with coconut shavings, this dish won’t disappoint your taste buds. It’s chewy, yummy, and goes well with Tsokolate Ah. Though it can be sticky sometimes, it’s tolerable and you won’t forsake your bibingka happiness just because of this. 😉 A perfect pair for a native merienda!

Chocolate Cake – Now this is surprising: unlike mainstream chocolate cakes, this one is not too sweet and not too bland. In short, the taste’s just right to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! 🙂 It’s so irresistable, you won’t mind pairing it with another chocolate such as Tsokolate Ah. Hahaha. But seriously people, this cake is a thumbs up for not being the umay type. 😉

Tsoko.Nut Batirol also serves coffee, salabat, ice-blended drinks, rice meals, and more. To get a full idea of what I’m talking about (hahaha), click here. 🙂

So there, my first journey to this very cool choco/coffee shop. I’m not done with this place. 😉 Next time, I’ll try their Tablea Cake (I’ve read from other food blogs that it’s really good) and the Tsokolate Ah with pinipig… and more! The possibilities are endless! (But for now, the cash is limited. Hahaha!)

(A super happy Lexy with her Tsokolate Ahhhhhhh :>)