A feast of chocolate and craft

Venchi and Don Papa's symphony at M Dining + Bar

- FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

In a dimly lit room where the clink of glasses met the low hum of conversation, the aroma of dark chocolate and rum lingered in the air.

On April 1, M Dining + Bar played host to a rare and intimate tasting led by Giovanni Battista "GB" Mantelli, the global brand ambassador and head of product development for Venchi, the celebrated Italian chocolate house. With Don Papa Rum as co-star, Giovanni offered an all-day tasting journey that explored the intersections of Italian chocolate craftsmanship and bold Filipino flavors.

"There's so much richness in the country's culinary culture," he shared with Manila Bulletin. "We're excited about the possibility of incorporating local flavors into our creations in the future." That spirit was on full display during the six-course pairing experience-a narrative told in chocolate, rum, and the soul of Filipino cuisine.

A brunch to begin with

The tasting opened with “Buongiorno!”—a morning-themed trio featuring Venchi's Cremino 1878, a silky, three-layered Gianduja chocolate. The nutty sweetness found its echo in local staples: warm taho, its arnibal syrup playing well with the chocolate's hazelnut depth, and an assortment of kakanin-puto, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta-adding texture and regional nostalgia.

Paired with the Don & Grey cocktail-a crisp blend of Don Papa Rum and earl grey-coconut soda-this course was designed to awaken the senses. "Chocolate in the morning gives me energy and joy," Giovanni shared. "It's a ritual for me."

Savory surprises at midday