Ralfe Gourmet - an uncommon gastronomic experience

I was in Cebu for my mother's and sister's birthday- they both share the same birth date of October 24th.

My son Oliver have been mentioning to me this some sort of exclusive type chocolatier/restaurant that requires advance booking/reservation/arrangement on several occasions when I've visited Cebu that I have to go and see and experience.

So on Oct. 25, 2012, I finally allocated a time to go there along with my cousin from the US, my niece and nephews and my son....and indeed it was an uncommon gastronomic experience. It was not like the other Chocolatiers I've been to.  To begin with, the co-owner was there to tell us the story behind the emergence of Ralfe Gourmet, chocolate making, it's vision and passion.

Edu the co-owner, explaining to us the chocolate story

Left: Elizabeth, Right: Oliver

Aldwin my cousin from US

Me

The moment we entered the den it was like we were transported into another dimension, another world...it was like a part of the Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory set ( interestingly the theme song of my mother's and sister's birthday celebration the night before was "Pure Imagination"- one of the sound track in Willie Wonka movie). The smell of cocoa butter in the room could already satisfy anyone's chocolate craving. The walls are painted with chocolate and blocks of chocolates are a plenty. A fountain of melted chocolate provides the soothing sound along with the soft music. It was a fascinating room indeed.

Oliver is enjoying the Chocolate painted wall

Chocolate fountain and literally the fountain of youth- as they say, chocolates have high  anti-oxidant properties

Like Gretel of the fairy tale  "Hansel and Gretel" upon seeing the candy house

another chocolate painted wall. Elizabeth is marveling at the work of art

Yes! that's a block of chocolate

for your eyes only

Dude that's unsweetened by the way

like magnet pulling us towards it

a variety of chocolate preparation

A beautiful set-up of chocolate cakes and chocolate treats was a sight to behold. We devoured them while we listened to Edu's explanation of the making and ingredients of  each master piece. And Raquel Choa the Founder and President, Tableya expert and self-proclaimed chef came out to greet us.

We had truffles, pralines, alfajores, dark chocolate crispies, chocolate nibs, orange chocolate cake, vegan chocolate cake, hot chocolate of different flavors (from the common vanilla, cinnamon to orange and spicy) and so many others but what gave us the highest gastronomic pleasure was the thin chocolate crust pizza with cocoa butter in place of olive oil. A perfect cap to the most uncommon culinary experience ever.

hot choco in different flavors

The chocolate feast we shared

plus some super  studded choco chips

One of a kind Pizza---a must try

aaaaahhhhh...super satisfied

happy faces...effect of chocolate

with Raquel and Edu

We even have treats to go

They mentioned that they also cater to birthday and other celebrations in their place which can hold up to 30 people....They will whip up savory dishes that will be laced with chocolate. There is no menu in this restaurant as the chef will only surprise you.

For more information:
RALFE GOURMET INC.
(032)266.1840
info@ralfegourmet.com
www.ralfegourmet.com