From November 9 to December 8, 2016, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club offers a special menu called Sweet and Savory November. This highlights the collaboration between Chef Jessie Sincioco and Raquel T. Choa, the Chocolate Queen of Cebu.
During the launch which was aptly called- Cacao de Bola, guests were treated to a different kind of performance. Raquel made cacao de bola by pounding the cacao beans. It was a very engaging performance similar to being in a poetry reading. Do take note though that Raquel is making chocolate in its truest form and every detail must be perfect, including the room temperature. Warm temperature is needed to coax the oil out from the beans. It was kinda tricky to do that at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club but everything turned out well after the cooling system was turned off- no kidding.
I was mesmerized by Raquel's graceful hands as she transform the cacao granules into a pasty ball that eventually becomes the cacao de bola or ball of chocolate. Watch video --- The Chocolate Queen.
And here is the cacao de bola, lovingly done by Raquel's graceful hands. Watching her passionately transform the cacao beans into a cacao de bola is really an amazing experience.
Here are some of Raquel's cacao creations:
Of course, the highlight of the event is the collaboration between Chef Jessie and Raquel. The Cacao de Bola Menu offers gastronomic choices that include: Cinco Jotas Cacao de Bola Canape and Ciabatta with Cacao de Bola Peanut Butter for starters; choice of Classic Ceasar, Arugula with Crunchy Prosciutto and Grilled Portobello with Four Cheeses and Cacao de Bola salad; the main entrees are Cacao de Bola Burger, Grilled Ostrich Tenderloin, Pork Barbeque, Beef Stew, Truffle Risotto with Cacao de Bola and Linguine al Funghi with Truffle; for dessert there's Sikwate with Glutinous Rice, Tablea Creme Brulee, Cacao de Bola Chocolate Mousse, Cacao de Bola Cupcake, and Hot and Cold Cacao de Bola.
Cacao de Bola Burger. Juicy and perfectly grilled Angus beef with Wild Mushroom Chocolate Sauce. Really, really good. Not good for sharing. ;)
I was also able to sample the other dishes but had this dilemma of "Should I take a photo?" or "Should I eat it?" I chose the latter! :D
My favorites are: Grilled Portobello with Four Cheese and Cacao de Bola, Grilled Ostrich Tenderloin and Cacao de Bola Cupcake, and of course, the burger.
You can have your fill of these chocolate-y creations until December 8, 2016 at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club. Chocolate products by The Chocolate Chamber are also available at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club.
*** All photos are taken using OPPO F1s
the kitchen goddess