Chocolate Kiss - We Meet Again!

Updated October 4, 2016. Additional comments at the bottom.

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Back in the days, we loved going to Chocolate Kiss in U.P. Food was good, desserts were divine and the price was reasonable. When I moved to Panay Ave., I was happy that there was a branch in Roces. And just recently, I stumbled into another branch right in the heart of UP Town Center.

 

It's been a while since my last Chocolate Kiss visit so I had to ask the waiter about the best sellers. He gave me several options options and I needed a few minutes to ponder - I wish I could order (and eat) them all! While thinking, I noticed that the ambiance of the place was a lot posher than the other branches. I can't help but wonder if the prices here were also different? I honestly couldn't remember.

 

With a glass of bottomless iced tea in hand, I decided to get the Hickory Smoked Spareribs. For P270, it was well worth the price. It was a bit too sweet for the "mature lady" I was with but it was just right for me. I've had better, but I'm not gonna complain about what I got tonight. Still really good.

 

We also ordered the Chicken Kiev (P240). It's chicken breast  with cream cheese, butter and herbs and it tasted just right for "mature lady." I would have preferred it with a little Knorr Seasoning, but it was still delicious as is. I loved the cream cheese filling.

 

For dessert, I was torn between the Devil's Food Cake and the Dayap Cake, but ended up choosing the latter. To be honest, it didn't look like it was going to be delicious but I'm glad that looks are often deceiving. It was really good, with just the right sweetness level. I could eat this all day.

 

I'm really happy to see you again, Chocolate Kiss. Mwaaaah.

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Updated October 4, 2016

I went back to The Chocolate Kiss Cafe a couple of days ago and I tried some of the other dishes (and have some additional comments, too!).

For starters, service wasn't as good this time around. The place was at around 70% occupancy but it was not easy to get someone's attention. I noticed that most of the waiters were either busy with customers or standing near the counter. That made it a bit hard for them to see the customers seated near the entrance. I decided to just walk up to the cashier, told the nice lady that I wanted to order, and gave my list despite her minor protestations. Service was so much better after that.

 

So my friends and I ordered the Pancit and it was actually good for sharing. It was good, in all fairness, especially coming from a guy who does not normally eat Pancit. I enjoyed poking around the dish for meat though the noodles were also delicious. Good to order for merienda or early dinner.

 

The Beef Stroganoff used to be one of my favorites, and it was still good enough to devour. To be honest, it does. It taste as awesome as I remember it, so I guess my taste buds have evolved over the years (or they changed the recipe a bit).

 

The Beef Caldereta was okay I suppose. I just tasted a really delicious Caldereta recently (from a catering service) and that killed any chances that this dish may have had. Also, the serving was too small. I think I only ate a piece and some shreds.

 

The Chix in a Basket was also average. I must point out that the fries were poorly seasoned (I relied on the ketchup), and the chicken fingers only taste yummy when dipped in the BBQ sauce. 

 

Finally, there were those Piglets. In concept, the dish is simple enough. Wrap some sausage slices in bacon, fry (or bake?), and serve with some dip. They got me at bacon. Anything wrapped in bacon is worth trying.