Chocolate During a Rainy Afternoon

Have you ever wanted something so much yet circumstances wouldn't allow you to get it no matter how close you get? I've been wanting to try Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates for so long. There was even a time when I was so desperate that I asked if they shipped to Zamboanga. There were so many instances when I got close to tasting these babies, like being in Manila during the summer of 2012, but something was always in the way when I was about to buy them.

After two-three years of waiting, I've finally tried two of their flavors. One is a holiday special, Honey Cinnamon and the other is Green Mango and Salt. I have Granny to thank for these because she bought them during her trip to Dumaguete.

Anyway, I guess I should start by talking about their pretty packaging. They seriously do not look like your typical chocolate. They almost look as if they were gift-wrapped specifically for each buyer. Well, I felt that way while I was opening them. I unwrapped them as slowly and as carefully as I could because ruining the cute packaging was almost like getting my heart broken.

Honey Cinnamon. If you took a whiff of the bar itself, it smells heavily of cinnamon. I bit a piece of it and I was greeted with the familiar taste of cinnamon rolls. It was like eating one, only in chocolate form. That might sound really stupid, but it was the first thing I thought of when I bit it. My mind also wandered to the memory of baking cookies with a pinch of cinnamon, but I digress. As expected, the bitter aftertaste of the dark chocolate is there. Also, in between nibbles, there would be a slight "crisp" due to the honey pieces. All in all, it was okay.

Green Mango and Salt. My absolute favorite of the two would have to be the dark chocolate with green mango and salt one. It's a really interesting flavor because it dared to combine bitter, salty and sour. I loved the candied, if I'm not mistaken, mango and how it went so well with the dark chocolate. This reminded me of the first time I encountered the joy of partnering chocolate with something salty. It was when I watched the film, First Daughter.

I know the flavor may sound odd and all, but I really think it's unique. It tasted good, too. Plus, I'm not sure if Theo & Philo was aiming for this thought, but I love the way a Philippine-based chocolate company actually used the country's national fruit in one of their creations. Yes, if you didn't know, the chocolates are 100% Philippine-made. As their official website says, "the only bean to bar chocolate from the Philippines."

That's it. My first Theo & Philo experience. I can't wait to try their other flavors! ^_^

Also, I'd like to insert a little plug here. I'm back in the online business. Well, I'm attempting to go back. Check out my shop if you have the time. At the moment, we have some tops and authentic branded bags there. Just send me a message there if you see anything you like. :)

My giveaway sponsored by Tribute Shoes is still on-going, so join now!