Hearty treats by Chocolatier Benoit Nicolay

MANILA, Philippines - Most chocolate found on the market today is made with vegetable oils or hydrogenated fats to stabilize the chocolate, preventing it from melting in our sultry tropical weather. These ingredients leave a strange lingering aftertaste.

Enter Benoit Nicolay, a chocolatier from Belgium, who specializes in making fresh, hand-made chocolates in the classic Belgian tradition. He started crafting chocolates after frustration with the quality of chocolates in Manila. Having been raised in the country known for the sheer quality of its chocolate; Nicolay craved the real thing and longed to bring it here for Filipinos to enjoy.

Nicolay uses only the purest imported Belgian chocolates and the finest ingredients when crafting his creations. He also has an extensive array of products to answer any chocolate craving: a selection of the purest pralines and truffles; pouches of bric-a brac for those who want it all; orangettes (candied orange strips enrobed in dark chocolate); chocolate crepe (thin French biscuit crepe in Belgian chocolate); chocolate bars and slim tablettes of classic chocolate for purists.

To sample these delectable treats, simply call 822-6995 or go to www.chocolatesbybenoit.com to place your order, only P750 per box.