Joko Magalong

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Passion by Gerard Dubois is located on the ground floor of Net Park Building. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><div><span style="line-height:1.6">MANILA -- Passion is no ordinary word, and Passion by Gerard Dubois, which formally opens Wednesday at the Bonifacio Global City, is no ordinary café.</span></div><p>This successful Hong Kong franchise is the brainchild of Swiss chef Dubois, who first gained international acclaim when he opened La Rose Noire pattiserie in Hong Kong back in 1991. In 2011, his cookbook, &quot;Crafted Passion,&quot; was named Best Dessert Book in the World at the Gourmand Awards in Paris.</p><p>His youngest venture, Passion by Gerard Dubois, a combination boulangerie, patisserie, and confiserie, has spawned many branches in Hong Kong, and is now in the Philippines.</p><p>Ambience-wise, Passion by Gerard Dubois Manila shares the same aesthetic as its Hong Kong sisters – wood floors and beams, stainless steel fixtures, and a long counter display of food items. The atmosphere is relaxed but vibrant, as one can’t help but be caught up in the energy of food preparation and service that can be viewed behind the counter.</p><p>I especially liked the high ceilings that lent airiness to the place. There’s an outdoor patio as well, for those wishing to dine al fresco.</p><div><strong>Boulangerie and dining menu</strong></div><p>As you enter the restaurant, you are first greeted with their breads -- each crusty and smelling of rich yeasty goodness. These included its signature bread “Passion” or Pain au Levain (sourdough bread), as well as the Pain au Sarrasin (buckwheat bread) and Pain d’ Epeautre (spelt wheat bread), among others.</p><p>French names aside, no need to fret, as samples of each were available, so diners can taste and choose to their hearts content before making a decision. I especially liked the Pain au Sarassin: the buckwheat lent a nice, almost molasses-like flavor, to the bread, which is ideally paired with either a tart tomato soup, or a dab or two of creamy cheese.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The Salmon and Brie Sandwich. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>These breads were also used in the sandwiches. There are vegetarian options like the Mozzarella and Tomato sandwich, or healthier alternatives like the Salmon and Brie.</p><p>My favorite was the Curry Chicken Sandwich, which had just the right hint of subtle curry flavor and tender chicken, while the cranberries in the sandwich gave a nice balanced sweetness to the dish -- a pleasing, healthy and filling sandwich.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion3.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The charcuterie platter. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Another way to enjoy the breads is to get a charcuterie platter with crispy bread pieces and a selection of cold cuts.</p><p>Looking for something light as a meal or as an accompaniment to your sandwich? A salad bar contained the classics like a Creamy Chicken Salad and a Winter Waldorf Salad, while also offering interesting ones like the yummy Morrocan Couscous Salad or the Beetroot with Orange segments salad.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion4.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Four Seasons sourdough pizza. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>“Pizzas” come in two forms: the sourdough pizza and flatbread or tortilla pizzas. We tried the Four Seasons Sourdough pizza, which came to the table in four slices, each with a different flavor – smoked salmon, salami, mushroom, and chicken tikka.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Double Smoked Bacon La Palette tortilla pizza hit all the rights marks in creaminess and bacon goodness. A must-try for bacon lovers.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion5.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Double Smoked Bacon La Palette. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>The Brie Cheese La Palette, on the other hand, was a surprise – a light and creamy pizza alternative.</p><p>Pastas (Linguine Beef Bolognese, Creamy Mushroom Penne Pasta), as well as French casseroles (Coq au Vin, Lamb Stew, Pork Ribs) were also available for dine-in orders.</p><p>Patisserie and confiserie</p><p>Onto the sweets.</p><p>Passion by Gerard Dubois boasts an awe-inspiring display of buttery pastries – we could hardly choose one as each looked as delectably soft and flaky as the other. We settled on the Peach Danish, which had the right amount of sweet and tart, while the Hazelnut Caramel Danish wasn’t too sweet, and had hazelnut flavor in every bite.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion6.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Dark Chocolate and Almond Croissant. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Croissants lovers can also delight in the plain butter croissants, to generously nut-topped goodies like the Dark Chocolate and Almond Croissant, or the Roasted Almond Croissant.</p><p>French cakes abound -- from colorful spheres atop cookie crusts, to domes, and layers and layers of flaky pastry interspersed with cream.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion7.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Chocolate Mille Feuille. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Table favorites included the Chocolat aux Noissets, a hazelnut cake with rich hazelnut chocolate mousse with a layer of chocolate sponge, covered in dark chocolate; the Pistache et Cerise, a pistachio chocolate dome covering a cherry mouse center; the Mango Mont Blanc, a chestnut mousse dome with a mango mousse center, covered with piped meringue; the Crème Brulee, creamy custard in a tub with delicately torched sugar on top; and last but not the least, their Chocolate Mille-Feuille, flaky mille feuille layers with Valrhona dark chocolate mousse.</p><p>Enjoy these with a cup or two of coffee which range from the creamy and sweet lattes (caramel or matcha), to the more standard cappuccinos and brewed coffee, to the luxurious chocolate chaud with Valrhona chocolate, or to mocktails using fruits like raspberry or pears.</p><p>Continuing on the sweet path can also mean scoops of Les Glaces, or ice cream with different flavors from passion fruit to lime to Valrhona chocolate. One can get a tulip container for a little extra.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/04/06/passion8.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Choose your ice cream flavor. <em>Eugene Constantino, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heftyfoodie/"><strong>The Hefty Foodie</strong></a></em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Or perhaps little loaf cakes to go or to share? Like the Lemon Cake or the “Passion” Blueberry -- a super moist loaf studded with blueberries galore, with an option to get a muffin version.</p><p>Other sweet offerings include Les Chocolats – different kinds of chocolate bark made with varied levels of dark and white chocolate, like the Ivoire 35% with Raspberry Croquant Flakes, or the Tanori 64% with Almond and Coconut, to name a few.</p><p>If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat, there is also a selection of colorful French macarons on display.</p><p>_____________</p><p>Passion by Gerard Dubois<br/>G/F Net Park Building<br/>5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City</p>

Passion is no ordinary word, and Passion by Gerard Dubois, which formally opens Wednesday at the Bonifacio Global City, is no ordinary café. 

New eats: HK restaurant Passion opens at BGC

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New eats: HK restaurant Passion opens at BGC

Joko Magalong

Published Apr 06, 2016 01:03 PM PHT

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