Features

Dream Cake Taste Test PH | Merienda Time

NakedFoodie: You Haven’t Had Gelato Like This Before

You Haven’t Had Gelato Like This Before August 24, 2018 by webdev Last August 2016, my good friend Karla Zulueta started Aperitif, which means “appetizers” in French. It all started one hungover morning (like all great business ideas usually start) after a house party when Karla was urged by her friends to turn her culinary and party hosting skills and passion to a business. With help from her sister and business partner Kim Zulueta, they put up an all-female millennial team. And the rest, as they say, is history! Fast forward to 2018, and sisters Karla and Kim just opened their first brick and mortar shop in SM Aura! It’s a totally unique grab and go concept that takes inspiration from their grazing box ideas (the first ever in the Philippines, may I add)—this only goes to show that these amazing sisters have an excellent business acumen and work ethic. The bestsellers include their graze cone which is basically their grazing box in a handy-dandy cone. They also have gelato cones that are put together to look like a flower, it’s amazing and totally Instragram-worthy. Karla even invited me to Aperitif to go behind the scenes and learn how to make a gelato fleur. You guys look out for that soon on the vlog! For a heartier option, they have fresh pasta in a practical takeout container! How’s that for an easy lunch or dinner that certainly won’t disappoint! The pasta is made fresh and was creamy and indulgent. As if that isn’t enough it was topped with Parma ham which took me back to Tuscany with every bite. To up the ante, they even offer wine good for two. Located at the 4th floor of SM Aura, the Aperitif shop is quaint and tastefully Designed by Nix Alañon. I’m so glad to have been part of this event and I hope you all check Aperitif at SM Aura out!

Metro Online: Online grazing box sensation Apéritif opens its first store in SM Aura

nolisoli.ph : Have a golden chocolate cake and eat it, too at Aperitif

TEXT CHRISTIAN SAN JOSEPHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA ONG We arrived at a mall in Taguig, one of the few ones that open as early as 10 a.m., with the lights still unstable having opened only a matter of minutes. At the fourth floor is a new brick-and-mortar shop called Aperitif, known for their gift boxes that have cheese, cold cuts, and even a bottle of wine. They might as well have started this trend in the country. “We started with platters two years ago and we noticed that the wood platters in the Philippines are so expensive that we urge our clients to return the wood platters after they buy from us,” shared Karla Zulueta one of the two founders of Aperitif. “So we thought of a way to put it in a nice box and voila this whole graze box trend just became a phenomenon!” Grazing table spreads which usually feature cheese and charcuterie have since been big in local events and gatherings for the luxury they exude. In keeping up with the demand, Aperitif now offers take away boxes that contains the same items as a grazing table. But not just that, they have also made it available in a variety of sizes which makes it perfect as a gift. They have three sizes for the grazing boxes: half (P1,750), medium (P3,150), and large (P5,500). Each box has Italian cold cuts, cheeses, olives, cornichons, bread, and pickled olives, mostly imported from Europe. Also included are their signature branded truffle honey, milk chocolate, mango spice jam, and in some premium boxes, a bottle of wine or champagne. Beyond grazing boxes However, a visit to their SM Aura store warrants more than just getting a grazing box or two. Maximizing what little space they have, Aperitif combines three concepts under one roof: a patisserie, a gelato bar, and a grab-and-go pasta corner. Coming in at the shop, we were greeted by novelty items displayed near the counter which includes golden cutlery sets, golden whiskey stones, and even rose quartz crystal facial rollers. To the left behind the counter is a huge wheel of cheese, where fresh pasta is tossed. “Our pasta is made fresh every day, hand rolled and are all scratch made,” said Zulueta. “While the cheese wheel we use is a huge Grana Padano wheel from Italy.” Aperitif’s giant chunky chocolate chip cookies can also be bought by the box. Even more impressive is the rightmost part of the store where a chiller filled with pastries can be found, from their Ferrero Éclair to the Le Petit Antoine, layers of chocolate ganache and crunchy praline topped with a strip of chocolate and hazelnut. The icing on top But their most sought-after product to date, both in-store and online (they have online exclusives, as well), is their Triple Chocolate Fudge cake. In the two hours we were in their store, more than a dozen people have come in to order a box or two of this sinfully delicious chocolate cake. Zulueta shared that the concept originally was to create something that would surpass the tin cake trend. “We have always wanted to serve a classic in everyone’s palate which is a really good chocolate cake. Tin can cakes are really trending these days. We figured we don’t want to use a can as we aim to always be different from others, so we decided to put the layered cake inside a Belgian chocolate mold,” she said. The outcome? Three layers of chocolate that are fudgy and gooey all at the same time without losing the decadence that a classic chocolate cake has. To top it all off, Aperitif ditched the can altogether and encased the cake in an edible Belgian Chocolate shell dusted with gold powder imported from Malaysia. The chocolate cake curated by award-winning international pastry chef Kean Chuan comes in three sizes: four inches (P650), six inches (P850), and eight inches (P1,200) sold exclusively online. The triple chocolate fudge cake is the icing on the top of the empire that Aperitif is building. From starting a trend with grazing tables to innovating new products to expand their offerings, it is clear that Aperitif is becoming a lifestyle brand. “It serves everyone who loves entertaining friends, who love to explore the world, who loves to express themselves and their love for others. It’s really a one-stop shop for everything that calls for a celebration,” said Zulueta of their growing brand.

Primer Online ( Expat's Guide to Manila ) : Apéritif in BGC Offers Desserts That Are Outside the (Graze) Box

Apéritif in BGC Offers Desserts That Are Outside the (Graze) Box HOME Food Apéritif in BGC Offers Desserts That Are Outside the (Graze) Box   If you have been following the social media life of local socialites and celebrities, then it is likely that you have stumbled upon Apéritif at least once on your feed. IMAGE Apéritif’s Facebook page Apéritif, meaning appetizer in French, pioneered the concept of food grazing in the Philippines. Its operations began in 2016 as a catering and online store under the management of sisters Kim and Karla Zulueta. The store aims to serve as a one-stop shop for everything needed in a celebration. “We have always had this passion for food and entertaining so we decided to take it a little further and think of new and innovative ways to entertain and celebrate with food,” said founder Karla Zulueta in an online interview. IMAGE aperitifph.com Originally, Apéritif only offered their graze boxes online. These lavish boxes incorporate different cold cuts, cheeses, and spirits arranged in a way that is both unique and aesthetically pleasing. The store offers different variations of their graze boxes from cold cuts to fruits to sweets. Each box is different, but a standard one is comprised of three things: cold cuts, cheeses, and wines. IMAGE aperitifph.com They also offer events services where they set-up different stations including their popular grazing table. According to Marketing Officer Belle de Leon, the idea of a grazing table is a whole table covered with food, making it look like a feast. But in August of this year, the business savvy Zulueta sisters decided to open their first physical store in SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The modish grab-and-go store not only made Apéritif’s graze boxes available any time, but it also gave birth to a new dessert shop in BGC. The interior plays with marble and gold creating a modern, sophisticated vibe ADVERTISEMENT One of their most popular desserts is the Gelato Fleur (Php 220), handcrafted gelato made to resemble a flower on a cone. Aside from being chilled at a right temperature, the creatively served gelato requires a trained hand in order to achieve its form. Gelato Fleur (Php 220) Customers can choose from eight different gelato flavors: cappuccino, dark chocolate, french vanilla, watermelon sorbet, green tea, wild berry, tiramisu, and mango. Their gelatos can also be enjoyed in a cup for the same price. Both the Gelato Fleur and Gelato Cup are topped with a shard made from chocolates locally sourced from Davao. The restaurant also serves white pasta dishes. The Prosciutto Pasta (Php 250) is made with fresh, thin noodles tossed in a grana padano wheel. The prosciutto provided just the right amount of saltiness that blended nicely with the flavor of the pasta. Prosciutto Pasta (Php 250) Pasta dishes are tossed inside a grana padano wheel And as if the graze boxes aren’t already innovative enough, Apéritif also introduced graze cones, which in a sense are graze boxes on-the-go. The graze cones are available in two variants: Cheese and Cold Cuts Cone (Php 350) and Designer Strawberry Cone (Php 355). (L) Cheese and Cold Cuts Cone (Php 350) and (R) Small Graze Box (Php 490)  When asked what sets them apart from other establishments, Zulueta said that they are innovative. “We never stop curating things that are new, original and stands out,” she furthered.

Lifestyle Asia: The Zulueta Sisters Launched Apéritif in SM Aura…and It’s Changing Everything

The Zulueta Sisters Launched Apéritif in SM Aura…and It’s Changing Everything August 21, 2018   By  Chino R. Hernandez Apéritif, the food concept by sisters Kim and Karla Zulueta took Manila by storm when they first launched a little over a year ago. We’re sure you’re acquainted with those dark boxes filled with tapas favorites, which has become a favorite amongst Manila’s discriminating crowd. Their crazy, overabundant tablescapes have also been the subject of many Instagram posts, and countless companies (such as the Aivee Group and Union Bank) have customized grazing boxes from Apéritif to give out as gift sets. Just last week, the Zulueta’s launched their first physical Apéritif store at SM Aura. Gastronomes fluttered to the store opening, excited that their favorite treats are now available over the counter and can now fulfill their tapas cravings in an instant. Many also noted that Apéritif may very well change the movie going experience, elevating it into new levels of luxury. You can order a grazing cone of cold cuts and cheeses (ideally paired with their truffle honey) and bring it into the cinema. The store, located at SM Aura’s fourth floor, is just a stone’s throw away from the movie house. Who says fine dining cannot be enjoyed while relishing the new Marvel movie? It certainly wasn’t Kim and Karla. RELATED READS: There Will Be No Party in Manila Like Oktoberfest The famous graze boxes are now available as graze cones in the new Apéritif store Business-minded millennials : sisters Karla and Kim Zulueta are behind the Apéritif food concept In addition to the classic meats and cheeses they’ve grown popular for, the new Apéritif offers a wide variety of gastronomical fair to indulge in. For instance, their list of confections is vast. The strawberries covered in dark chocolate could very well satisfy any sweet tooth. They’ve also developed their own gelatos (freshly made every day) and bespoke macarons. Heavier fair such as delightful deli sandwiches and fresh pastas tossed in a giant Grana Padano wheel (available in four flavors: Prosciutto, Smoked Salmon and Caviar, Truffle Mushroom, and Pesto and Sundried Tomato) is available for consumptions as well. Lastly, the girls have curated a selection of home items ideal to pair with your “Apéritif lifestyle”. A corner in their store presents to patrons such items like really snazzy Golden Flasks, Pineapple Bottle Openers, Stainless Pens, and Gold Stainless Whiskey Stone sets. This will surely help populate your tablescape in your next IG-friendly parties and get togethers at home. Enough talking, scroll doll to see all Apéritif food and home selections you can purchase at their new store. Happy eating and shopping!   Apéritif is located at the fourth floor of SM Aura. Game changer: Cold cuts can now be eaten in the cinema Apéritif’s famous Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake A large selection of confections can also be bought at the new Apéritif store Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries Enjoy fresh pastas tossed in a giant Grana Padano wheel We’re excited to try Apéritif’s new deli sandwiches

When In Manila Feature

Aperitif Manille Serves Instagrammable Graze Cones and Desserts BY DESA TAYTING•   AUGUST 23, 2018 " Does this box filled with cheese, dessert and cold cuts look familiar to you? If you’ve got one name in mind and that’s Aperitif, you got it right. Ready your feeds as they recently opened their first physical store at SM Aura Premiere, which serves really pretty desserts and more! This store brings you to the streets of Paris with its luxurious interiors giving off a French vibe. How about an extra-romantic date night here?   Mille Fuille, Php225 Those gorgeous gourmet boxes have finally turned into individually-piled grazed cones containing cheese and cold cuts with honey on the side. Savory Graze Cones, Php350 If you suddenly feel like you need wine and something good to go with it, Aperitif’s first branch in the Metro is your saving grace. Everything inside is Instagrammable; even the packaging looks classy and sophisticated. Sweet Graze Cones, Php355 Aside from these delicious stylish cones, we also tried their gelato which will make you really want to look closely. Gelato Fleur in matcha, Php220 Look! They turn your gelato into roses in bloom – picture perfect! Truffle Mushroom Pasta Php299 We love their Truffle Mushroom Pasta in white sauce with its big servings of mushroom. It’s a great match for Chardonnay, too! The fresh pasta is tossed in a cheese wheel. They also have Prosciutto Pasta (Php250), Pesto Pasta (Php250), and Smoked Salmon and Caviar (Php299). French and classic desserts, anyone? Aperitif has a wide selection of sweets, such as Walnut Tarts, Choux Chantilly, Choux Ferrero Eclair, Custard Eclair, Opera Cake, Petite Antoine and Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip, Mango Mousse and this mouth-watering and flawless Chocolate Mousse Cake. Prices range from Php170 to 245.  Chocolate Mousse Cake, Php245 Aperitif also creates gorgeous gourmet boxes perfect for gifts and giveaways such as Graze Boxes, Sweet Graze Boxes, Truffle Caviar Pie, Cookie Stack Cakes and more. Make sure to check out this store as they have very stylish and classy merchandise, including cutlery and straw sets! Aperitif Manille 4th flr, SM Aura Premier, Taguig http://www.aperitifph.com Sharing is caring!

Esquire Magazine features Aperitif at Aura

It was in 2015 when the term "grazing" emerged in catering circles. The neat segregation of dips and hors d'oevres were set aside to highlight a multicomponent feast: towers of cheese wheels, mountains of grapes, trails of nuts and apricots, stacks of bread and biscuits, folds upon folds of cured meats, all arranged in a chaos that makes you just want to dig in. A bounty that's part primeval, part sophisticated, the grazing setup was irresistible that it quickly caught on, finding its way into the arsenal of many enterprising caterers, including those in the Philippines. How grazing caught on in the country could easily be traced back to Aperitif.ph. Refined sensibilities and social savvy quickly developed what used to be a hobby. Sisters Kim and Karla Zulueta grew up understanding good food and entertaining. "I always liked eating, presenting food, and making dishes pretty," said Karla at their newly opened Aperitif brick-and-mortar in SM Aura Premier. She would host grazing setups for friends when one day a friend asked her to cater her wedding. After refusing initially, Aperitif.ph's story went the way most successful entrepreneurial tales do and by September 2016, the sisters were in business.  Aperitif.ph's first brick-and-mortar shop is on the fourth floor of SM Aura. IMAGE: KAI HUANG   Karla runs the brand with her sister Kim. They're incredibly hands on when it comes to the details of their company. IMAGE: KAI HUANG "We used to put them in platters," explained Karla, "but that was difficult because the customers had to bring the plates back." The idea then evolved into a smorgasbord box packed with what you'd usually find on a grazing spread. "We kind of invented the grazing box. In fact, we actually have that idea patented." The delectable pull of meats and cheeses coupled by Aperitif.ph patented convenience was an easy enough idea to get around.   From patented grazing boxes to grazing cones, Aperitif.ph makes these smorgasbords easily available. IMAGE: KAI HUANG Her background in branding has created a specific look and standard for everything that goes on in their business. Confections were created by Malaysian pastry chef Kean Chuan and the gelato was formulated especially for Aperitif.ph. "It took six months because we needed a different consistency for the gelato so we could form fleurs the way they do it in Italy," she explained. The stiffer gelato, however, does little to compromise the silky, creamy quality we've come to expect of this frozen dessert. Cured meats and cheeses are all imported from Italy and pastas are tossed in a cheese wheel before serving.  ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW    The gelato is a special formulation so that they could be easily shaped into fleurs. IMAGE: KAI HUANG     Pastries are crafted by Malaysian dessert chef Kean Chuan IMAGE: KAI HUANG The SM Aura location, which they've designed as a grab-and-go lifestyle concept store, is only one step in a grand plan to dominate the world. "We wanted our clients to find us beyond the website," Karla said. The highlight is the paper cones which are a miniaturized grazing selection for mall snackers. "I had to think of a way to make us accessible. I don't want people to come in and be put off because everything we had [on the website] cost over P5,000."   There are four pastas available, each tossed fresh in a Parmesan cheese wheel. IMAGE: KAI HUANG Apart from pastries, macarons, coffee, grazing options, gelato,and pasta, the sisters have expanded their brand to include pens, drinking paraphernalia, jade rollers, rose gold metal straws and cutlery, and more. Karla makes Aperitif.ph hard to forget: their signature typeface is stamped on everything, from the boxes to the opera cakes. ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW  "The plan is really to spread out globally. Our items are imported, yes, but our concept is local and Filipinos came up with the idea for these grazing boxes, grazing cones." "Pretty" is a rather meek shorthand to how Karla's set up Aperitif.ph, but inadvertently or not, it's become much more than an Instagram double-tap. What the Zuluetas have done is to package refinement, made it portable, edible luxury to go--and for less than P500.   Aperitif.ph is at 4/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; www.aperitifph.com.

MY PUHUNAN with Karen Davila