SPOT.ph Exclusive: A sneak peek into a soon-to-open sweet spot at SM Aura Premier

(SPOT.ph) The pleasure store is here, already installed at SM Aura Premier and ready to open to the public on April 8. SPOT.ph was given exclusive access to a much-anticipated international cafe and what we saw so far was nothing short of inspired. This ice cream sanctuary brings together some of the country’s best and brightest designers and culinary artisans for a one-of-a-kind dessert experience. Are your taste buds tingling?

A touch of gold for luxe. Does the M give you a hint?

The concept cafe, which takes to heart the brand’s luxurious and experiential philosophy, is big, airy, with interiors in delicious shades of brown that take inspiration from Belgian chocolate. Designer Ed Calma takes the credit for the elegant ambiance. He integrates the brand’s signature gold emblem via an intricate wall decal.

Doesn’t that panel along the wall remind you of a chocolate bar?

Seating is an assortment of intimate booths and small square tables to cater to customers wanting to nurse their ice cream and those looking for a quick break in between malling.

"Bedazzled" models standing on popular toppings like strawberries, cocoa powder, pistachios.

A display case visible from the cafe’s facade showcases different "Models." According to brand assistant Andrea Huang, the pimped-up ice cream bar figures came from branches all over the world. There’s one decked out in red to represent the cafe in Cannes while another flaunts different shades of blue to embody the beach.

The very detailed wall installation

There have been several pop-up cafes like this around the world, and each takes inspiration from local culture. Huang says they’re planning to invite local artists to create their own Model to display on the shelves. Architect and sculptor Carlo Calma also added some wall installations, one of which is the logo made with the brand’s popsicle sticks.

See those photos on the wall? Those are Chef Miko’s pieces of (edible) art.

Taking charge of the kitchen are two well-known chefs: Him Uy de Baron (Nomama, Chef Cuisine) has created a variety of light savory snacks to provide the perfect prelude to the desserts. Award-winning pastry chef Miko Aspiras, whose sweet concoctions can be tried at Raffles’ chocolate buffet, meanwhile, takes charge of the cafe’s ready-made icy masterpieces.

The pleasure store operates around a "limited edition, pop-up" concept. Huang guarantees that they’ll be sticking around for at least one year, but remains coy about the future after. Better grab your ice cream bar while you can.

This super secret ice cream hub, opening on April 8, is at 5/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City. Watch for our full feature on their menu later this week.