GASTRONOMY by Joy: Swoon Over Resorts World Manila's Luck in Love Dining Finds

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Swoon Over Resorts World Manila's Luck in Love Dining Finds

As a couple, many of our unusual successes in marriage life were shared and shaped out over romantic dinners. Most of our family get-aways and weekenders were thought of over a conversation with juicy steaks, pasta and of course sweet endings.

That's why I'm ecstatic to share you Resorts World Manila's special Valentine's offering and might I say the different restaurants can't wait to feed the lovebirds, as each of these avante garde food establishments have created equally romantic menu offerings.

Impressions, a fine-dining French resto at Maxim's Hotel together with the different managing chefs of RWM, hosted a gastronomic ensemble of unique dishes for the V-day.

The modern chic feel exuded by Impressions, plus the long glass encasement filled with quality wines and liquors, may be enough to feel romance and intimacy with your date. However, a French fete of a meal may truly convey that "I love you" to your special someone.

It was my first time here at Impresions, the experience was impeccable, from the service of the staff down to the distinct thought of serving up not just good food but that would delight every gourmand. Seeing these wines near one of the open kitchen being chilled in preparation for our dinner got me more on my feet and cheery.

But upon seeing what were bound for us to nosh on made me even more over the moon.

Six signature restaurants, a degustation with some of Manila's food bloggers, a date with RWM's chefs...might be dreamy but it was what greeted me last Wednesday prior to all the hoolabaloos for the coming love day.

IMPRESSIONS Dinner Romance

Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen prepares his special five-course degustation menu paired with exquisite Chandon sparkling wine. The five course Dinner Romance menu includes appetizers to desserts, the set that is said to indulge at its finest. The main courses include Butter-Roasted Veal Loin, Lardon-Wrapped Codfish, and the signature Prime Rib.

This is only available from February 13 to 15 at P3,500 net per person.

For the amuse-bouche [ä mo̵̅o̅z bo̵̅o̅s̸h], have a taste of this exquisitely prepared Seared Scallops on Herbed Soil of Nuts and Brioche with Cauliflower Meuniere.

Consider this a treasure from the sea as it is served on an open scallop shell, begin by savoring the lightness of the broth that continues to build up to an herby note, then gobble up the whole scallop and end it with the nice sweet after taste of the thinly sliced cauliflower.

After which, you'll be instantly slayed with this plate of Duo of Duck Liver Terrine and Strawberry Marmalade, Strawberry Aspic, Peanut Powder and Pistachio Emulsion. Beautiful is definitely an understatement for this! It's a complex show of flavor, texture and aesthetic aspects. We were advised by Chef Cyrille to have a bite with all of the different elements in the plate and what you'll get is an explosion of lovely flavors.

Lastly for Impression's' presentation, a plate of what seemed to be dark mini sandwiches arranged intricately with vegetables made into foams was laid in front of us. The black squares are squid gaufrette, a savory French waffle pressing a squid.

A creamy broth of Mussels, Clams, and Prawns was scooped on it afterwards. What is meant as a gourmet restaurant item happens to be a very comforting thickened seafood soup.

Victoria Harbour Cafe

As we take a tour of the RWM, you'll begin to realize that it is a melting pot of different cultures, thus you'll be rewarded with different tastes of the world. After the tempting French Dinner Romance, we were transported back to Asia as the newly opened, authentic Hong Kong diner, Victoria Harbour Cafe serves up a quick fix. Enjoy a deluxe combination platter which includes a winter melon with seafood and bean curd, curry fried fish fillet, Chinese style beef steak, wok-fried noodles and a heart-shaped pudding.

The Harbour Love set is available on February 14 only, for P 1,376++ for two.

Ginzadon's Set for Love

A meal fit for romatic royals is what Ginzadon offers. From February 13 to 15, the Japanese and Korean restaurant will prepare a Set for Love which features Salmon Princess (P1500 +) or steak and prawn king (Php 2,500) for the main course.

Or how about, Love and Roll for the rest of February? Savor the feast of lovely bite-sized Shake No Toro Maki (Salmon Belly Roll) for only Php 700 + or Maguro Tatake Maki (Seared Tuna Deep Fried Roll) for only Php 600+.

Dine Under the Stars at The Terrace

Building up to a crescendo, the lovely dinner degustation was making us all head over heels with the menu, as Executive Chef Gregorio Nuguid of The Terrace, introduced their offerings.

A romantic al fresco dinner with bottomless sparkling, red, and white wines at the hotel's idyllic poolside cabanas for just P 3,660 net per person, plus a long-stemmed rose and a box of chocolates welcome lovers. Available only from February 13 to 14, 2015.

Part of the V-day celebration is this Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb with Espresso Demi. The gamey taste of the lamb, cooked rare has been camouflaged with the herb flavor and the ground pistachio laced around it.

Then woo your beloved with these trio of no-bake cheesecakes. It definitely made me say WOW! when I had a bite of each of this cupped desserts.

Eat, Drink, Love at Mercado

For a buffet that would really impress your loved one, let Chef de Cuisine Angelo "Chubby" Timban show of with Mercado's Valentine's feast with Eat, Drink, Love at Mercado, the hotel's buffet restaurant. The impressive selection includes the freshest seafood, exquisite carvings, and international dishes for P 1,288++ from February 13 to 15, 2015.

Cafe Maxims' Sweet Love

The totally heavenly dinner ended on some sweet harmonic notes. My true appreciation for Maxims Hotel's Pastry Chef Michael Lopez. Cafe Maxim's Spcecial Valentines cakes are just...ahhh...'nuf said.

Cake of Affection (P 1,800), a layered milk chocolate mousse over vanilla sponge base, sprayed with cacao butter, laced with pink Italian butter cream and capped with ornate white chocolate, fresh red currant, and chocolate hearts.