It was my first time inside Discovery Country Suites. I was charmed by its quaint yet classy country inn look and feel. It's a small, intimate place with seven magnificent rooms. Very cool, breezy, and back-to-nature... with a wonderful view overlooking Taal. It's perfect for Valentines.
We were there for Chef David Pardo de Ayala's Valentine offerings, and he delighted us with not one but two separate his and hers menus. Being female, I was served the For Her set. A mere glance at Chef David's courses is enough to send your tastebuds into the high heavens -- oysters, foie gras, US steak... mmmm! Basically, every single dish would have the same main ingredient in two versions, For Him and For Her. For example, first course: His Oysters (In Fricassee, Maitre D' Butter Chilled "Frizzante Bianco", Her Oysters (Crispy Fried, Caviar Remoulade, Chilled "Frizzante Rosso").
To start us off, freshly baked bread with three different spreads was served. We were warned not to indulge too much though, as we had six courses to go. 
The first course arrived -- Her Oysters: Crispy Fried, Caviar Remoulade, Chilled "Frizzante" Rosso (pictured above left). I was awed by the presentation. Colorful flower petals punctuated what I felt was an otherwise simple deep fried and breaded oyster dish. The second course -- Her Foie Gras: Grapes, Almonds, Pedro Ximenez (pictured above right, +P495 to the set menu price) is actually optional, so yes even those who've sworn off foie gras can still have a pleasant Valentines meal here. The foie gras is very rich, buttery, and sinful. The peeled sweet yet slightly tart grapes complemented it perfectly.
The third course -- Her Demi-Tasse: Minestrone, Basil Ricotta, Parmesan "Fricco" (pictured above) is quite easily, the best soup I've ever had in my life. Chef David used organic chicken, which is "like the Ferrari of chickens," he laughingly described to us. I loved the clean-tasting yet flavorful soup stock, and that wafer-like bowl you see on top of the macaroni and veggies is actually parmesan cheese. Needless to say I finished every drop. :D
The fourth course -- Her Barramundi: Roasted Bell Peppers, Chorizo Pamplona, Potatoes + Herbs (pictured above), had a spicy kick to it. I liked everything except for the Barramundi itself. I can't fault the dish, I just don't like the taste of Barramundi no matter how it's cooked. :p
The fifth and main course -- US Steak "Solomillo + Gambas" Marinated Spanish Style Tomato Condiment, "Paella" Risotto (pictured above) was absolutely delicious. The steak had just the right doneness so it was very tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The cherry tomatoes were very sweet, a fitting condiment to the steak. I didn't even bother with steak sauce, this dish is perfect as is.
The sixth and final course -- Her Chocolate Marquise: Baby Black Pepper "Panna Cotta", Balsamic Strawberries, Basil (pictured above) was divine. I wouldn't trade it in for the His version which has bananas and caramel instead of strawberries and Panna Cotta. The strawberries' sweetness and flavor were really brought out by the drizzling of balsamic vinegar. The Chocolate Marquise is rich and decadent yet at the same time light -- it's a marvel how Chef David made it."There are at least two aphrodisiacs in every course," says Chef David. "So be careful where you go afterwards ladies," he warned us jokingly. "This Valentines also marks the 6th anniversary of Discovery Suites. We've always done For Him and For Her because it's a lot more fun for everyone -- the chefs, the guests...". Of course, this doesn't mean that if you're a woman you can't order For Him. There aren't any rules, it's really up to the diner which menu he/she will choose.
Chef David's Valentine menu will be available at Restaurant Verbena in Discovery Country Suites from February 12 - 14, 2010 for both lunch and dinner. It is priced at P1500+ per set, P2000+ if inclusive of wine pairings.
Restaurant Verbena at Discovery Country Suites
300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City
(046)413-4567 or 683-8383 (Manila reservations)
Like this post? Subscribe to this blog by clicking HERE.
Become a Facebook Fan for more food adventures from Animetric's World.
