It's three weeks to Valentine's and since I don't want to cram eating at twenty four restaurants in one week, I want to get a headstart in my search for the best date places by getting recommendations from YOU!
Just off the top of my head ... My favorites are currently Antonio's in Tagaytay, Lemuria in Horseshoe Village, and L'Opera at the Fort. Top of the Citi is too corporate for me and Lolo Dad's is the best but somehow I don't see it as a date place, probably because my memories of it are too laden with a Tito Jun and Tita Rory (great memories but not date memories). Serendra's now a bit too crowded, plus I'm looking for word-of-mouth treasures. Oh, another favorite is L'Opera's sister Caffe Maestro on Reposo. Cheaper, too, and I love that the second floor is a gallery. Carusso and L'Incontro are well maintained date places too, but maybe for an older crowd? He he. So, any other suggestions? Uno? Oh, I remember Vivere in the South has a pretty romantic view too. Foodies, holla back! Oh, and while you're at it, how about throwing in the romantic stories that come with your restaurant of choice? ;-)
11 comments:
Vivere is a a grill though isn't it? I still love Le Souffle, either in The Fort or Rockwell. In lieu of dining out, you could actually dine in --- I've helped a few of my brothers cook up a dinner in our house, with a table set up in our garden.
Have you tried In-Yo near Katipunan? Check out link and info at Anton's blog (Our Awesome Planet).
Few places come to mind when thinking about romantic restaurants. They're either extremely expensive, or places you've listed already. I remember when Sonya's Garden was the top of the list in romantic date restos, then Chef Laudico's. I think these days, maybe get a personal chef to create something special would be the best way to go. Have you tried La vigne? Good chef these days.
Hi margaux! L'Opera is indeed a very nice place. As an alternative maybe Chateau 1771 or Portico will do. I also tried the Gulliver's Prime Ribs of Beef both in Makati and QC, quite good too.
I think private dinner is the better deal. I remember a dinner made by my friend from college while she was taking her practicum, it was a private dinner at the hotel's all glass rooftop.Great!
Wow, private catering seems to be the new in thing! And then you can have better stuff for dessert hahahahahaha ... like personalized cake! what were you thinking?! ;-)
Wysgal, somehow I don't remember Vivere as a grill ... maybe I have hazy memories... you're right, I missed Le Souffle - duh!
Mila, I have not tried In Yo! I really have to explore the north more. I did see an article on it though I think in Newsbreak! Very curious to try... Yes, I've tried La Vigne! That was my very first critique for Lifestyle, my first assignment from Chelo Banal Formoso. But back then it was Jose Sotto who was chef. He's not the chef anymore and haven't tried it since he left.
Pinoygourmand, wow what a lucky date! Parang Top of the Citi pero private?
Thanks for the suggestions! =)
Hi Margaux,
Finally, I get to post a comment. I enjoy reading your blog! You're right, we're running out of restaurants to discover (and write about!) I share your choice of Antonio's in Tagaytay as a great date place. Aside from that what else is there? I should get you to join our email group (lamon@yahoogroup.com) which includes myrna, mickey, manny torrejon, katrina limcaoco, the tayags - clauge and darleng - , garch (mariano garchitorena) and doc boy vasquez (of cafe juanita)and perhaps we can pose that question: what's a great date place? anyways, congratulations on your blog, i enjoyed reading all the other entries, particularly the one you wrote about mindoro. great writing!/teddy y.m.
Hey Mr. Malacanang! I read your work too =) I recently read your article in Jet Set on where to dine in Europe. Ang bongga ha. I'm actually in China now, Vani is contributing for Jet Set... Wow ang big time naman ng yahoogroups. Wala pa ako in that league! =) Para yang yoda and the jedi and I'm just a young Luke! Hehehe! Except, unlike the skeptical young Skywalker, I believe! Hehehe ;-) (Ok I'm getting all geeky I better sign out now ...) Holler back and hope to see you soon! =)
Caffe Maestro is definitely a date place for me, not because of anything about the place itself (although its good food and "semi-out-of-the-way" location certainly does qualify it as that), but because this was the place my husband took me to for one of our first dates :)
Mila, I know the chef at La Vigne, she's great! (And hilarious to boot!)
Yes, it was comparable to Top of The Citi! Imagine a lone glass walled room adorned with at least a thousand of white to pink to red hues and candles. String quartet for music and an excellent 8 course menu. The girl was just in awe and tongue-tied the whole evening.
Top of the Citi/Le Souffle, I miss too. I remember another probable date restaurant, the L'Incontro along Reposo in Makati. Haven't been there in a while but I remember it was really good.
hi margaux! i was wondering if you were willing to give me your email address. i really want to get in touch with you about a few things :) i love your column by the way!
Joey, how sweet is that? I haven't had the same luck, unfortunately, and I been there a ton with different dates hahahahahaha! In fact when I like a guy now I kind of try to keep them away from Maestro for fear that he won't stick around if we hit the place lol.
Pinoygourmand, omg what a story! Sounds like something out of Oceans 11 or something. How romantic is this guy!
Ange, it's margauxsalcedo@yahoo.com.
Well I ended up going to hong kong since there was no communal decision on a romantic spot, haha, so please just hang on for the V-Day special. Thanks, foodies! =)
I love reading restaurant reviews and food-related blogs! Yours is one of my new favorites.
Any recommendations for a nice family dinner, cozy ambiance and comfort food? We've tried all the classics -- Old Swiss, Sugi, Kimpura, Summer Palace... looking for something new, hope you can help me :)
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