Valentines at Verbena

A Hearts' Day hideaway

By Nico Erle Ciriaco

Restaurant Verbena introduces more delectable reasons to treat yourself and your special someone to a much-deserved country escape on Valentine weekend. The multi-awarded gourmet gem of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City serves up exciting wine-paired a la carte options to its Hearts Day menu.

Set in the cozy elegance of the lakeside retreat, Restaurant Verbena pairs the rich, stimulating flavors of contemporary fusion cuisine with the comforting ingredients of farm-fresh country produce. Among the mouth-watering culinary creations to indulge in on St. Valentine’s Day are the Smitten Hearts selections. It’s truly ‘love at first bite’ whether you opt for Baked Oysters, fresh shellfish served with pink champagne, petite greens, Tobiko caviar and lemon Verbena cream; or Mushroom & Foie Gras Cappucino, duck liver pate with pistachios, chives and porcini powder. Whatever you pick, your choice comes with either the Beringer white merlot, a fresh and juicy California 2011 demi-sec pink variety; or the Beringer Chenin Blanc, a smooth and aromatic California 2012 demi-sec white wine.

The courtship continues with your main course from its “A Special Moment” choices. Meat lovers could opt for either the USDA Prime Rib “Rossini,” a slow-roasted 300-gram ribeye with pan-seared foie gras, duck-fat baby potatoes, haricot verts, and pinot noir sauce; or Lamb Two Ways, that’s crispy lamb riblets and braised lamb shank ragout, feta cheese, tomato basil couscous, and lamb jus.

Seafood lovers could go for the Crispy Chilean Seabass plate with Lucban longganisa risotto, fresh parmesan, and pimento butter. Delish all throughout! Those who want to have a taste of both red meat and seafood can try the Steak & Lobster serving of 200 grams USDA rib eye and rock lobster au gratin, twice baked potato, baby asparagus and parmesan tomato bernaise with cabernet reduction. The main course selections are paired with Cheverny Sauvignon Blanc, a California 2011 demi-sec white wine.

All’s well that ends well, so did Shakespeare say. And so does your Verbena love story. Ending sweetly and ‘sealed with a kiss’ is their delectable Chocolate Souffle with Lemon Verbena Chantilly cream. Yummy!

“The desert is served with banana compote and vanilla chantilly cream to off-set the sweetness of the soufflé. The demi-sec wines are used all throughout the meal as they pair well with rich dishes. We got the Los Angeles perspective of respecting whoever people want to bring as their Valentine partner; it could be of the opposite sex, same gender, or even a pet (most probably a dog or cat),” opined corporate chef Anthony Raymond, who carved a name for himself in California’s F&B scene.

Recognized by the prestigious Miele Guide 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 editions (considered by many as the most authoritative restaurant guide in Asia) as one of Asia’s finest restaurant for the past two years, Restaurant Verbena ranks second in the Top 5 Restaurants in the Philippines list as it is also certified as a Fine Dining Restaurant by the prestigious Chaine des Rottiseurs.

“Discovery Country Suites has always been known as a dating place. The cool breeze from the lake, the ambiance, 

and the fireplace on nippy nights makes for a real romantic setting. On Valentine’s Day, we give flowers to all our lady guests,” remarked resident manager Jonahs Virrey. 

Discovery Suites, Discovery Country Suites, and Discovery Suites Boracay are owned and managed by The Discovery Leisure Company. For further inquiries and/or reservations, simply get in touch with the Discovery Suites hotline through tel. no. 529-8172 or email rsvn@discovery.com.ph. You may also log-on to their Web site, www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.