As I walk in the gate of this Corinthian Gardens home, through the dimly lit hallway, the outdoor pond, the cozy dining area, then to the tastefully designed veranda where our table is, I know I have found in Lanai the perfect date place.
Homey yet elegant.
Relaxed yet romantic.
Indoor dining area
Lanai dining area (it’s air-conditioned, too!)
Beautiful table setting
But like there is no such thing as a perfect date, there is also no such thing as a perfect menu. There are hits, there are misses, and there are the in-betweens.
Amuse Bouche – An in-between
Peppermill’s Signature Sushi Roll – An in-between
Baked US Scallops in Spicy Cream – A miss. The flavor of the cream is too strong it overpowers the delicate taste of the scallops.
Shrimp Popcorn – A hit
Wild Mushroom Bisque with Chestnuts and Truffle Oil – A miss because it’s missing in mushroom and truffle flavors.
Potato Leek Soup – An in-between
Roasted Carrot Soup – An in-between
Napa Valley Salad – A hit
Wakame Salmon Salad – A bigger hit. A winner!
Jumbo Ebi Tempura with Japanese Fried Rice – An in-between for taste, a big hit for size. Lanai sure ain’t joking when they said jumbo.
Coq Au Vin with Garlic Parsley Rice – A big miss in both presentation and taste
Black Cod in Kelp Essence with Japanese Fried Rice – An in-between. The fish is cooked well but is lacking in flavor.
US Wagyu Eye of Ribeye – Another in-between
Surf & Turf: US Angus Medallion Salpicao and Norwegian Baked Salmon Encrusted in Sesame Nori with Garlic Parsley Rice – And another in-between
Dessert for me is like the goodnight kiss at the end of the night. Whether or not I enjoyed the talking, the smiling and the little bit of flirting, it is this long-awaited kiss at the end of the night, this sweet little kiss that will make or break.
And thankfully,
Pannacotta with Fresh Fruits – a great kisser!
So, yes, I think there will be a second date.
With my family on Mother’s Day
Lanai by Peppermill Caterers: 19 Castrillo Street, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City, Philippines. Tel: +632-6330329, +632-5020000
