CUPID annoys me. Not because I?m still part of Beyonce?s ringless demographic (?All the single ladies/All the single ladies/If you like then you shoulda put a ring on it ...?), with every aunt, uncle, and even tita-titahan brazenly offering to set me up with the first guy that comes to mind.
Sister Vicky, the devout nun who?s still convincing the Lord Almighty to put a brown veil on my head, is to blame for that ringless fortune. Cupid annoys me because every year, the pathetic members of the Stupid Cupid Cult ask the same question: ?What is the most romantic restaurant I can bring my husband/ wife/boyfriend/girlfriend to?? And we writers must politely oblige.
Because, it appears, Valentine is that day of the year when one breaks the rule that all a girl must do to get some is to show up. There is, thanks to commercialism, a surprising effort on the otherwise nonchalant male to express feelings on this day. Because, it appears, on the day of the year when motel rates shoot up 500 percent, a good meal has somehow traditionally become a prerequisite; dessert does not come first. And because, it appears, Cupid is really not stupid but a clever fellow who brings out the truth: that men are really far worse suckers for a romantic evening than women. Not to mention men?s unspoken competitive desires to out-romanticize each other?s Valentine celebration.
So this one?s for the boys. Make an effort, men, and prove to us that chivalry isn?t dead.
By Reservation Only: Isabelo?s, The Garden Room, La Cocina de Tita Moning
These three fine dining places will not cook unless you tell them to buy the ingredients, i.e., make a reservation. Actually, they are not really restaurants. These are homes that are open to those who care to go out of their way to visit. They are homes of families who have had a tradition of fine dining and delicious cooking, which tradition the grandchildren or other heirs are grateful enough to pass on and generous enough to share with the rest of us.
La Cocina de Tita Moning is the more famous of the three. I had written in the past that this restaurant takes you back to experience the lives of the aristocracy in Old Manila:
?Take a trip back in time to mid-century Manila as you enter the home of the aristocratic Legarda family. Guests are treated to a few sips of ginger tea with queso de bola toast al fresco and given a tour of the house, where one meets family patriarch Don Alejandro Legarda prior to sampling the recipes of his wife, Doña Ramona Hernandez Legarda, more fondly known as Tita Moning.
?(T)rue to their family tradition, (the menu) is sprinkled with elegant touches here and there. The fresh kangkong salad, for instance, comes with caramelized walnuts. Caramelized bananas are served with vermouth. And the bread pudding is topped with glazed nuts, a classy touch to the delicious dessert Tita Moning was well known for. On your visit, make sure you also take home a bottle of Tita Moning?s queso de bola spread, which I guarantee you will get addicted to.?
Less known is The Garden Room. While Moning presents the beautiful old homes in the vicinity of Malacañang, this one presents an old home from the old rich of Pasay. The house is circa 1970s, and you see this immediately in the architecture. It is called the Garden Room because you literally eat in the Garden Room, not in the dining room. The great thing about this place is that you can request them to cook anything you want?your girlfriend?s favorite dish, that steak you were craving for?and they will do everything they can to accommodate you.
The most obscure, though, among the three, is Isabelo?s. An aspiring film producer once took me here because he promised he would bring me to a restaurant I had never been to? and he did! The chef specializes in Italian cooking, offering pastas and pizzas. But the best thing about the place is the setting: you are served not in a garden room this time, but in the garden, underneath a gazebo. Bring your own wine though, as their stocks are limited.
La Cocina de Tita Moning. 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel, Manila. 734-2141/734-2146.
The Garden Room. 2650 Zamora St., Pasay City. Tel. 831-8407/631-5054.
Take My Breath Away: Vivere, Vieux Chalet, 22 Prime
A breathtaking view always sets the mood for a pleasant evening. The lighter air and the beautiful scenery will surely complete the setting for romance. Vivere is open air and relaxed and offers a view of the south (location: Alabang); Vieux Chalet offers the beautiful Antipolo scene, and is perfect for those who want a country setting and cool air; while 22 Prime is in the Discovery Suites across Podium in Ortigas so it may be a little business-y in appearance, but the view will bring you to other more important business for the evening.
Vivere. 5102 Bridgeway Ave., cor. Asean Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Tel. 771-7777.
Vieux Chalet. Taktak Road, Antipolo City. Tel. (02) 697-0396.
22 Prime. 22nd Flr., Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel. 683-8222.
Heart of the City: Café Caruso, L?Incontro
For those who may not want to travel too far though, or who would actually much rather stay in the city, i.e., Makati City, a couple of classic date places are in Reposo: L? Incontro and Café Caruso. These offer great Italian menus and have a decent list of wines.
Café Caruso. 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Makati City. Tel. 895-2451.
L'Incontro. 207 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.), Makati City. Tel. 899-0638 to 39.
Back to the ?80s: Cosa Nostra, Taste of LA
You might want to bring back memories of yesteryears. The ?80s babies like us would be pleased to know that these two restaurants are still alive. Angelinos is long gone but Taste of LA is still kicking in the north. And at Cosa Nostra, the same old, short but friendly maitre?d still serves that same pizza you fell in love with back in the day!
Cosa Nostra. 1951 M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. Tel. 523-7889.
Taste of LA. Along Roces Avenue and Tomas Morato, QC.
So enjoy, Fools! And remember, like Christmas, Valentine?s Day should be everyday.
