Photos by Ferdinand Edralin
CEBU, Philippines - An obvious best option for a Valentine date is a good hotel. Especially if it also offers delectable food and good, cozy outlets to fit the exact mood desired.
Over at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the culinary team of Chefs Simon Sperling and Adam Schibab dishes out delightful treats for February. There's a sumptuous buffet spread at UNO from February 12 to 16, lunch and dinnertime. The price of this special treat comes out very reasonable, as it includes either a glass of beer, wine, soft drink, or fruit shake.
The "Lover's Afternoon Delight" at the Lobby Lounge is for those who want to have a lovely afternoon with great company, from noontime to 6 pm. It's just right for romantic couples since the price (at less than a thousand) is already good for two, for a choice of orange-scented scone with cream and jam (a choice of apricot or strawberry), Valentine shortbread, lips cookies, strawberry red velvet cupcake, chocolate-dipped strawberry, chocolate mousse, smoked salmon sandwich, assorted ginger sandwiches and a choice among TWG teas.
At La Gondola beckons with luscious Italian food: Seafood gazpacho salad, basil oil and Focaccia croutons, lettuce and semolina soup, marinated scallops, roast beef tenderloin, kalamata olive salsa, polenta fries, chocolate feuillantine, raspberry jelly, sour cherry ice cream and espresso coffee and limoncello. The place is another great option for a romantic dinner.
Those who are in the mood to go Japanese shall drop by Mizu and sample the featured Valentine's set menu. Couples can delight in all-time favorites such as California maki, summer salad with fresh salmon, miso soup, chicken teriyaki, stir fried beef with miso sauce, shrimp with coconut milk, and mango shortcake.
These La Gondola and Mizu offerings go until February 16. (FREEMAN)