Who said you need to splurge to have a romantic fine dining Valentine’s date?
From what Oliver and I discovered, budget fine dining in a prime location is possible. As Chef Josh Boutwood, the Bistro multi-awarded chef, brings out Village Tavern’s Php999 3-course meal, budgeting for a date is not a big worry at all.
Both of us were asked to pick 1 from 3 choices for appetizer and main course, plus 1 dessert each from the 2 choices for dessert.
Ravioli of Calamari – Surrounding the piece of ravioli were fennel cream sauce and celery oil. Its cream sauce was not too thick but the taste is rich. Too much of the sauce might not leave no space for main course. What’s good about their serving size, it is proportioned rationally.
Chicken Liver Parfait – Choosing between this and the ravioli, my finger points to this Chicken Liver Parfait. I love how it is combined with pickled onions. The sweet onion blends the heavy and thick texture of the chicken liver. Onions don’t usually fit my taste but I was able to munch those onions on the plate. As you can see from the photo, only one piece of sour dough bread was served, which is obviously not enough. You can ask for few more pieces of sour dough bread just like what I did.
Glass of Wine – Red or White wine? A glass of vino makes a difference. If you simply drink a glass of water or juice on a dinner date, it would look casual. But if you place a glass of wine beside your plate, you see your dinner differently. From casual to more like a fine dining for both of you. No need to worry, cost of a glass of wine is part of the Php999 per person package.
Atlantic Cod Fillet – Are you sure this plate is good for one adult? Or good for one child? When our plate of Atlantic Cod Fillet was served, Oliver and I looked at each other and both had the same comment – “ang laki ah!” (in a sarcastic manner) We appreciate the plating and decoration but more than that, what also matters is the size. If you talk about flavors, we both love the mixture of apple wood smoked bacon as it wraps the fish and as it goes with fennel cream sauce
Lamb Rack – This Rosemary infused lamb rack could rock the night away for both of you. Talk about good stuff over here. This is the dish you deserve on a Valentine’s date. Even though the Valentine’s fever is over, a dinner with your significant other will not go wrong with this Lamb Rack on your table. Don’t make a mistake by not ordering a rack if you want to rock your date.
Dark Chocolate – Simply chocolate mouse to begin with. What sets it apart is the orange and mint hint. A kick of these flavors turns a simple chocolate mouse to a sophisticated dinner ender.
Papaya Sorbet – An average joe taste for an above average joe kind of dessert. You know it is not common to prepare a sorbet out of papaya. That idea of patronizing Filipino fruits could be clever but the execution falls a bit short on this one. If you were to ask me, there are more to improve on this dessert. Or better yet, exclude this from the list and create another dessert that the majority will appreciate.
This 3-course dinner made me go back to Village Tavern just few weeks after my Birthweek celebration here. I don’t think I can refuse to the quality of food Village Tavern offers. I won’t think twice if ever Village Tavern invites me one more time.
Village Tavern offers high-quality dishes and budget-friendly promos that will not upset your celebrations like birthdays, Valentine’s, promotion dinners, anniversaries, etc. etc. etc. If there is something to celebrate, or you simply want to celebrate love and life, take time to check out Village Tavern. This place might be the one you are looking for.
So how did your Valentine’s dinner end up? I would love to tell you my memorable Valentine’s story but it might take a long blog post to share that. I guess that should be private for now. 🙂
Briefly, I am always reminded that Valentine’s day is simply an ordinary day. What makes it special is the fact you choose to spend it either romantically or as casual as possible with your loved ones. It is a day of celebrating LOVE.
As 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 boldly says, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout

Location: 2/F Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines

Contact: (+632) 621-3245
Budget: PHP999++
Rate:

Food 9/10
Ambiance 9/10
Service 9/10
Cost 8/10
Overall 8.75/10

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