These dishes might just help get things heated up this Valentine’s season.
If you and your partner plan on eating out and are looking for something extra to add some spice to your date then these dishes might just suit your need for the night. These dishes around Metro Manila not only bring the flavor but might just stimulate more than just your taste buds. They’ve been called many things, ‘aphrodisiac’ being one, but you can just call them delicious.
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Caviar & Champagne – Lusso by Margarita Fores
A combo that just titillates the senses with even just the thought of them together. A lush start to the list, the Makati favorite for al fresco dates, Lusso, offers delicious caviar paired with crisp champagne. A good source of L-Arginine, an amino acid that helps increase blood flow throughout the body, caviar is a delicacy worthy of long romantic night. Plus, a glass or two of champagne would just add more to the fun.
LUSSO by Margarita Forés is located at Level 1, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City. For reservations and inquiries, contact (02) 7-756-5893 or +63 917 700-5893.
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Baked Oysters – Wantusawa
It has been a long passed-on knowledge that oysters are a must-try for romantic nights. No other spot puts local oysters on center stage than Wantusawa in Makati. Freshly caught and shipped from our seas every day, this oyster bar breaks down all the bad rep local oysters get and bring out the best and delicious side of these salty sea morsels. Try them baked with miso, grilled, and if you’re brave enough–raw.
Wantusawa is located at Tambai Alley, 5779 Felipe, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila. For reservations contact (0917) 301-7968.
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Omakase – Nobu
Nobu is known for its premium Japanese fare and its monthly Omakase offerings that showcases the best of Japanese flavors. Among the many ornate and flavourful dishes offered in there Omakase, a main stay will always be a sushi platter of sorts. Raw fatty fish is known to have its special benefits when eaten, some fish more than others. The fugu, if by chance available, is blowfish that is said to excite the tastebuds as well as the entire body due to the tetrodotoxin it contains which at certain levels can be life threatening.
Nobu is located at City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Blvd cor. Macapagal Ave, Parañaque. For reservations, contact +632-8691-2882 or through their website at www.noburestaurants.com/manila.
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Duck Leg – Lampara
How about some Filipino food for some local zing? Adobo is a staple in many households and if you know a good adobo it has to have a good amount of garlic. Garlic contains a hefty amount of allicin which is a flavor compound that gives a rich umami taste but also does double duty with increasing blood flow when eaten. A nice version of this to try on a night out is at Lampara with their Duck Leg dish, which is their reimagined version of the local classic, and better yet–they use a good amount of garlic. Just make sure to have gum or a mint after eating.
Lampara Neo-Filipino Bistro is located at 5883 Enriquez, Poblacion, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila. For reservations contact (0917) 173-5883.
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Poke Bowl – The Wholesome Table
If you’re more into organic clean eating when you go out–don’t worry–you’re not left out on this list. The Wholesome Table is a go-to for many vegetarian and vegan eaters in the metro but that doesn’t make their dishes any less exciting for date night. A nutritiously packed dish to try is their famous Poke Bowl filled with raw salmon, wakame, ebiko, pickled ginger, and a whole lot more nutritious goodness that will have your body active and moving and ready for any task the night brings.
The Wholesome Table has branches in Salcedo, Alabang, BGC, Greenbelt, and Rockwell. For reservations and inquiries, check out their website here.
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Strawberries and Cream Cake – Naked Patisserie
Now to the sweet stuff, which is a must in every date night. Of course, strawberries must come into play at this point. Most probably the quintessential fruit of romance, strawberries have carried many tales of passion with its consumption. And no place does these fruits justice better than Naked Patisserie by Christian Mark Jacobs. You don’t even have to leave the house for this one, you can order in their bestselling Strawberries and Cream Cake and a sweet night will definitely ensue.
Naked Patisserie is located at The Peninsula Manila, Room 236, 2nd, Makati, Metro Manila. For orders and inquiries, contact their website here or through (0945) 468-5141.
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Artisinal Chocolates – CMV Txokolat
Lastly, chocolates. The most richly romantic ingredient out there, add in some creative local flair, and an artisanal touch–you’ll have CMV Txokolat by Christian Valdes. His bitesized custom creations are a blend of premium chocolate with local elements that add a new layer of zest and excitement to the chocolate experience. Another treat you don’t have to leave the home for, you can order these bites online and have them delivered right to you.
CMV Txocolat accepts online orders via their Instagram account.
