Rose petals and candlelit dinners are lovely but it does not always have to be the case.  Sometimes, great dates stem from the most unusual places but hey, we all still love the setting that throws a romantic flair.

For an UPDATED and NEW LIST, CLICK THIS LINK –>

Between Bites TOP TEN BEST DATE PLACES 2012, 2nd Edition

This list comprise of the date places (in the Metro or within driving distance of Manila) I can recommend for you to try out at this time.  The site might have another date list soon, who knows.  There are so many beautiful places and angles to discover at every turn.  But for the meantime, check out this list and schedule a small escape for the two of you.

No matter what you do on your date or where you go, they say the key to a romantic date is in the details.

Between Bites TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

10. Vieux Chalet

A lonely artistic candleholder by the window greeted us as we enter the resto-house named Vieux Chalet. One area had an unfinished window. We dined that night in a rustic atmosphere atop of Metro Manila, a place where a pool of lights is swimming in front of your eyes. Antipolo.

Must order starters include the Raclette and Rosti.

Raclette PHP185

Rico, who was our table attendant that night, discouraged us in ordering the Raclette since the smell might turn us off.  Little did he know, we are fans of any cheese –even the stinky stinky I’m going to barf with that smell -kind. On the white plate was melted Swiss cheese garnished with 2 olives, half-boiled potato, and a few pickles. The potato was sweet. The cheese was seasoned with paprika. We loved the sharp flavor of the cheese, which was enhanced by the odor. Smell really affects flavor. The pickle was juicy and sour as expected and a good contrast to the salt of the cheese. The olive, not falling behind, served its purpose in harmonizing the two flavors.

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Swiss Dinner at Vieux Chalet

Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant

Taktak Road, Antipolo City

(632) 697 0396

(63917) 856 5175

#10 is actually a toss-up between Vieux Chalet and Lake Pandin

tied at the same number.

10. Lunch and the Afternoon at Lake Pandin

If you can afford to drive much farther than Antipolo, it’s also great to have a simple “back to the roots” lunch at Lake Pandin in Laguna.

I was taken by the calming beauty of Pandin Lake.  The sun was out but we didn’t feel the heat –just the cool wind whispering softly in our ears.  We had the view of the lush greens that relax the eyees.

Lunch was simple but tastes good.  We loved the little shrimps in coconut milk (gata) and the tilapia.

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After lunch, Bubba and I relished the calmness of the scenery and stillness of time.  We look out at the “docking port” where we came from and felt so on our own.  Our minds were very relaxed… while my body was such in a tranquil moment.

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You can opt to take the ride at PHP 180 and with lunch, an additional PHP 180.  We enjoyed the afternoon so much that Bubba gave PHP 500 as extra.  If you plan to visit and you enjoy it tremendously, please feel free to leave an extra for the community locals.  They earn here through integrity and hard work that it’s so easy to give from the heart.

Bubba and I shared varying moments here.  There were moments we talked.  Moments we took photos.  Moments we look out to the world… …even moments where we each had our own thoughts, devoid of the other’s presence.

Being enclosed in the rural surroundings is a humble reminder that life started out simple.  And in simplicity, we are in touch more with our inner selves.

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Tahanan ni Aling Meding and Lunch at Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin 

Baranggay Santo Angel 

San Pablo, Laguna 

9. Van Gogh is Bipolar

This will probably be your most unusual date place.  But it will definitely be memorable.

There is a sign on the door that says, “Welcome!  Please remove your shoes.  Thank you.”  If you’re a guy who has a foot fetish then this is the perfect place to check out the cleanliness of her toes.  And perfect place for her to check your toes too!

Back to Van Gogh, my jaw dropped at the first sight of the living art space –make that art and food space.  The span of art in every inch of the room emits so much energy that one can’t help but be stirred.  There is definitely a conversation piece in every art work.

The naked eye sees the red graffiti wall at one end of the room, 2 regular coffee tables with seats, 2 low coffee tables with rugs/pillows for sitting/lounging, and a main dining table for groups of 5 or more.  But other than the obvious, there is so much stimulating vibe in the whole room radiating from the different quirky art pieces hanging, etched, written, deconstructed, and basically pieced together.

Before anything else, read the House Rules.  Key word: Self-service.  No one waits after you.  It’s a good time to see if your date can stretch a muscle or two or she has the tendency to be a prima donna.  Or you can serve her *shrugs* if that works for you.

After perusing the nonconforming menu that informs one about ingredients that release happy enzymes, write your orders on a sheet of paper and give it to the kitchen.

Spanish Plum Mint Tea PHP 55

The engagement doesn’t stop with the furnishings and art fixtures –it stems to the food as well.  When you order tea, you choose your own pot from the table decked with teapots, shot glasses and tea/coffee jars.  Tagged on the menu as an “Extra Upper,” it is mint tea with blend of premium quality organic Spanish plum tealeaves.  The teacup is decorated with a lone fresh mint leaf.  Pour yourself a warm start to an elevated food experience.

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People who like fine-dining (uppity or friendly restos) may not necessarily appreciate the self-service, wait patiently, claygo (clean as you go) format. So come with a free mind and experience it for what it really offers.

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Van Gogh is Bipolar

Van Gogh is Bipolar 

154 Maginhawa St. 

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City 

(632) 394 0188 

0929 163 8592 

8. Café on the 6^th

Café on the 6^th is located inside Ascott Hotel in Glorietta 4.  Ascott’s sophistication extends to the remarkable café found on its 6^th floor.  Upholstered seats, white ceiling, subdued lighting, and wood tones complete the look.  It’s probably different during the breakfast crowd time but it’s also a good place for a dinner date.

Artisanal Cheese Board PHP 470

Cheese selection with olives, grapes, wheat crackers/crusty bread, dried nuts and apricots and honey is a good starter.  Local farm produced white chevre (I think this is the local white cheese), pecorino (this is the cheese studded with peppercorns) and blue pepato.  The crisp wheat cracker subdued taste and bit of sweetness of the dried apricots complement with the saltiness of the medley of cheese

Certified Angus Rib Eye Steak 12oz PHP 1050

Fresh from the grill, cooked to your preferred doneness –had that charred outer layer and tender meat locked with beefy juiciness.  It was served with three string beans as garnish and mashed potato with truffle oil as the siding.  It was the perfect combination, which might be like you and your date.

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One male reader had already tried this out for a date and was happy about his and his girlfriend’s experience.

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Luxury in Food and Ambience

Dear Jane: A Steak Place for My GF

Café on the 6^th at Ascott

Glorietta 4, Ayala Center,

Makati City 1225, Philippines

(632) 729 8888

enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com

7. My Mother’s Garden

Bubba and I celebrated our 3^rd year anniversary at My Mother’s Garden.

A classic garden-type of setting across a serene Koi pond surrounded by lush greenery sets the stage for the dining ambience in My Mother’s Garden.  The vibe of the residence of National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio follows the same warm “old house” charm as the outside.

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The rate for two serves a variety of appetizers, pasta and entrées.  Highlight of our entire meal that time are the steak and the refreshing drink (assorted fruits concoction).  We really enjoyed the succulent steak entrée, which was basically 4 pieces of tenderloin steak cooked medium with au jus sauce.  If you are not a beef eater but open to mustard flavor, try their mustard chicken for some range.

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My Mother’s Garden

My Mother’s Garden 

2650 Zamora St.Pasay City 

(632) 831 8407 

Malu Antonio Veloso (+63917) 600 8886 

6. Casita Xocolat and Maitre Chocolatier

Some say chocolates are aphrodisiacs that can stimulate sexual drives.  Regardless the need to intensify sexual desires, chocolates are proven to boost moods and energy.  Other than that, chocolate is one icon that is always associated with romance –that sweet note that stays on the lips, very much like love.  And we could all use a good romance in our lives.

Casita Xocolat

There are two places you can visit for good quality chocolate.  One of which is Casita Xocolat.  Located near Calle Industria in Libis, it is somewhat a hideaway from the usual commercial complexes that people frequent.  That’s what I particularly like about Casita Xocolat, it’s a breakaway from the city’s rush and people stream.  From the name itself, it’s a watering hole for all good things chocolate and quite surprisingly, savory dishes too.

Croquettas PHP 115

Potato fingers with ragu and choriqueso sauce.  Soft potato mash fried to perfection.  Combine the quezo and salsa dip together and it’s a pleasant appetizer to start with

Pork Belly with Cacao Bagoong PHP 185

Partly crispy, partly tender pork belly served with potato gratin and cacao-bagoong sauce.  This is definitely one of the must-try dishes for me.  Imagine a spoonful of your favorite pork belly with white rice and smidgen with semi-salty semi-sweet bagoong or shrimp paste with a faint trace of chocolate that takes out any fishy taste and makes the flavor to a degree –rich and with a different layer.

And you thought the “bagoong” was already a stretch of taste for a romantic date?  Try ordering the spicy “tuyo” or dried fish.

Spicy Tuyo PHP 165

Spicy Tuyo in olive oil with capers and garlic rice topped with scrambled eggs is a breakfast winner –or at any time of the day for that matter (we had it for dinner).  The sun-dried fish is mildly spiced and soft.

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There are also a variety of chocolate desserts and drinks to try.  Toast to a chocolate evening with Xocolat Sunset (PHP 125) cocktail drink.

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Casita Xocolat Makes You Lick Your Lips

Casita Xocolat

Topy’s Place, Economia corner Calle Industria

Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City

(632) 470 7563

Maitre Chocolatier

Situated along Jupiter Street, this chocolate café’s intimate and romantic dining room is smartly decorated with a bar that looks like a chocolate bar, graceful mirrors and lighted wall details that look like hot chocolate cups, handsome black and brown mix and match of round and square café tables and chairs in subdued lighting.

Opt for Maitre Chocolatier if you’re looking for a light dinner with your date or an after-dinner dessert place.

Sweet Revenge (PHP 250) is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake which is dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

Get awaken by its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili.  Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth.  Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie.  It’s a wonderful dessert to cap the evening.

If pastries aren’t your thing, it’s the ice cream that’s also an attention catcher at Maitre Chocolatier.

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Exquisitely Choco Loco at Maitre Chocolatier

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong 

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street 

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines 

(632) 897 8559 

Photo Credit

Carlos Palma of FoodieManila.com

5. Urameshiya

Urameshiya is not a typical date place but I like the whole “out of Manila and inside Japan ambience.”  It can be quite a revitalizing experience to have the illusion of being transported to Japan even only for a few hours and get out of the usual hustling Metro –even if Urameshiya is really only within the “Little Tokyo” area of Makati City.

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We went back 7 days after the first visit.

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Ate dinner and watched Prison Break over draft beer.

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Save some good money and order either the Tarafuku Set (PHP 1,850) or the Wagyu Toku Toku Set (PHP 3,000).  The grilling, even if it takes a while, is part of the whole she-bang!  You can be her knight with shining “grill tongs” and cook for her.  If you don’t want to be the grill hero, the lady attendants will gladly cook the meats for you.  Never mind the smoke because a bit of fire is never bad for any relationship.

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Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

Urameshiya (Uramesi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant 

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)  

Makati City, Metro Manila 

(632) 8195008 

4. Lemuria

Let your car veer toward the driveway of The Winery where Lemuria is located.  The privacy of the compound breathes a sense of secrecy and serenity.  The garden greets with a smile as you step closer to the Mediterranean-inspired country house, nestled among flowering shrubs.  The restaurant has limited space, adequate enough to accommodate 20 people.

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From the same owner of Brumms Quality Wines Inc. Marian “Kitt” Bru Schroeder shares to us a space in her own front yard by transforming the upper deck of The Winery into a charming restaurant.  The short menu echoes classics from the French-Mediterranean region.  As for the extensive cellar, the restaurant offers wine from Germany, Romania, Austria, and from other areas in the European region.

Kurobuta Pork Belly PHP 760

Braised pork belly served with garlic potato puree with peppercorn sauce on the side.  Elegant in its simplicity of flavors, sprinkled with my favorite pink peppercorn –which I usually find in desserts instead of savories.  Chris wiped his plate out just giving me a couple of bites.  The pork belly was moist and flavorful –with just enough fat that you’d want to take.

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Valrhona Chocolate Souffle Cake with Cinnamon Orange Ice Cream PHP 260

The Valrhona Chocolate Souffle Cake of Lemuria stands on its own with a crunchy outer crust while harmonized with an orange ice cream balanced on a sweet crispy thin, which essence reminded me of a local cookie.  The ice cream had a subtle citrus taste to it that complemented the sweet-bitterness of the chocolate.

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Lemuria: A Discovered Charm

Lemuria

5 Julieta Circle,

Horseshoe Village, Quezon City

(632) 724 5211

#4 is actually a toss-up between Lemuria and Café Verbena

tied at the same number.

4. Café Verbena

I called Café Verbena to reserve a table for two on January 5, 2008. It was my birthday dinner treat for Bubba. Saturday traffic at the South Expressway almost dampened our mood, but a relaxing vibe embraces you as you walk in the 80-seat restaurant of Café Verbena. Decorated in soft Tuscan tones and elegant drapery, Café Verbena maintained that Discovery Suites’ sophisticated look.

Organic Mozzarella Cheese Pot PHP 240

Since we are such cheese lovers, we had to order this. Served ‘fondue-style” in an earthy pot, the cheese serving wasn’t bad at all. Spicy tomato relish and fresh Tagaytay herbs were added to the cheese mixture. It was served with warm focaccia. We had to ask for extra since we finished the bread first before the cheese.

Verbena’s Sampler Plate PHP 650 

We are so ecstatic to try everything on the menu since we traveled all the way from Manila just for dinner. Instead of ordering too many dishes that we might just not finish, we ordered the sampler plate with three small samplings of Verbena’s top entrées. We shared the dish and the price was well worth it.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Arugula-Mushroom Salad

I personally enjoyed the salmon among the rest because the salmon was tasty and juicy. Plus the crispy skin of the salmon is unforgettable –I want to order this again if only for the salty crackling skin. I wanted to steal Bubba’s share of the salmon skin but restrained myself.

Café Verbena is one of the classiest restaurants in the hills of Tagaytay, which is a definite place for romantic ambience

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Café Verbena at Country Suites Tagaytay

Café Verbena

Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay

(632) 683 8222

3. Sala Bistro

Elegant with simple handsome décor, a well-established restaurant, Sala offers exceptional food and service in the city of Makati.

Romantic, quaint, comfortable and classy best describe the mood in Sala.  One can have a leisurely meal and never feel rushed.  The owners can pride themselves on creating a fashionable atmosphere of fine dining and professional service.  The wait staff anticipates the patrons needs and are as accommodating as possible.  Perfectly knows how to waltz in and out of your sight without any sense of being intrusive.

Portabello Mushroom, Ricotta and Thyme Ravioli with Parmesan and White Truffle Oil PHP 460

The pasta was cooked al dented with chock full of thyme and minced Portabello mushrooms that is savory in every bite.  Sheer Parmesan shaves on top of the ravioli add a shade of saltiness to the dish while the white truffle oil enhances the overall taste with alluring and appetizing truffle fragrance.

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Refined Taste at Sala

Sala Bistro

Podium Level, Locsin Building

6752 Ayala Ave. Cor. Makati Ave., Makati City

(632) 750 1555

(632) 893 0242

www.salabistro.com

2. Aubergine

I’ve never had a date with Bubba here but I’ve been meaning to bring him.  I’ve been here a few times either for an event or a business meeting –but I’d say it can also be a great venue for a quiet dinner with your special someone.

Roasted Wagyu Beef Tri Tip PHP 1,200

With pan-fried duck foie gras, Port wine sauce, glazed vegetable and Pommery mustard mash potato

The entrée plate arrived looking fanciful with the lavish alliance of Wagyu and foie gras at the spotlight, outlined with champagne froth, while shoestring potatoes curled resembling a bush, glossed vegetables and mustard mashed potato at the hem.

Requested for medium and the kitchen got the perfect doneness according to preference.  The Wagyu beef is just divine, a reddish pink center with an outer charred layer perfectly seared, locking the moisture of succulent meat.  The luxurious lean cut of Wagyu didn’t have intense marbling in it as most expect of Wagyu beef.  Tri tip is a comparatively lean cut since it is taken from the bottom sirloin, similar to skirt steak.

Foie gras, the fattened liver of a duck or goose, in this case duck, was indisputably delicious.  It was definitely rich in flavor, surprisingly more generous in size than expected.  Quite delicately rich and creamy, it enhanced the beef flavor of the meat providing an almost melting effect in the mouth.

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Aubergine

Aubergine

32^nd and 5^th Bldg.,

5^th Ave. Cor. 32^nd St.,

Fort Bonifacio, 1634 Taguig City

(632) 856 9888

1. Antonio’s

Nestled in the hills of Tagaytay some kilometers off the main road, the restaurant is made up of three levels, joined by a common patio.  The charming dining rooms have different vibes: one romantic amidst the garden and koi pond overlooking the lower level, 2^nd area is more for small functions amidst the wooden panels, while the lower level has a contemporary look.  The lower dining area is decorated with elegant chandeliers in a white and black motif and matching wall sconces.

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The dining rooms are softly lit, creating a romantic ambience.  Piano music plays in the background.  Whichever room you dine in, the food comes from the same wonderful kitchen of Executive Chef Antonio Escalante.  The Chef greets his diners with a friendly smile and a warm hello and you know you’re in for a special treat.

It was such a fantastic evening, the cool night breeze gently nipping on my skin.  His face tinted with a glow from the candlelight.  Warm and happy smiles were all around.  A spark.  Rekindling.

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The highlight of the entire meal was the grilled prime rib eye steak.  It was cooked to our preferred doneness -we had it medium.  The beef titanic arrived in a large rustic plate, looking pristine in its oil, garnished with loads of crispy spring onions and garlic.  The meat is soft, juicy and flavorful with just the right marbling.  Every bite evoked a soft whimper.  The steak definitely gave a palatable satisfaction that gets your buck’s worth.

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Every dish was obscenely delicious –begging for a much-anticipated return.

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Lovely Dinner at Antonio’s

Vanilla Suites, Tagaytay

Antonio’s Restaurant 

Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite. 

(0918) 899 2866 

#1 is actually a toss-up between Antonio’s and 22 Prime

tied at the same number.

1. 22 Prime/Serendipity Lounge

It was Saturday, the cool and crisp evening air surrounds the city.  The night was begging for a gratifying dinner and off we headed to Discovery Suites.  Café Verbena of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay was a delightful experience when I gave Bubba his birthday treat in 2008.  No need to travel far south as Discovery Suites in Ortigas can perhaps replicate that.

The 22^nd level of Discovery Suites leads to a modernly decorated lounge with plush interiors and expansive glass windows that provide a luminous visual of North Manila’s skyline.  Live piano music fills the air.  Candle lit lamp adds romance to each table.  The elegance and sophisticated charm of Serendipity Lounge of Discovery Suites extends to the restaurant adjoining it, 22 Prime –the very destination of that evening’s dinner… and many other dinners that followed.

22 Prime/Serendipity Lounge is the place Bubba and I frequent particularly when we are looking for a “comfort zone.”  Every visit here gives us a certain expression of comfort that reflects in the genuine service, delicious dishes and warm relaxing ambience.

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Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

22 Prime 

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites 

25 ADB Avenue 

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center 

Pasig City, Metro Manila 

(632) 683 8222 loc. 3722 

No matter what you do on your date or where you go, the Happy Peddler says the key to a romantic date is in the person you are with… it’s in the company… it’s in the laughter you’ll share… in the open attitude… the conversation you’d remember… and the smile that will always be picture perfect because it’s genuine… 🙂 

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