A Mother’s Day meal with the family in mind
A MOTHER’S job never ends, so for Mother’s Day on May 14, why not treat her to a special dinner that will actually make her take a break, just for a few hours?
Impressions, Resorts World Manila’s French fine- dining restaurant has the distinction of having in its kitchen Chef Cyrille Soenen, who is currently the only (and first) resident Maitres de Cuisiniers de France (the organization of Master Chefs of France) in the Philippines. For his Mother’s Day menu, Mr. Soenen thought of how a mother would eat on Mother’s Day. “A mother will not come here alone. She will [always] come with the family and think of them,” he said, which is why the menu has fairly neutral items designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. BusinessWorld had the opportunity to try it out.
The meal starts off with seared scallops in spinach puree, slathered with bacon foam, accompanied by green pea mash and a crispy lard and squid ink tuile. The scallops had a clean, gentle flavor, accented and given life by the smoky bacon foam.
Afterwards, carrot soup was poured onto a bed of mushrooms with sweet pea ravioli and fried leeks. Despite the fancy surroundings and presentation, the soup tasted cozy, with the creamy taste of the ravioli and the earthy taste of the mushrooms. Combined, the flavors are gentle but never bland.
The main course was a Soy-Butter Glazed Salmon, with a seaweed risotto, sauteed edamame, asparagus spears, and crispy salmon skin and miso foam. Although the meal was designed with the entire family in mind, Mr. Soenen made this dish especially for the family’s mother. “They prefer fish, they prefer... [it] light.” The salmon was wonderfully firm, and had a nutty aftertaste with a salty edge.
For dessert, Mr. Soenen presented a refreshing Royal Mango Bar with Butter Pecan Gelato.
When asked whether any particular kind of mother inspired the dishes on the menu, Mr. Soenen said, “Any mother is wonderful. I don’t have a special mother in mind. The only mother in my mind is mine.”
The dinner, called the Queen’s Dinner, is available throughout the month of May in Impressions for P1,200++.
Of course, mothers will be honored at all dining outlets of Resorts World Manila. Here are some highlights and alternatives.
For mothers who prefer an oriental flair, there is Mom’s Imperial Treat by executive chef David Chu Wai Fung of Passion. This four-course, eight-dish lauriat features some of Passion’s best sellers including a Crispy salmon roll with Japanese dressing sauce, Braised local scallops with spinach soup, Wok-fried shredded US beef with two kinds of French beans, and Wok-fried shrimps with salted egg yolk. Mom’s Imperial Treat is available for lunch and dinner every day for the month of May at Passion for a minimum of five persons per table. Passion is located at 2F, Maxims Hotel.
For families who take their feasting seriously, The Terrace at Maxims Hotel is the place to be for Mother’s Day.
A live acoustic band can serenade mom with her favorite songs, while she sups on a menu called Especially for Mom, which features contemporary Filipino fusion dishes. Especially for Mom is available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 14. The Terrace is located at 5F, Maxims Hotel. For inquiries and reservations, call the Tourist/Visitor Hot line at (02) 9088833. —