A SAFE & ROMANTIC DINNER AT NOBU

My lips are sealed... sometimes

There’s no better way to get closer to your loved ones than to have a romantic dinner for two at Nobu Manila. That’s exactly what celebrity couple Dr. Vicki Belo, the empress for beautiful people, and Dr. Hayden Kho did recently. It was their first dinner out as a family after eight months since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was lifted.

Nobu, the eponymous restaurant of worldrenowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is the couple’s favorite Japanese restaurant, whether they’re in New York, London, Los Angeles, Paris, or in town.

When they heard of the much-buzzed-about reopening of Nobu Manila from their good friends, the couple booked a special Nobu (not to be confused with the old Nuvo at Greenbelt 2) Omakase dinner.

Prepared by head chef Mike de Jesus and Nobu head sushi chef Kei Hirukawa, the feast consisted of mini plates of Salmon Karashi Su Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and White Fish Dried Miso; sous vide beef with uni butter, seasonal mushrooms, Nobu Cabernet demi and a sake mirin reduction. Wow! That’s what Nobu at City of Dreams Manila is all about, palanggas.

With the heightened health and sanitation protocols implemented property-wide by City of Dreams under its “Play It Safe” campaign, the couple felt secure throughout their dinner in the private room, which noted florist Robert Blancaflor transformed into a floral garden for a truly romantic night. The couple had such a great time that they decided to go back for a staycation at the Forbes Travel Guide-recognized Nobu Hotel Manila, which has been granted with a certificate of authorization to operate for staycations (CAOS) by the Department of Tourism, this time with their adorable daughter Scarlet Snow. The staycation certificate allows the hotel to accommodate residents of Metro Manila regard- less of age, following specific guidelines. A visit by Puss in Boots from DreamPlay, and a custom tray of delectable chocolate delights thrilled Scarlet. Vicki and Hayden took the occasion to also host a special lunch for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, the gorgeous Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat and other friends.

It’s hard to outdo the setting of the restaurant and the hotel, the couple’s choice for their special night of togetherness, dahlings.

Nobu desserts: Green Tea Leche Flan with adzuki beans; fresh mochi; Goma Tuile; Miso Cappuccino with vanilla ice cream; candied pecans and miso brûlée; and yuzu tart, assorted macaroons and chocolate-covered strawberries

Family's day out: Celebrity couple Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho with daughter Scarlet Snow at Nobu Manila

A custom tray of delectable chocolate delights created by executive pastry chef Hoon Sung and head chocolatier Tweet Obsequio

Tourism Secretary Berna Puyat and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno with Nobu head chef Mike de Jesus

Nobu Manila is open for dinner Wednesday to Friday from 5 p.m. onwards.

Sushi cups: Scallop Tiradito, Aburi Wagyu, Tuna with Wasabi Salsa and Tamago

Lobster Inaniwa Noodle Salad with spicy lemon dressing and mixed field greens

Sea-bass Jalapeno Miso with sautéed baby corn, snap peas and cilantro

Scarlet Snow with DreamPlay's Puss in Boots