What's Degustation? If it's your first time hearing the word, then don't worry. It was my first time to know the word too when I was invited to come over and dine at Davao City's The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.
In a usual restaurant, we usually place our order all at once, we pick what dish we want and the price is per dish. Then it will all then be served all at once. Then we eat anything we want to eat among the dishes served.
Degustation on the other hand is that you'll pick a degustation you wherein eight (8) or more dishes are included. But then, these dishes are not served all at once and they're served in small portions. You might feel almost full after a few dishes, but you can still take another one until you've finish the whole..errr. degustation course? - not sure with the term.
The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge
I, along with other bloggers who are invited to the BIMP EAGA IMT 2014 was invited by Jef Tupas and Ben (didn't get his full name - I'm not even sure if his name is Ben, sorry!) at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.
From left: Ben, Jef Tupas, Tonyo Cruz, Ruben Licera Jr. , and Maria Irene Aserios
It was raining that night, but when we arrived at the White House, it was beautiful. It was dark but the place is beautiful and romantic. A great place to bring your date, have a talk and be that romantic guy.
Anyway, chef Cathy Binag actually arrived and we chitchat a bit. She welcomed us at her White House but since she have to fly back to Manila (I think) she have to leave. But we're very thankful that she did make a full effort to come over even just for a moment to welcome us, and of course have us at the White House.
I really don't know what to have, so we asked Jef and Ben on what they'll suggest. They said that Burgundy and Champagne is their favorites and they'd recommend it. So I checked out both.
The White House Burgundy
When I saw the word "steak" on Burgundy, and Burgundy wins! LOL.We chitchat while waiting for our meal and get to know each other. But just few minutes later, the degustation started!
Amuse Bouche Of The Day
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
All you have to do is put the quail egg and the small circles on the small glass, stir, and drink up! It's small, cold, but delicious. I was surprised with the taste actually. It can be an exotic food but I love exotic food, so I loved it! I actually want another round but was thinking maybe there are more something better coming.
New Style Tuna Sashimi
Tuna Sashimi Served With Onion Salsa and Julienned Cucumber
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
I am not a fan of raw food, but I do eat Kinilaw (a Filipino food). But I was able to finish this, it's delicious when you eat the tuna along with the salsa and cucumber.
Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad
Mixed Greens, Orange, Grape, Walnut, and Radish
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
There are only few restaurants (or maybe I should say chef) who can make me eat a vegetable or salads like this. But I ate everything in the plate. The rating is not bad for someone who's not a fan of vegetables, right?
Cream Of Asparagus Soup
Topped With Shiso Froth
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Make someone who's not a fan of vegetables sip this green soup. It's cute, it looks delicious but the word "asparagus" itself made me think not to take a sip. But then, I have to - it's an insult not to. It's food!
So I did, and surprisingly it's really really delicious that I finish everything and sip everything in it. I also did want another round of this. LOL.
Pan Seared Salmon
Served With Sauteed Vegetables In Orange Butter Sauce
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I think my only favorite fish in the world is Lapu-Lapu and Bangus, and yes I'm not a huge fan of salmon or even tuna. But the way this one looks, I must take at least a bite. But that one bite leads to finishing the whole dish.
It's perfectly cooked, and the sauce was perfectly delicious.
US Hanging Tender Steak
Served With Pumpkin Risoni, Buttered Vegetables, and Red Wine Reduction Sauce
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Of all the dishes served, this one is my most favorite. The steak was beautiful, cooked well, the sauce is perfect.
Got another view for you guys to see what's behind the steak.
I love everything in the dish. I "usually" eat vegetables, but then again I ate everything on the plate and savor everything.
Durian Yema Cheesecake
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
That day, they served their Durian Yema Cheesecake - their dessert of the day. And it's really delicious, unique but delicious and I'd say it's a must try.
I actually wonder if there's a whole pan of this. LOL. I want to bring home some to the hotel.
Will I recommend coming to The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge and try it? Of course, it's a must try. The one I tried, Burgundy is only P1,090 for all the meals posted above. I'd say it's one of the must try in Davao Philippines, especially with food lovers or lovers. If you want to check out other choices for degustation or their menu, just click here.
Want to know the Exotic Philippines rating for The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge? I'd say it's 5 stars out of 5 stars. It's a great place not only to date, but it also a great place to be alone, to be with friends, and even to be with a family while enjoying the delicious dishes of chef Cathy Binag.
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