55 & 58 – the number of candles my dad and mom blew out on their birthdays this year
4 – the number of children they raised, fed, educated, protected
3 – the number of their grandchildren who are growing up just too fast
25 – Mom’s age when she walked down the aisle
22 – Dad’s age when he slipped the wedding ring on her finger
31, 30, 28 & 25 – the current ages of their children who are not anymore so “children”
And 6 – the number of bread my Dad devoured at Restaurant Ciçou last night
I hear the beautiful sound of the crispest crust breaking as I tear this bread in half, and the butter turns into liquid gold as soon as it touches the soft and warm insides.
I am just as guilty. I had 3.
Amuse Bouche - Egg Salad with Raspberry Dressing
4 – the number of courses in the Foie Gras Degustation
Duck Liver Ravioli, Chicken Bouillon, Cream of Mushroom and Truffle Cappuccino –
the ravioli skin is delicate and fine, and the broth is filled with the earthy mushroom-truffle umami I so love. Exquisite until the very last drop.
I have a feeling Chef Cyrille used finely chopped beef instead of the ground version.
Good stuff. And would be even better if that generous piece of liver is seared a bit longer
for that caramelized flavor.
6 – the number of times Chef Cyrille comes by our table (and all other tables) to make sure everyone is finding everything alright. He is such a dedicated host, making us feel like we are actually good friends he invited over to his home for dinner rather than mere guests in a restaurant.
And so when I put in a request to replace two of the burgers with something non-beef (for the parents), and to have other drinks instead of the two glasses of wine that come with the meal (for the non-alcoholics), he happily agrees. He is such a Care Bear.
Mini Duck Liver Chicken Burger for Dad
light and airy, like eating foie gras-flavored foam. The chocolate cuts very nicely into the delicate and buttery mousse, although I wish they poured in a tablespoonful of it rather than just sprinkle a few droplets. I am a self-confessed hardcore sweet tooth, so although good, this is just not sweet and chocolatey enough to be my dessert.
So I pick two items from the dessert menu (the real deal this time) to end the meal.
now that’s more like it. Rich. Dark. Sexy. Intense. Exactly how I like my chocolate.
Freshly Baked Apple Tart Caramelized with Brown, White and Muscovado Sugar served with Green Tea Ice Cream
33 – the number of years my parents have been sharing their lives together, caring, tormenting, fighting, holding hands, bickering, understanding and supporting each other. Nope, their marriage is not always a bed of roses, but after 3 decades and 3 years, here they are, still arguing and agreeing, still friends, still loving each other, still together.
Kouing-Aman… wait for it… Birthday Cake! Hehehe!
But because the caramelized laminated sweet dough with salted caramel ice cream beautifully melting on top of it is so sinfully delicious, no one dares complain!
Happy Birthday Anniversary!
And finally, 999 – the price we paid per person for the 4-course foie gras degustation. Awesome deal from CashCashPinoy!
Restaurant Ciçou: Hotel Céleste, San Lorenzo Drive corner A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, Philippines. Tel: +632-889-6728, +632-887-8080 Loc. 242
