When we were younger, I was a little worried about my sister.
I thought she looked a bit… umm… funny.
But God answered my prayers. And like the fugly duckling, she transformed into a swan, beautiful inside and out.
Whew.
My sister Meme and her family. They live in Virginia.
Meme is the sweetest thing. On her birthday, she asked me to help her buy gifts for Mom and Dad. She wanted to thank them for bringing her into this world and for being the best parents.
Because I really couldn't think of anything they needed, I said I would just take them out to dinner.
We are, after all, a family who loves to eat.
The newly renovated Impressions
They added a private room
Chef Cyrille's breads, excellent as always
Amuse bouche of crabmeat, potatoes and sesame grissini
Tartine Iodee of Sea Urchin, Scallop and Oyster, Assorted Cress with Sea Urchin
Parfait in Cucumber. The fresh, briny, creamy taste of the ocean on a toast. WOW.
Pan Fried Diver Scallops and Mushroom Risotto with Truffles, Seared Duck Liver, Emulsion
of Porcini and Parsley Jus. Earthy, creamy, meaty, buttery, this was another winner!
Mom was very happy with her Glazed Roasted Chilean Sea Bass
with Truffle Risotto, Assorted Mushroom and Sea Urchin Foam
So was Dad with his Fresh Herbs Roasted Lamb Rack, Lamb Shoulder Confit coated with
Pistachio and Dry Apricot, Green Pea Tortellini of Goat Cheese, Sauteed Romaine Salad,
Mustard Seed Lamb Jus
I had Pithivier of Pigeon and Duck Liver with Chanterelles and Seasoned Mushrooms, Truffle Sauce
It was good but also very rich and heavy
When I ordered our two desserts, I asked the staff to write "Happy Birthday" on them so I could take photos and send them to Meme.
And look! They brought us a whole birthday cake! YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
(And that's Mom pretending to be Meme. Lol! Joke!!!)
Tentation du Chocolat (Seven Deadly Sins) - chocolate prepared seven ways, three scoops of
creme glace, and coconut creme anglaise
Framboise - raspberry mille feuille, raspberry sorbet
A most decadent chocolate cake. Thank you, Chef Cyrille! :)
Mignardises
Oh Baby, I'm coming back for you!
Happy Happy Birthday to the beautiful celebrant who is not in this picture! :D
Impressions: 3rd Floor, Maxims Tower, Resorts World Manila, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay.
Tel: +632 908 8883
