Category Archives: food musings

These Minty Leaves

One of the things that I love about going to Robinsons Supermarket is the Herbs Section. Even when I am not adept at using them in my dishes, I see to it that I get a pack or two every time I visit. I also love browsing through the display of different herb variety, thinking of where I can use them if ever I thought of buying. I usually get a pack of spinach I would saute with butter for a tasty veggie dish.

It was timely that I was able to scout these fresh herbs during our last visit, I was making lemon-infused water at the time and I chanced upon this recipe online that required a bunch of fresh mint. I got the smallest pack from the display rack as I will only be needing a small bunch. I will look for more ways to use mint in cooking and food preparation so I will know what to do with the leftover leaves.

My lemon-and-mint infused water turned out a little bitter, I guess I went overboard in putting mint leaves. I will make sure to use just a handful of these herbs next time so my detox water will turn out much better. Meanwhile, I shall search for more mint recipes now after I am done reading all about simplicef. 🙂

a four-course french gustatory experience at le jardin

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

I recently had the pleasure of trying out a 4-course meal at Le Jardin french restaurant located at the Penthouse of W Building at the Fort. Before the appetizer was served, this menu gave away what we have in store for lunch.

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

To ready our palates, we are served with this lovely Brovillade or Scrambled egg with truffles. This dish is meager but tastes just about right to make everyone excited to welcome the other dishes. It was also the first time I experienced scooping out scrambled eggs from a champagne flute, one of the many firsts of that day.

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

For our starter, we had Thon a la Chutney de Mangue {Tuna with onion mango chutney}. I enjoyed this dish as I am really fond of tuna and mango. I thought everything went well together giving anyone who took a bite a very pleasurable experience.

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

The next thing to come off the chef’s kitchen is the platter of Foie gras poele, creme de poeme et brioche {Seared foie gras, apple cream and brioche}. This is the first time I tasted foie gras and would probably be the last. Although I did rather enjoy the dish and I know many people rave about it, the remnants of my old vegetarian self cannot help but feel sorry for the goose or the duck who had to be fattened up and suffer just so its liver can be harvested to prepare this dish.

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

By this time, I thought I have already eaten too much and was thinking desserts will be dished out soon enough. Of course, I was wrong, being inexperienced with fine dining and all. The next to be served is the citrus sorbet with basil oil to cleanse the palate. I thoroughly enjoyed this one for the rich citrus flavor.

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

The next to be served is the main course, we had Filet de Saumon Grille, sauce au vin blanc {Grilled salmon fillet with white wine cream sauce} and by this time I really felt a bit full, but who can really resist a well done grilled salmon and a bunch of greens, paired with the delectable mash potato, right?

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

And finally, for desserts we are served the decadent Mousse au chocolat {Dark chocolate mousse} and because I am an ice cream kind of gal, I really enjoyed dessert! The slice of strawberry on top is a delicious prelude to my dessert! ^_^

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

We were also served with an assortment of cheeses and little baguette slices as a pleasant end to our gustatory adventure. Although I really love cheese, I am not well-versed with cheeses and I can vaguely recall the names of the items on our cheese platter, but it was the one on the left {cheese with Rosemary, if I am not mistaken} that I enjoyed the most. It tasted great combined with the slice of bread. Oh and did I mention we even took home a bunch of delicious french macarons? ^_^

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

food musings, foodie adventures, eating, French cuisine

Of course, it is a giveaway that the restaurant name meant the garden, so the garden ambiance is just appropriate. I also particularly love this portion of the restaurant I called the bread wall, where you will see breads of many kinds in a garden backdrop, simply delightful to look at! I also love that they were also able to inject an industrial vibe into the resto with these metallic ceiling accoutrements. That and the beautiful piped it musiansfriends music wafting in the air, made for one romantic dining experience, which would probably be perfect to share with a special someone.

I did some online research and found out that different courses of meals at Le Jardin range from Php2,800-Php5,000. I also discovered that they make their own breads and cheeses, too. I would most definitely love to go back to this place if my budget would allow. And if you happen to be in the surrounding area, do not simply take my word for it, treat yourself and your loved ones to a one-of-a-kind gastronomical experience.

Le Jardin
W Fifth Building, 5th Avenue cor. 32nd Street,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
#/lejardinbgc
Reservations: 0917.817.6584
Monday – Sundays, 11am-11pm