The say first impressions last. And this is particularly true with Impressions at Resorts World Manila's Maxims Hotel...
Starting February 13, 2015, all six signature restaurants of Resorts World Manila's Maxim Hotel celebrates the month of love with a culinary medley of international flavors for a limited time only. And Maxims Hotel's very own top chefs have prepared an epic feast for a memorable Valentine's. This is the first in a series of two posts on the special Valentine's offerings of Resorts World Manila, and my flavorful journey begins at Impressions...
Located at the elegant Maxims Hotel at Resorts World Manila, the country's first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination, the French fine dining restaurant has been making waves, consistently awarded as the Philippines' Best Restaurant three years in a row.
Inside, the spacious interiors exude a modern yet classic vibe, lined by an impressive glass wall of wine on one side, and two open kitchen stations on the other. The fine table linen, the elegant china and silverware, and the distinct French style chairs complete the mood, yet there is a noticeably sleek and contemporary feel.
On one side of Impressions, diners can view the glass-lined Carving Station, as the chefs prepare their signature US Certified Angus Prime Rib, premium steaks and seafood. A distinct feature of both stations are the fresh herbs integrated on the counter, ensuring easy access to garden-fresh herbs.
Noted French celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen heads the kitchen at Impressions, bringing with him years of culinary experience with Michelin Star establishments back in Paris. For this Valentine's weekend, Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen offers his special five-course degustacion menu, the Dinner Romance, paired with exquisite Chandon sparkling wine. The five course Dinner Romance menu includes appetizers to desserts, each prepared with Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen's distinct and innovative flair for flavors and textures. Diners can select their main courses, which include Butter-Roasted Veal Loin, Lardon-Wrapped Codfish, and the signature Prime Rib. But the first three courses, each one delivering a masterful blend of contrasting notes, are an experience in itself...
A few glasses of wine sets you in the right mood, as Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen and his talented team prepared intricate sampler portions for the first three courses in the special Valentine's Dinner Romance five-course menu.
With Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen's approval, the staff then served the first course. A meticulously plated dish, but Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen wasn't done quite yet, as the staff delicately poured a light broth to complete the dish. 
Then, the first course was ready. Our sampler feast at Impressions began with Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen's Amuse Bouche of Seared Scallops on Herbed Soil of Nuts and Brioche with Cauliflower Meuniere. The soft and tender scallops were perfectly seared, releasing a burst of juicy, buttery, and briny notes as the first layer of flavor, followed by the rich herbal notes of the light broth, the subtle sweetness of the cauliflower, and finally, the contrasting textures of the flavored nuts and brioche. In one bite, you can experience and savor complex yet balanced flavors, with not one note overpowering the other. It is this seemingly subtle play on contrasting flavors that make the first course the perfect dish to start the Dinner Romance degustacion menu.
Executive Chef Cyrille Soenen continued to weave his tapestry of flavors in the second course, Duo of Duck Liver Terrine and Strawberry Marmalade, Strawberry Aspic, Peanut Powder and Pistachio Emulsion. Duck liver, an indulgent dish in itself, is paired with both contrasting and complimentary flavors adding depth and a whole new dimension to the dish. The sharp tartness of the strawberries balance the richness of the duck liver, and the creamy pistachios add a nutty sweetness to round out the flavors. Each component of the dish, with its own set of distinct notes, blend perfectly together in every bite. And as I savored the last bite, the third course was about to be served...
Another ornately presented dish is served, as you attempt to visually decode the structure of the dish. Like the first course, the staff adds the final touch to the dish by pouring a thick and creamy broth, releasing a rich aroma. Like the flavors, the presentation adds to one's overall experience... 
For the third course in the special Valentine's Dinner Romance degustacion menu, Executive Chef Cyrill Soenen presented his Creamy Broth of Mussels, Clams, and Prawns with Squid Gaufrette. The hearty and comforting broth explodes with the briny and sweet notes of the sea, releasing the concentrated flavors of mussels, clams and prawns. Familiar yet surprising flavors, with no visible hint of the shellfish and prawns, but each spoonful reminds you that it's definitely there. The soft gaufrette, a small waffle-like wafer infused with squid-ink, adds its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. The first three courses alone left a very memorable impression, and that's what you can expect at Impressions.
Impressions' special Valentine's Dinner Romance degustacion menu will be available from February 13 to 15, 2015 at P 3,500 net per person. If you want to make that impression this Valentine's, make it Impressions at Resorts World Manila's Maxims Hotel.
But there's more. Check out other culinary delights from the other dining establishments at Maxims Hotel for Valentine's here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-world-of-luckand-flavors-for.html.
Impressions is located at Third Floor, Maxims Hotel, Resorts World Manila, 100 Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay or call 908-8883 for inquiries and reservations.
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