Love a love that is greater than love. We all have our notion of love – of being in love. And yes, we all have our own Romeo and Juliet. Our story, unlike in books, is progressively evolving as we end one day, welcome the night and say hello to a new day. Always on repeat.
February, for me, is not just an ordinary love month; February happens to be my parents’ anniversary month. Yes, I am a February baby, born on November. Every year, I’d see them exchange gifts and share the moment with me and the rest of the family. This year, I made sure I’d be the one at the helm – making sure they enjoy until the last bite. Yes, food. Love and food – always, together and forever.
So, where do I go and treat my parents to a night of flavours, textures and taste? The White House.
Davao’s The White House is a personal favourite. The location, ambiance, the staff and of course, the food. Emotional, you might say, but at The White House, I always feel special. Hence, when I want others, specially my loved ones, to feel extra special, I always have The White House as a refuge. A calorie-laden refuge perfect for anyone who likes to eat.
This award winning dining place is not a secret. It’s been one of the most frequented dining places in the city where a night under the sky is made possible despite it being in the middle of a busy intersection. Notably known as one of the city’s fine dining restaurant, The White House is where you’d be able to taste the flavours of the world and verily enjoy every bite.
The choice is yours: do a degustation meal or order an array of dishes from their packed menu. If you want a free-flowing repertoire of flavours, then opt for a degustation meal that’s sure to have you craving for more. If sharing is what you are after then go ahead, order your palate’s desire. Whatever option you take, you’d surely end up with a full tummy and smile on your face.
Personally, a degustation meal is the easiest route to take. No need to think; all you need is wait for your meal to arrive. Of them, that night, my parents and I enjoyed their Wasabi Oyster Tempura topped with Dynamite sauce and Ebiko, Smoked Toro Tempura Roll topped with Balsamic Mayonnaise and Ebiko served with Ponzu Sauce (super rich!) and Dad’s new fave, New Style Tuna Sashimi served with Onion Salsa and Julienned Cucumber.
Personally, I’m biased with any duck dish. Hence, their Mesquite Smoked Duck Breast Salad Roll mixed greens, fried vermicelli, orange caviar rolled in Vietnamese rice paper in Orange Amasu Vinaigrette will always have a special place in my palate. Of old and new faves, we all agreed that their Smoked Tomato Soup topped with Basil Shiso Broth is one of their best.
Mama was all about their Pan seared Salmon served with Sweet Potato Mash, Sautéed Edamame in lemon butter sauce and their plate of US Topblade Salpicao served with Truffled Risotto, Grilled Vegetables in Red Wine Reduction Sauce. For someone who is not much of a beef dish fan, she happily munching on them without hesitation.
Despite my allergies, my palate happily savoured the flavours of their Pan seared Salmon in 3 kinds mushroom sautéed Shimeji, Shitake and Enoki Mushrooms with Uni Yuzu Sauce. For a change, I loved the salmon. By far, on my top 3 salmon dishes. (Yes. Unlike my mom, whenever I dine at The White House, duck, oyster and steak is a staple.)
We may have different opinions on the taste and flavours of the food served, but our palates agreed when their plates of Yamamomo Cheesecake and complimentary Durian Cheesecake rolled out of the kitchen. As usual, lit cheesecakes! The lychee caviar was also an A-gamer that night.
We might have different opinions as to the restaurant’s price range (or affordability as a friend likes to emphasize) but you can never deny the multitude layers and textures of the many dishes they serve. Sometimes, you just need to let your tummy reign supreme. I do. I always do.
To my Daddy and Mama: 33 years of marriage is not an easy feat to conquer. Thank you for giving me life and allowing me to live life to the fullest. You truly are an inspiration. Thank you for everything and I love you. Cheers for more years!
The White House is located at the Camella Northpoint, JP Laurel Avenue, Buhangin, Davao City
For inquiries, you may call them at 082 282 4540
Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap. For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.
