Kris Aquino and I have a love-hate relationship.
Granted, it’s one that isn’t mutual – makes one wonder: what if she really is aware of my lowly existence? Gasp! – but it’s been there since her Pido Dida days with the late Rene Requiestas. I wouldn’t risk my life by elaborating on the things about her that I’m not really fond of (*ahem*non-existent horror acting skills*ahem*), but I will admit to one thing that makes me a silent admirer at times: her ability to influence.
In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell talks about the Law of the Few, and describes the three types of people who enable sociological changes: the Connectors (aka the social butterflies), the Mavens (aka the information holders forever eager to share) and the Salesmen (aka the people you just can’t seem to say no to). The Presidential sister, I believe, is all of those rolled into one. Of course one can argue that she has a whole team of researchers and writers behind her but her face, her persona, and her star power makes all of it happen.
Why all this talk about Kristeta, you ask? Well, because of these qualities, and her closeted but strong KrisTV fan base (read: Kite and the mother-in-law), I was led to a place where I had a taste of the best cheesecake I’ve ever had.
It was the last night of the most memorable Valentine’s weekend we’ve had to date, and my ever diligent Kite had ensured that we cap it off by way of a dreamy dinner at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. I bet you know by now where someone got the hat tip from. :-P
A restored ancestral house sitting atop the hill-y and rather posh Camella Northpoint, public interest towards the White House got rejuvenated recently after it got converted into a semi-fine dining restaurant specializing in Japanese-French fusion cuisine. (I’m sure the airtime it got from Kris’ television show didn’t hurt either. :-P) The property itself was gorgeous, the romanticism especially heightened at night with the glow of the warm lights, the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, and the appeal of the period architecture itself.
We had the option to partake of the Valentine’s meal The White House was offering then, but decided against it so we can try their bestsellers. Kite was actually gunning for the Smoked Toro Tempura Roll, while I had the Hotpot Sukiyaki on Paper in mind. To our disappointment, our server politely delivered the news that both were out of stock that night. It’s actually funny looking back now, especially since I remember everything else on the menu was available except for the two we were specifically looking for. :-P
The fried cracklings topped with buta kakuni served as a starter dampened the blow for a bit, fortunately. The Japanese braised pork belly was so packed with flavor the only complain I had was the portion size. I know it’s meant to be an hors d’oeuvre, of course, but I swear I could’ve eaten a bowl of it. Piqued our palates it did indeed.
We were also given warm bread paired with good ‘ol butter.
In place of the two dishes we had initially planned, Kite and I asked for the sautéed seafood medley with wasabi coconut sauce (because the long-winded name sounded interesting) and The White House Wagyu Burger (it’s hard to not take notice after reading the description in the menu). We also had the Japanese Style Pizza, because, well, Kris ordered it too. :-P
As each plate was laid down and as the night progressed, both of us realized we were going to eat edible pieces of art that night:
Am I right, or AM I RIGHT?
The plating was thoughtful, visually arresting, and was a statement on every angle. We loved the use of white dishware as it provided a clean canvas for the food to shine. I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say special mention is deserved by the seafood medley, the unexpected presentation of which induced multiple “wow“s and “woah“s from both me and Kite. Oh such beauty!
From a taste perspective, the unagi sauce gracing that thin crust was a real stand-out. I can’t quite put a finger on it, but I do remember it being just the right level of salty and savory. Every crisp bite of that pizza was a combination of flavors and mouth-feels I never imagined could work together. Think Dear Darla elevated to a whole, new level. Genius I tell you! The prawns, squid, tuna, salmon, Manila clams, New Zealand mussels, and U.S. jumbo scallop perched on top of the steamed Japanese rice rolled in au nori, on the other hand, were all perfectly cooked. The creaminess and subtle heat from the wasabi-coconut sauce pairing, this time imagine an Eastern Asian spicy gata, worked wonders for these bounties of the sea too.
As for the Wagyu burger, well, it wasn’t bad. It just didn’t measure up to the x-factor of the other dishes, I guess. Also, it held too much promise on the menu but it didn’t quite translate to a mouth-watering experience I was expecting it to give. I mean come on: wasabi onion rings, gruyere cheese, mushroom sauce, teriyaki mayo, caramelized onions, AND tyrolian bacon? Individually, good on paper, but altogether indiscernible in one bite. Or slice, for that matter, because there was no way I could’ve picked that up and have all those components in my mouth in one go. Again, it’s not terrible. Let’s just say I’ve had better.
A perfect appetizer, two stellar main courses and a so-so one. Not bad for a special date night right? Well, we didn’t leave just yet because even before we started dinner we knew we couldn’t step out of the White House without sampling their famed dessert. This time no sharing, a decision I’m forever grateful we made that night.
Behold, the best cheesecake I’ve tasted my entire life:
That’s vanilla cheesecake topped with yamamomo and mixed berries compote set on green tea dacquoise and mango caviar yo!
I would fly all the way to Davao just for this cheesecake.
Okay, fine, maybe I’m exaggerating just a wee bit, but you get the point. From the first spoonful up to the last, Kite and I were riding through different waves of dessert pleasure. The berries on top of the smooth and velvety cheesecake were refreshing with a good balance of saccharinity, tartness and acidity. See those little black specks? Yep, legit vanilla beans! The meringue base, used in lieu of the usual graham crust I reckon, was great on its own merits. And those three cute, jiggly, yellow “caviar“? Pops of mango puree-ish goodness, each one of them! Amaze-balls!
The seafood and pizza were pretty hard to beat, but the cheesecake still took the prize for being the showstopper-slash-highlight of the night. In my humble opinion, the White House’s plat de résistance, it was B-E-S-T, best.
After a Valentine’s meal that’s going to be a benchmark for all succeeding ones, our server that night, Gerry (I think? Sorry! I should’ve taken down his name! Someone correct me if I’m wrong please…), gave us a tour of the upper floors. Kite had actually arranged for dinner at the veranda but because of the slight drizzle that night, we were left with no choice but to dine inside. Lovely place The White House is, and I wouldn’t think twice about eating there again. Sure, a premium price is to be paid, but for the quality of the food, the ambiance and the service, I’d say it’s well worth it. :-)
Very nice and accommodating guy. Though I heard Kris complained that he skimped on the milk for her coffee. :P Joke lang Kuya. If you know him, please tell him this’ll make for a good profile picture. Hehehe…
The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge
Camella Northpoint, Bajada, Central,
Davao City, Philippines, 8000
Telephone: +63 82 2824540, +63 915 448 3601
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitehousefusioncuisine/
E-mail: thewhitehouseresto@yahoo.com.ph
Filed under: Food, Philippines, Places Tagged: buta kakuni, Davao, Food, Food finds, Japanese braised pork belly, Japanese Style Pizza, Kris Aquino, KrisTV, Philippines, Sauteed seafood medley with wasabi coconut sauce, The White House, The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge, The White House Wagyu Burger, Yamamomo Cheesecake
