Table Suggestions: The Best Panna Cotta
on 18 August, 2008
I’m not big on desserts (with obvious exceptions, of course).
I’ll leave desserts to more passionate bloggers (Hello, Lori). But I love what I love. And I love this dessert.
It is called Panna Cotta Heaven from Restaurant Verbena, Tagaytay.
I’ve talked about it before. But this is the only time (of the many, many times I’ve had this dessert) that I’ve gotten a (more than) decent photograph. Why do I love it so? Simple elegance. These little white towers are pretty much run-of-the-mill cooked cream. But what makes this dessert special is not what’s at the bottom but what’s on top: Saffron and Carnal Oranges. Black Pepper and Raspberries. Lemon Balm and Pistachios. Every panna cotta is a different flavor, a different texture and a different delight. A trio of simple deliciousness.
A. and I adore this dish. So much so that when in Tagaytay, we never miss a chance to drop by Verbena, order a plate and revel in the scrumptiousness of this heavenly dessert.
You can argue with me if you wish. But I’m taking a stand. This is the best panna cotta in the Philippines. For me, this dessert always comes first.
Many thanks to Erik Lacson for capturing heaven on a plate.
Restaurant Verbena
Discovery Country Suites
300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City
4120 Philippines
Telephone: (63 46) 413.4567
E-mail: rsvn@discovery.com.ph
Website: www.discoverycountrysuites.com
LABELS: Panna Cotta, Table Suggestions
7
comments
Post a commentAUGUST 19, 2008 3:47 PM
Didi said...
AGREE!!! and so sulit for the price of the dessert!
Light and creamy. Heavenly indeed
AUGUST 20, 2008 1:51 AM
Lori said...
Franco,
YOU -- not fond of dessert??! Why am I shocked? Admittedly, you did just have one forkful of that chocolate tiramisu cheesecake. Hmm. I'll have to think twice about inviting you out on a dessert trip with me. Hee. But that panna cotta IS mesmerizing. It was worth the wait to get that perfect shot.
AUGUST 20, 2008 4:22 AM
Rico said...
I held my breath when your page was loading, as I was on a "best panna cotta" search last year. Good to know it's still Verbena in Discovery Country Suites!
AUGUST 20, 2008 11:50 AM
Anonymous said...
hmmm... i had high expectations when i tried verbanas version.having seen a lot of photos of the very beautiful trio.. they are indeed beautiful but... it disappointed me.... the reason... they didnt use real vanilla bean.....
--hiro sakai---
AUGUST 22, 2008 2:22 AM
Franco said...
Hi Didi. Glad you AGREE. :)
Hi Lori. I don't dislike desserts. They are just not my food priority. But in my book, not all dessert are created equal. Love Ice Cream, obviously. Love Pies and for now, I love two specific cakes. :)
Hi Rico. I'm curious about what other panna cottas you have tried.
Hi Sakai. Really? That's sad to hear. But I assume you know depending upon the quality of the extract you can pretty much approximate the flavor of vanilla. For me, it was really about what was served on top that was important. :)
AUGUST 23, 2008 2:18 PM
Anonymous said...
franco.. try cooking ur own panna cotta and use a real vanilla bean then make another one using the best vanilla extract u can find... the first time i used vanilla bean..iba talaga:)
--hiro sakai--
AUGUST 25, 2008 3:00 AM
grumpyurbanslacker said...
AMEN!!!