Le Jardin

For our 2.5 years anniversary as a married couple, Hubby took me to somewhere special:  Le Jardin.  This was actually way back last March, but I just realized I haven't blogged about it till now.  Sorry!  Anyway, a few weeks before that day, Hubby mentioned that his friend was opening a new French restaurant at the Fort.  He saw the place a few days after it opened, and was both intrigued and excited to try the place out.  Knowing me, once you say French, visions of truffle and foie gras began swimming in my mind.  There is no way I'm going to say no.  Happy tummy, here I come!

Bar area

Dining area

Choose from one of the three dinner courses!

Cold appetizer

Warm appetizer

Entrees

Dessert

Hubby and I were two hungry people.  Besides, it was already 8:30PM when we arrived!  So each of us went for the 5 courses.  We agreed to order differently from each other and share so that we'd be able to taste more of what Le Jardin has to offer.  Here we go!

Freshly baked bread

The brioche had great texture.  It tasted more like cake than bread, which was more than ok for me.

Truffled eggs

Oh god... I still cannot take my mind off Le Jardin's truffled eggs until now.  The scrambled eggs were extremely smooth, and there was a very distinct truffle aroma.  Two of my favorite things together = BLISS.

Soupe de poisson provence (Fish soup - French riviera style)

The fish soup had a light taste reminiscent of the lobster bisque.

Assiette de trois foie gras (French duck liver three ways)

Not much fan of the terrine, but the spring roll thing is very good.

Tartare de crabe (Crab Tartare)

Very fresh!

Lasagne d'agneau (Lamb lasagna)

A different twist to the usual lasagna, and the flavors in your mouth is just divine!

Coquille St. Jacques, puree de pommes de terre aux truffes (Seared scallops, truffled mashed potatoes)

Loved the truffled mashed potatoes, there's a hint of truffle in every spoonful!  The scallops were also pretty juicy.

Pauponette choux confit de canard (Cabbage stuffed with duck confit, foie gras sauce)

In my opinion, the foie gras sauce and the cabbage do not complement each other.  But separately, it's a dream.

Fresh lemon sorbet

A definite palate cleanser.  I wish they had a drink version of this!

Filet d' espadon, sauce vin rouge, fondue de poireaux (Swordfish with red wine reduction, leek fondue)

When the swordfish arrived at out table, my initial thought was that it looked tough.  Biting into it told me otherwise.  The fish was tender!  I don't like the texture though, but hey, different fishes, different textures.  Can't do anything about that.  

Joue de boeuf et foie gras poele (Braised beef cheek topped with pan seared foie gras)

The beef cheek was very soft, and the foie gras?  It was cooked perfectly - not too raw and not overcooked.

Cheese platter

Not much a fan of these cheeses, but we were told that each cheese was aged differently.  Hubby, the cheese monster, seems to like it though.

Fondant chocolat (Moist chocolate lava cake)

Yes.  This tasted as good as it looks.

Tarte Tatin (Classic French apple pie)

This was ok.  I just wish we went for a more exciting dessert.

Lemon Cheesecake

Probably the creamiest (and the best!) cheesecake we've ever tried.  It's light, refreshing, and oh so good!

Overall, Hubby and I were very, very, very happy with Le Jardin.  It was indeed one of the best meals we've had in our life.  And I say this with no bias whatsoever!  Though prices are not for the faint of heart, I can say that the quality of the food is superb and well worth the money.  Would definitely go back again and again.  5 out of 5 stars!

Le Jardin is at The W Fifth Avenue, The Penthouse, 32nd St cor 5th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig