Dessert at the Pen

Location: Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City

I don't like the Pen, thanks to memories of my high school graduation ball which was held there. But being there a second time, I noticed that it is quite beautiful after all. I love the sunburst sculpture on the four-storey high ceiling by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. I can stare at it the whole day. In fact, I'd like to have one installed in my future house.

After a superb dinner at Umu, B and I headed to the Pen for desserts. As expected, the prices were exorbitant, but the ambiance and the food presentation justify why.

Creamy creme brulee for him

Lovely pineapple carpaccio for me

Our desserts are from the non-ice cream specialties of the Pen Lobby. The hotel now serves a whole range of Selecta ice cream fanfare, from indulgent chocolate to tropical fruit flavors. They are priced from Php400 to Php650.

My dessert is about Php350. At first I thought I could've easily created the dish in my kitchen (if I had known what it was in the first place). But then I wouldn't be savoring it bathed in flattering warm light with live piano music in the background.

I still prefer kicking back at Sofitel's poolside bar with a cold Erdinger, but it was a different, rather childlike way of capping off nice date. Next time, maybe instead of being selfish B and I can share one ice cream dessert.