Chef Tatung's

Food: Expect to find European and Mediterranean cuisine on Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou’s menu—the standard four-course dinner at his home-turned-private dining space includes freshly-baked bread, soup, salad, main course and dessert. Chef Tatung creates everything from scratch. He says, "We do not use industrial commercial seasonings or flavor enhancers. Our service is 'casually formal,' the way we had formal family dinners growing up."

How much to shell out: P500 per person; P750 if you opt for the steak. His Valentine's Day dinner menu starts with a welcome cocktail, a four-course menu with a glass of wine and a gift for the ladies, at P700 per person.

Setting: Casual is the rule of the day at Chef Tatung's but the dinner tables are nicely set-up for Chef Tatung's food, which is really the star of the show. "It is my home, my private space and I like having good company around. I love good conversation and I wanted my place to be the perfect background to the human experience. Not too much funfare, not too many surprises, no big ideas. It's not just about the food and eating, it's more about sharing of grace, the sharing of ourselves," he says.

Perfect for: For a casual dinner sans the crowd, head to Chef Tatung's when you want to want to mingle with friends over good food.

Call 352-6121, (0915) 846-3234 for reservations. Chef Tatung's is at 17 Matipid Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Affordable four-course menus are available at Chef Tatung's

New Manila Kitchen by Myrna Segismundo

Food: Be prepared to be won over by comforting Filipino fare by food writer and chef Myrna Segismundo. Partake of ubod, shrimp and pomelo salad, empanaditas, kinilaw, beef caldereta, and more. A menu with international dishes is available as well, plus take-out items like adobo pate, empanadas and homemade potato bread.

How much to shell out: Segismundo serves dinner for groups with at least 10 people or more at P1,500 per person.

Setting: The basement of Segismundo’s home has been transformed into a private foodie hangout which seats 20 people. The cozy space showcases Segismundo’s expertise in the kitchen and doubles as a cooking studio—she holds cooking classes and shares her 20-plus years of experience in the restaurant business.

Perfect for: Intimate get-togethers where sumptuous food is king, or for when you’re in the mood for great food. Call ahead to make arrangements.

Call 721-0736 or email newmanilakitchen@gmail.com for reservations. New Manila Kitchen is at 45 Sunrise Hill, New Manila Rolling Hills Village, Quezon City

New Manila Kitchen showcases Myrna Segismundo's expertise in the kitchen