VALENTINE'S at NIU by Vikings and a Quick VDAY Giveaway

 
Love is in the air as NIU by VIKINGS celebrate Valentine's day via the sweet route. NIU has partnered with LINDT to produce chocolate filled dishes to entice the senses. During a sneak peak, members of the media were treated to a chocolate infused course. From start to finish, everything was impressive.
The setting was romantic and different in a way. I must have entered the wrong restaurant, I thought, as the room was filled with candles, strawberries and even huge chocolate bars. Not just any normal chocolates but LINDT. In case you are not familiar, LINDT is a premium brand of chocolate that is used to make amazing backed goodies. For the Valentine's Weekend, NIU by VIKINGS has partnered up with LINDT to make chocolate inspired dishes just for its diners.
As this was dinner, unlimited wine both red and white were part of the list of alcoholic beverages. Perfect to start of that romantic feel.

 Normally, a dull looking bread would be served to start a meal. BUT HERE IN NIU, things are a little different. This is the SPICED LINDOR PROSCIUTTO BREAD. The white coating is very light and it accompanies the meat filling. One must also give attention to the dip as it is made of LINDT chocolate. So good.

 Surprisingly, this is partnered with NIU'S MINESTRONE. The soup is neither heavy nor light. It is something in the middle. Generally on the tomato flavor side, the soup has different flavor layering because of the vegetables found in it.

For the pasta dish, NIU concocted the MENAGE Au TRIOS or Household of Three. This is the Three-Mushroom and Spinach Cannelloni.

The wrapper is not too thick as it wraps the creamy truffled portobello, shitake and button mushrooms. Aside from these, there is also a spinach filling and is served on a bed on pomodoro sauce.

Up next is the slow-cooked PORK BELLY in Lindor Dark Chocolate BBQ Glaze. DAMN! The Pork Belly was so soft and tender. Surprisingly, the chocolate glaze on the side works well with the dish. I could actually lick the plate.

For Lamb lovers, they have the vegetable stacked PULLED Grass-Feb Lamb Leg in Lindor Port Wine. The lamb flavor was evident in this dish.

The wine blended with the chocolate sauce that it made it a little bit milder in terms of flavor profile.

As an interlude, more wine and alcoholic drinks were served. This cocktail is a little light and sparkling. Definitely a ladies' drink.

Another entree was the Spit-Roasted Chateubriand in Black Lindor Truffle Sauce. One whiff and the truffle smell was there. Chateaubriand is a thicker cut from the tenderloin fillet. The meal was cooked to a perfect medium. The meat absorbed the flavors from the truffle sauce.

To finish the night a LOVE TRIANGLE was created.

Lindor Ganache, Hazelnut Buttercream and Coffee diplomat filled cake. The insides of the cake was moist and wonderfully delicious. I believe it was because of the quality and the flavor profile of the LINDOR that made it amazing. Sorry Doc, I finished everything on this plate. Soooo Goood!

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The partnership of NIU and LINDOR made this coming Valentine's celebration a tummy to remember. A lovely sweet treat is waiting for you at NIU. This menu would be added to both LUNCH and DINNER of NIU from February 13-16, 2016. I hope you get to try them.

AND NOW THE QUICK GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Participants must follow the rules. First five steps are mandatory. Winners must be able to claim and use the GC from Feb 13-16,2016 (ONLY at NIU by VIKINGS) either at lunch or dinner. They will need to present a valid id to claim the GCs. Since the GC's are only for weekday lunch, additional cost would be shouldered by the winner if they choose to avail of a dinner or a weekend buffet. Reservation of the table is the responsibility of the winner. Food In The Bag reserves the right to declare the winner. The participants will agree with all the decisions made by Food In The Bag. Rules and Regulations may change with or without prior notice. Good Luck! 

NIU by VIKINGS
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Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out the dishes. The dishes were plated so that it would be easily served. During the VDAY weekend, these dishes would be part of the buffet spread. Once could also request the chef manning the stations to "plate" the dishes if they so wish. This is a quick giveaway.