Vasco ups the ante

The tables were beautifully set up with roses and pink balloons floating in the air -- just the right mood for a Valentine's Day dinner. I had previously enjoyed my visits to Vasco, the Portuguese eatery, and this media tasting for the Valentine's Day set meal did not disappoint.

Guests are allowed to choose from one of three options in each of five categories - entre, starters, soup, main course, and desserts. My partner and I chose different dishes and found all of them satisfying.

Smoked salmon did not only taste good, but looked nice, shaped like a rose. The king prawns were juicy, while the chick pea and spinach soup was tasty and healthy. For the main course, Australian lobster is a great choice, but you can't go wrong with grouper fillet. Berries and hazelnut tart served with cheesecake souffl was immaculate, but the exotic fruit chocolate fondue was fun, with a teapot of hot chocolate.

The meal comes with a welcoming champagne, white wine, red wine and dessert wine, all of which are good quality. Every lady gets a rose, and a heart-shaped strawberry cake that can be taken away. Available on Feb 14.

(Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng district, 5/F. 5812-8888 ext 8411)