Dusit Davao’s Successful CHEFS ON TOUR Levels Up Mindanao’s Dining Scene

Two really special days of watching these chefs, most of whom I have met and seen several times over the years coming over to Davao especially for the annual Mindanao Culinary Cup (MCC) being held in Davao City. It was a memorable day for me and wish granted that it was a happy time seeing them up close cooking this time instead of being judges in the annual MCC.

Indeed this is taking one’s gastronomic journey into a one-of-a-kind experience for many of the guests, Chefs on Tour by Dusit Davao was a huge success which was held both in Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort and dusitD2 Davao in two consecutive days recently.

The summer season was celebrated well in the Dusit Davao properties, ensuring its guests that only unique and delightful experiences would take place. Last April 13 and 14, twelve of the country’s best chefs showcased their passion through Chefs on Tour including Dusit Thani Davao’s very own Executive Chef Piya Suthasiri, from an exclusive island paradise to Davao’s ideal choice for urban escape. The event was co-presented by Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC). 

The roster of amazingly fun and talented chefs was from LTB Philippines Chefs Association, an organization of culinary enthusiasts that promote Filipino cuisine and talents all over the world whom as I have mentioned have been to Davao City serveral times over the years because of the Mindanao Culinary Cup, namely:

Chef James Antolin of Ikomai, Tochi desserts
Chef Sau Del Rosario of Sawsaw, Café Fleur
Chef Tom Bascon of M Dining
Chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts
Chef Josh Boutwood of Helm, The Test Kitchen, Savage, Ember
Chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai, Cerveseria, The Blue Room, Manila House
Chef Jackie Ang Po of Fleur de Lys
Chef Carlo Miguel of Cloud Eats
Chef Tatung Sathou of Lore, Tatung’s, Azadore
Chef J Brando Santos and Chef Kenneth Cacho of Unilever Food Solutions Philippines

Last but definitely not the least is Dusit Davao Hotel and Resort’s very own executive chef Piya Suthasiri whose dish was one of the interesting dish among what we have tasted. Chef Piya joined the amazing line-up of known chefs, bringing his vast experience around Asia and his signature approach to innovating Thai dishes.

The amazing two-day gastronomic event kicked off with cocktails around sunset at The Beach Club of Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort. Guests were treated into the perfect ambiance, served with indulgent food and fun entertainment including a fire dance where guests got to have photo souvenirs. The second day of Dusit’s gastronomic event was held at the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom, with hundreds of guests coming together for an exceptional night of indulgent delights.

Multi-awarded broadcaster Ms. Ces Orena-Drilon hosted the said two day culinary event in both Dusit Lubi and DusitD2 Hotel.

Chefs on Tour were attended by government and corporate partners, the consular core, national and local celebrities and media, influencers, and culinary enthusiasts from different parts of the country.

In his welcome message, General Manager Christoph Kuch says, “Chefs on Tour is a culinary experience like no other, and we are proud that Dusit Davao has made it happen. We are honored to be in the presence of world-renowned Chefs sharing their expertise and passion, which shall all translate on tonight’s menu.”

Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) CEO Tomas Lorenzo delivered his message. “We wanted to create this event because we at Dusit Davao do things out of the box. We do interesting events that would really change the landscape of dining, of entertainment.” 

Chefs on Tour commenced with a fun introduction of the twelve chefs from their respective stations and having them share their dishes for the night. With a wide-ranging and full 12-course menu ready for guests to indulge, it was a celebration and conversation of food, cooking, baking, and inspiration for the craft amongst the chefs in their respective stations.

Chef Jackie Ang Po here was explaining to the host Ms. Ces Drilon
when she asked about what her Apple Religieuse dessert is.

Religieuse is a traditional French pastry meaning “nun”.
Its shape made up of two choux buns
as it bears resemblance to an obese nun in a habit. 

Chef Buddy Trinidad’s Double Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie

Braised US Angus Short Ribs by Chef Carlo Miguel

Chef Kenneth Cacho’s A Mi

Chef James Antolin’s Ikomai Tuna Taco

While Dusit brought the chefs in Davao, the chefs brought everyone in the event into a different tour – one that ravels in one’s palate and memories. It was a memorable and fun encounter meeting these chefs up close and the fun interaction they give with the guests. It was also fun looking at the chefs dancing during and after each event and having fun among themselves as they said they have enjoyed the warm hospitality of Davao. We are so happy to have you in our beloved city as well.

Hope this is just the first and not the last Chefs On Tour to happen in Davao City. Looking forward to 2024 Chefs on Tour. By the way, most of the chefs will be back in May which is  next month for the Mindanao Culinary Cup once again for 2023. Till then…  

For Dusit Davao bookings and reservations, please call (082) 272 5000/ (082) 322 7000 or email davao@dusit.com.