Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort proudly hosted the grand opening of the Davao Food and Wine Festival 2024 with a spectacular event titled “Island Flavors: A Culinary Collective by Dusit x Roots Siargao.” The evening celebrated culinary artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage, marking the beginning of a festival dedicated to Davao’s rich food traditions. Partnering with the renowned Roots Siargao, the event featured a seven-course dining experience with expertly paired wines, embodying Dusit International’s commitment to excellence and eco-conscious practices.
Guests were welcomed with cocktails from Sula as they gathered at Tamsi Hall, eagerly anticipating the evening’s culinary journey. At 6:00 PM, the doors opened to reveal a thoughtfully curated menu by the chefs of Roots Siargao, blending local ingredients with a focus on sustainability.
The event officially began with a warm welcome from Davao Food and Wine Festival Chair, Ms. Carmina del Rosario, who emphasized the festival’s celebration of Davao’s culinary heritage. She led a toast, recognizing the importance of honoring roots and nurturing culinary diversity.
Mr. Tomas P. Lorenzo, President of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC), expressed his gratitude for hosting the festival at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort for the second year in a row. He highlighted the resort’s commitment to offering not just luxurious beachside escapes but also unforgettable culinary experiences. “Guests come to Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort not only for the stunning views but also for the exceptional cuisine,” he remarked.
Ricardo Miranda de Sousa from Roots Siargao shared insights into the Roots movement, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability. He reflected, “Our mission is to create dishes that are not only delicious but also sustainable, nourishing both body and soul.”
The seven-course meal that followed celebrated the best of local produce and craftsmanship. Highlights included:
- Roots & Dip: Featuring Salvaro, goat cheese from Noble Goat Farm, and ube.
- Tartar, Duck Egg, and Davao Wild Herbs: A creative dish with catch of the day, wild herbs, and duck eggs from Agriya.
- Breads and Butter: Made with breads from Grateful Bread, ampalaya oil, and goat burnt butter from Malagos Farm.
- Ceviche: Crafted from the freshest catch of the day, coconut tiger milk from Lubi, and singkamas.
- Lazy Raviolone: Blue swimming crab, banana flowers from Agriya, and fresh pasta.
- Wagyu and Mole: Filipino Wagyu short ribs from Kitayama Farm, mole, and langka.
- Cacao and Lubi Crumble: A decadent dessert with Namelaka, cacao husk from Gran Verde Farm, and chocolates from Malagos Farm.
Each course was expertly paired with wines from Philippine Wine Merchants, elevating the culinary experience to new heights. The evening was filled with music, lively conversation, and laughter, as guests indulged in the vibrant flavors and warm ambiance curated by Dusit Thani Lubi and Roots Siargao.
Mr. Bobby Horrigan, Owner’s Representative, closed the event by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all the guests for making the occasion such a success. He thanked everyone for their unwavering support and participation, making the evening memorable.
The event aligned seamlessly with Dusit International’s “Food for Thought” and “Farm to Table” initiatives, which emphasize sustainability and the promotion of culinary arts through engaging, revenue-generating activities. It was a perfect reflection of Dusit’s commitment to fostering a sustainable food future while showcasing local flavors and culinary talent.
The evening welcomed distinguished representatives from the Davao Food and Wine Festival, the Lorenzo Family, Dusit Davao Hotels and Resorts’ Cluster General Manager Christoph Kuch, media partners, and sponsors like EastWest Bank.
As part of the month-long Davao Food and Wine Festival 2024, Dusit Davao will host more exciting events, including the Benjarong Thai Masterclass with Chef Piya Suthasiri on October 8, 2024, and the Chinese Cantonese Dinner on October 24, 2024. These events highlight Dusit’s ongoing dedication to elevating the culinary scene while promoting tourism, with a strong focus on quality, excellence, and sustainability.
