Delicious Delights: Exploring the Philippines on a Plate
Last Saturday, June 15, 2024, Quest Hotel’s Puso Bistro and Bar joined the Cebu Food & Wine Festival 2024 and treated their guests to a delicious adventure across the Philippines with a themed dinner entitled, “Kumbira”.
In Cebuano, “kumbira” means a large feast. And it was a feast indeed! Puso Bistro and Bar’s menu focuses on the country’s three main regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Savor the delights of Luzon, delve into the diverse flavors of Visayas, and explore Mindanao’s rich and bold offerings. The menu was carefully curated by talented chefs who brought a culinary adventure that reflected the distinct heritage of each region.
Executive Chef Jonathan Cuarenta introduced Luzon’s comfort favorites as far as the northern part of Ilocos for its hangover soup known as beef sinanglaw; then try the Culinary Capital Pampanga’s kilayin. We travel down to Bicol, known for its spicy and coconut milk-based dishes. Bicol’s laing is one of my personal favorite Luzon dishes as I love the creamy coconut milk married with a kick of spiciness.
Sous Chef Lito Pepito takes the guests to the familiar Visayan treats–the crowd favorite humba and buffet centerpiece, lechon. There are a lot of lechoneros here in Cebu but my personal favorite is Carcar lechon. The first time I tried their lechon at their public market, it was accompanied by sabaw where you can dip your rice. The sabaw is not a soup but the bowl holds the lechon drippings, with all the herbs and spices they used to cook the lechon with. It’s a game changer!
Mindanao, often overshadowed by other Philippine regions, boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Senior Sous Chef, Lemuel Algabre, takes us on a gastronomic journey through Mindanao, highlighting the bold and complex flavors of Tausug beef kulma and Maranao chicken piaparan. Personally, I’m intrigued by chicken pyanggang. The idea of using burnt coconut for smokiness alongside spices seems unusual, but the combination sounds incredibly fascinating.
Saving the sweetest for last, the dessert station boasts over forty delectable treats, from classic Filipino kakanins and breads alongside globally inspired creations of Pastry Chef Reign Valendez and his team.
Complementing the delectable journey, Quest Hotel prepared a live cultural presentation from Bidlisiw, USPF Cultural Dancers. The guests were treated to traditional dances featuring the tinikling, singkil, and Cordillera dances accompanying each region for a deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ culinary diversity.
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Read: Reasons Why Kakanins are the Stars of the Show at Puso Bistro
