In celebration of Independence Day, Dusit Thani Manila pays homage to nation’s history and cultural heritage through a culinary perspective at its all-day dining restaurant, The Pantry. Dubbed as “Lasa”, a Filipino word for taste, a regional food festival highlights authentic Filipino dishes from the three regions- Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Invited to man the kitchen are three local chefs- namely Chef Hernan Christian De Jesus from Luzon, Chef Gil George Jucaban from Visayas,and Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III from Mindanao. These culinary experts are tasked to take guests to an ultimate food trip around the Philippines. Cooking alongside with award-winning Dusit chefs, the  gold medalists in Filipino cuisine category at the Philippine Culinary Cup for two consecutive years (2018-2019).

Chef Hernan Christian De Jesus runs Provenciano, a restaurant in Maginhawa Street in Teacher’s Village, Quezon City featuring Philippine regional cuisine based on heirloom recipes from his travels around the country. Known for his old-fashioned way of preparing food, Chef Chris brings the same mission of serving his specialties with authenticity and tradition. He will serve up some of the most well-loved dishes in Luzon such as Bagnet, Lengua Estofado and Dinakdakan.

Heartwaming Visayan dishes get the spotlight with Chef Gil George Jucaban, who was hailed as champion at the Solane Kitchen Hero Region VI Chefs’ Edition. With his mastery on distinct flavors from his province of Iloilo, he will delight guests with his version of Kansi, Linarang and Humba.

Hailing from Maguindanao, Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III, is a professionally trained chef and award-winning food writer, who has also been serving as a food ambassador for the cuisine of his home region. Known in the culinary world for raising awareness and appreciation for Muslim cuisine, Chef Datu will introduce authentic Moro dishes like Piyanggang Manok, Kulma, Tiyula Itim and Riyandang Kambing.

In addition to the main dishes, The Pantry spread also features other offerings sourced from different corners of the archipelago— Lechon, Balbacua (Davao), Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas (Rizal), Kinilaw na Tanigue, Arroz Valenciana (Negros), Vigan Empanada (Ilocos), Panga ng Tuna  (GenSan), Adobong Balut, Loming Batangas, Bicol Express, Inasal na Manok (Bacolod) and more. End the meal on a sweet note with an array of traditional desserts, including Durian Cheesecake, Tibuk Tibok (Pampanga), Tocino del Cielo (Pampanga), Pastillas (Nueva Ecija), Suman Antipolo, Brazo de Mercedes, Bukayo (Pangasinan) and Ginataang Bilo Bilo.

Apart from food, guests can also enjoy an art exhibit courtesy of Kartini Gallery, showcasing the prowess of local artists. The hotel lobby displays arts from upcoming artists to timeless masters in appreciation of the unique talents that the country has to offer. An opening ceremony of the exhibit with no less the Department of Tourism (DOT) officials in attendance also signals the start of the food festival.

Running from June 10-19, The Pantry buffet will offer a curated spread of regional specialties for PHP 2,500++ per person during weekends and special a la carte menu during weekdays for lunch and dinner. This weeklong event is in partnership with DOT.

Get a taste of Filipino cuisine at Lasa Food Festival. For reservations, call 7238 8888.

Stay hungry,

thehungrychef

Nathaniel C. Uy