Cafe Uno of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao for USPB Potato Safari 3

Last December 2015, I was invited by the US Potato Board (USPB) to join their Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. We stayed at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, a beautiful beachfront hotel which was only 20-30 minutes away from the airport. On our first night at Davao City, we had dinner at the hotel’s Cafe Uno.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao City for USPB Potato Safari 3

The cozy and classy Cafe Uno at the Waterfront Insular Hotel is a perfect place to chill with great friends while relishing cocktails after a hard day’s work. It is a setting ideal for enjoying great conversations while listening to comforting jazz and R&B music.

Cafe Uno at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao City

Continue reading Cafe Uno of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao for USPB Potato Safari 3

Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville for USPB Potato Safari 3

Last December 2015, I was invited by the US Potato Board (USPB) to join their Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. After a brief introduction to frozen US Potatoes, we were then into vans, traveled back in time, and landed at the front gate of Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant.

Facade Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant Davao City

Claude’s Le Café de Ville has become a household name in Davao City and Davaoeños recognize it as the quintessential fine-dining restaurant in the city. A colonial house transformed into a dining spot, its atmosphere evokes a laid back and relaxing feel. It is known for its unparalleled French and Mediterranean cuisine and excellent service.

 

Chef Claude Le Neindre

After looking around this Instagram-worthy locale, we were introduced to owner and chef, Claude Le Neindre, from Loire Valley in France. He started his culinary career at the Hotel de L’Univers and the L’Etoile d’Potel in Paris. He soon went on to work with five-star chains such as the Hilton, the Inter-Continental, and the Sofitel and Novotel of the Accor Group. After a short three-year stint managing a 16th century property called Hotel Du Dauphn in L’Aigle, Normandy, Claude sold his shares and decided to settle down in Davao City with his wife. He worked for two years as the resident manager of Pearl Farm Resort before he started building his namesake restaurant in November 1995. The restaurant officially opened on the 1st of May 1996.

Chef Claude Le Neindre of Claude's Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant for USPB Potato Safari 3

Continue reading Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville for USPB Potato Safari 3

My US Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3 Experience in Davao City

While everyone was busy with their holiday preparations last December 2015, I, together with other Manila food bloggers, flew to Davao City to join the Potato Safari 3, coordinated by the US Potato Board (USPB), the organization who handles the promotion and marketing for US Potatoes across the globe.

United States Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3

 

About US Potatoes

The third of the Potato Safari began with the Global Marketing Manager of USPB, Susan Weller, giving us a brief and informative introduction to US Potatoes.

Susan Weller Global Marketing Manager of USPB

The potato is an integral ingredient used in cuisines all over the world. It is so versatile that it can be used in appetizers, soups, main entrées, or even desserts. But do you know what the world’s favorite way to eat potatoes? Of course, as French fries!

The most important thing I learned from Susan was that it’s NOT true that fresh local potatoes are superior over frozen potatoes in terms of quality and nutritional content. Frozen US Potatoes are, in fact, a whole lot better because they meet strict FDA and USDA specifications—a reason why they have become the top choice of renowned chefs all over the world.

US Frozen Pototoes from USPB

Continue reading My US Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3 Experience in Davao City

Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet

Only in the Philippines can you witness people embracing and celebrating the Christmas spirit as early as September. And it’s not unusual at all to see decorated Christmas trees and hear joyous holiday jingles in homes, malls, and anywhere else in the country. Joining in with the Filipino’s contagious holiday vibe, Vask Tapas Room in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig has opened their doors for people who wish to celebrate Christmas early with their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Vask Tapas Room Comida de Navidad Spanish Tapas Brunch Buffet BGC Taguig

 

Comida de Navidad Sunday Brunch at Vask Tapas Room 

Vask Tapas Room launched their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet last November 15, 2015 and it will run until the 27th of December, making Vask the perfect venue for a pre- or post-Christmas celebration with your friends and family.

Facade of Vask Tapas Room Spanish Restaurant BGC Taguig

Allow us to walk you through the delectable spread of holiday favorites you can enjoy at Vask this Christmas season.

Dining Area of Vask Tapas Room Restaurant BGC Taguig

After making ourselves comfortable in our seats, our server asked us to choose between their free-flowing white or red wine sangrias. Since Mhel’s palate is more familiar with the flavors and tannins in wines, she went for the red wine sangria, while I played safe with the white.

Continue reading Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet