Launched in 2014, the US Potato Board (USPB) partnered with different restaurants to come up with dishes you can make using a number of US potato products.
Potatoes have always been side dishes to us Filipinos but little did we know, it can be the star of our meals as well. Did you know? Potatoes have more potassium than there are in bananas, has fiber, protein and surprisingly has Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.
As part of the 3-day safari, the chefs from partner restaurants each gave a one-of-a-kind presentation of the countless possibilities using some US Potatoes. And I kid you not, we were eating only dishes with potatoes for three consecutive days.
Claude's le Cafe de Ville
Chef Claude Le Neindre
Address: Rizal St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Many consider Claude's Le Cafe de Ville as the quintessential fine-dining restaurant in Davao City. Set in an exquisite colonial house, its atmosphere brings a desire for a world that is gentle and kind. It is known for its French and Mediterranean cuisine and excellent service.
A six course French meal with all dishes making use of US Potato, we started with the Chili Potato Cheese with Shrimp which are potato croquettes filled with cheese and fresh shrimps covered with a well-seasoned sauce that made the dish pop and our palate excited for what's more to come.
Ever heard of powdered potatoes? This Creamy Potato Onion Veloute is the traditional French onion soup thickened using powedered potatoes with a piece of their local creamy Malagos brie to top it off.
Salade Madayaw is a combination of sweet fruits and tangy dressing topped with potato wedges. Why the name? Madayaw means something to celebrate for or something that's pleasing to the eye so its name is just fitting. Partner the Salade Madayaw with tender Pepper Steak sandwiched in two golden brown hashbrowns that are cooked to golden brown perfection.
What's a visit to Davao without the fruit they're famous of? To end the meal, a slice of Potato Durian Pie ala Mode and a dish of fresh out of the oven Potato Cheese Souffle was served.
In addition, the pie has the slightest taste of durian, you wouldn't even think it's durian pie. The vanilla ice cream made it easier and more refreshing to eat, even those who do not like the strong taste of it would enjoy devouring this sweet treat.
Cafe Uno, Waterfront Insular Hotel
Executive Chef Victor Barangan
Address: J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
The cozy and classy Cafe Uno at the Waterfront Insular Hotel is a perfect place to chill and dine with family and friends. The dishes served were close to home because of the Asian touch which Chef Victor made sure he added.
Dinner started with some crispy bacon and US Potato Roll with sweet miso peaches which was a delight to the eye. You shouldn't miss out on the US Potato and corn bisque which I believe they added white truffle oil to enhance the flavor of the soup; they also hung a twister fry for an added fun to the dish.
The refreshing Hot Crab Salad had crispy criss cut potatoes, fresh salad greens, watermelon, pickled radish and a spicy crab salad which can make any eyes light up. Tender grilled steak is hidden beneath caramelized onion and asparagus paired with a juicy potato battered giant prawn tempura on a bed of wasabi-infused mashed potatoes.
Instead of the usual Dorayaki which is a Japanese dessert composed of two pancakes with red bean paste filling, the Green Tea Dorayaki sandwiches two scoops of ice cream — durian and vanilla — topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel.
Polo Bistro Restaurant, Marco Polo Hotel
Executive Sous Chef Alex Destriza
Address: Marco Polo Davao Hotel, C.M. Recto Street, Davao City
Standing on a carpet of city lights and embracing the cool winds while serving signature inter-continental Ala Carte, the glistening Polo Bistro Pool Lounge leaves customers coming back for more. We also learned that their menu changes every season since they are dedicated to serve dishes with only the freshest ingredients.
We instantly devoured the thick serving of shrimp cake and crunchy potato crisscut and singkamas salad, fresh mint leaves drizzled with asian chili dressing. It was then followed by a bowl of US Mashed Potato Soup infused with turmeric topped with a dice of slow-baked salmon, grapefruit and cilantro cream which worked perfectly well.
The star of the show was the Honey Caramelized Pork Spareribs with chili-spiced potato wedges, confit cherry tomato, a refreshing cucumber mint dressing and a tangy balsamic glaze syrup.
We ended the potato safari with some fresh strawberry cheesecake sitting on crumbled potato twister fries with soft meringue, white chocolate cream sauce and vanilla ice cream which caught everyone's attention. It had the perfect sweet and salty combination which proved that potato can be a part of any dish.
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If you have plans on visiting Davao, now is the best time since all the dishes mentioned will be available in Claude's le Cafe de Ville, Cafe Uno at Waterfront Insular and Polo Bistro at Marco Polo Davao starting January 2016 for a very limited time.
