Five Reasons Why I Love Chefs on Tour

Dusitd2 Davao recently held one of the biggest food events in Davao City hosting twelve of the country’s best culinary geniuses. The Chefs on Tour was a two-day culinary celebration at the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation in Mabini, Davao de Oro, and Dusitd2 Davao in Lanang, Davao City.

You may have read about the food, seen the snippets of the attendees, and viewed the glamorous occasion on your social media but I’d like to share five reasons why I love the Chefs on Tour and would be excited for a part 2!

Reason 1: The pink sunset on a beautiful Thursday afternoon at Lubi Plantation.

If you are from Davao, you would know that there is always a high chance of rain in the evening so I was a bit worried about the weather condition of the outdoor cocktail event on an island! Instead of a cloudy or rainy night, we had a glorious afternoon that shortly gave a beautiful pink sunset before all the action began. The afternoon alone was a reward!

Reason 2: The interview of the guest chefs by Ms. Ces Orena Drilon.

How can a quick conversation with twelve guest chefs turn into the most entertaining part of the night? I think the combination of Ms. Ces Drilon and the candidness of the chefs made the best recipe for a mini talk show to happen. From competing with who made the most travel to Davao, to whose dish needed ‘the maintenance pill’, everyone took home a good dose of joy from the chefs.

Reason 3: The introduction of the guest chefs on Day 2 ala Iron Chef

While Day 1 was a simple and casual occasion, the second day made us feel as if we were at the Iron Chef Stadium, without the tenseness of a competition. The chefs were all up for it and with the production of the marketing team of Dusitd2 Davao, it was truly a well-thought-of evening. We really should have more events like this!

Reason 4: The Cebuano song just before capping the event.

Chefs on Tour was not just about eating 12 signature dishes from different chefs, it was a full package of how a wonderful evening should be–production, decor, and not to miss entertainment. Would you expect, however, to hear a beautiful Cebuano folk song at a high-profile event such as this? Well, why not!

A classic Cebuano piece ‘Usahay’ was sung just at the perfect time on the evening–shortly before people bid their farewell. Yes, just as when the action is done, we go back to our roots, to being ‘bisaya’. Hats off to Muzic’s Kool’s Gail and Band for a breathtaking song that gave us goosebumps after goosebumps.

Most obviously, traveling to 12 restaurants in one night.

If I can summarize the event, I would describe it as ‘traveling to 12 different restaurants without traveling to 12 different locations’. It is a super rare event to have all these culinary masters under one roof! Much more to enjoy their masterpieces all in one night. It made me miss traveling even more but I’ll take what I can. Thanks for this opportunity, I don’t need to fly and visit restaurant after restaurant.

If this event should happen again, I would truly recommend buying the ticket. Make sure to bring your appetite and learn how to pace your eating because everything is worth savoring it! While we wait for the second round, allow me to thank the team of Dusitd2 Davao for having us and for bringing these to my beloved city!

How about you? Do you have a favorite moment from a culinary event that you recently attended? Let us know!