French kiss. A glass of the celebrated champagne, Moët Chandon, before embarking on a gastronomic journey from Thailand to Argentina. |
It was a collaboration that thrilled gourmands and oenophiles in Davao for a weekend. Dusit Hotels and Resorts in Davao linked with French label Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH, for an exciting three-night extravaganza that highlighted the hotel's specialty cuisine and the luxury brand's vin extraordinaire.
“We are very excited to welcome Moët Hennessy in Dusit Davao. This three-day activity was surely a treat for our avid diners and all the Dabawenyos,” said GM Christoph Kuch.
Friday night: Bar Takeover. Flying in from Manila, multi-awarded Mixologist Auie Buensamino took charge of Siam Lounge bar of the Davao hotel and elevated the cocktail favorites to a new high with Moët Hennessy's premium liquors- Belvedere in the Southeast Highball and Pride Land, Glenmorangie in Fak Thong Sour, Hennessy Vs in the Prodigy, and Gelenmorangie and Hennessy VS in Sazerac.
Elevating cocktail favorites with Moët Hennessy's premium liquors at the Siam Lounge Bar Takeover |
Auie Benisano won citations at the Pisco Bauza Competition, La Maison Cointreau, and Diageo World Class of 2021.
Award-winning mixologist Auie Benisano takes over the Siam Lounge Bar |
Saturday night: L'Argentine embrasse Thailand. But before embarking on a gastronomic journey across the Pacific, Moët Hennessy made sure it was the celebrated champagne, Moët & Chandon, that kissed the lips of guests first upon arriving at Benjarong, a Tatler Dining PH best restaurants-listed Thai dining room of Dusit Davao.
"Tonight, we will have an exceptional tasting together traveling from Thailand to Argentina. We will explore the delicious cuisine of the chef and we will pair it with different Argentinian wines," said Kevin Charuel, Moët Hennessy brand ambassador, as he shared the backgrounds of the different wines to be enjoyed over dinner.
Dusit Davao GM Cristoph Kuch, Benjarong Thai Chef Suthin Songmuang & Moet Hennessey brand ambassador Kevin Charuel |
Thai Chef Suthin Songmuang composed a four-course menu of Benjarong’s best dishes and Moët Hennessy paired its premium Argentinian wines and spirits.
Four legs of the journey from Bangkok to Argentina by Benjarong & Moet Hennessy |
The trio of appetizers and the soup- Chicken Satay, Por Pia Pak and Yam Som O, and Tom Kha Gai--was paired with the Chandon Brut, while the white wine, Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Chardonnay, and red wine, Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec, were served with the beef and fish dish of Nua Yang and Pla Sam Ros.
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec paired with Nua Yang & Pla Sam Ros |
A surprise of the evening came with the dessert, the Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice) -- the sparkling wine of Chandon Delice served with drops of ice cubes and mint leaf. The dessert and wine combo exuded a very breezy tropical summer vibe that perfectly marked a refreshing end to a gastronomic journey.
Khao Niew Ma Muang with Chandon Delice |
Third night: Island interlude. Sunset at an exclusive island resort like Lubi Plantation made for the ideal setting to culminate a series of luxurious bacchanalian and epicurean episodes.
At golden hour, guests raised their cocktail glasses charged with the Mixologist Auie Benisano's potions as they swayed to the music.
Sunset mix at Lubi Plantation Resort |
For a glimpse of authentic Thai dining in the island, the guests were treated to another journey with Thai chef Suthin and Moët Hennessy brand ambassador Kevin Charuel on the helm.
Soon-to-open Ga-Ti Authentic Thai Restaurant at Lubi Plantation |
“We look forward to more partnerships like this with Dusit Davao, as we start opening our doors to this part of the region,” Charuel shared.
“It is our utmost pleasure to be working with Moët Hennessy for these events, and we look forward to bringing more offerings for our guests and diners in the coming months as the situation eases post-pandemic,” says Director of F&B Ryan Dela Cueva.
Seen on Saturday night:
Hiromi & Reiko Kurano |
Lannie Merilo, Coun. Bernie Al-ag & Cherry Al-ag |
Raffy & Carmina del Rosario |
GM Cristoph Kuch with Larry Franco & Kim Franco |
Col. Sinon & Emylou Novo, Col. Darren & Glady Comia |