Food trip the Dusit Thani way

MANILA, Philippines - Each one has a gastronomic adventure to tell. Usually, when that adventure happens to be a good one, it is bound to evolve into a personal tradition or even elicit an automatic response when dining needs arise. For years, Dusit Thani Manila has become the destination of foodies all over. Its main restaurants Basix, UMU, Benjarong, and Tosca have become bywords by serious diners who recognize each outlet’s specialty as a class of its own.

Basix is, basically, Dusit Thani Manila’s all-day dining restaurant featuring an impressive spread of international cuisines. Best known for its buffets, Basix is a virtual food tour around the world. There are Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Filipino dishes in there, as well as some surprises that turn up every now and then.

Sunday is a good day to bring the whole brood to Basix, with its Sunday Family Lunch enjoying top billing. Guests can choose from the restaurant’s spread of authentic multicultural dishes, such as those, and more, from the abovementioned. Wonderful, return-trip-worthy delights are aplenty, from the live cooking stations to the healthy juice bar. At P1,750 net, the Sunday Family Lunch at Basix could easily become a family weekend habit that is hard to break.

Dusit Thani Manila’s UMU Japanese restaurant may occupy the same space as its fabled predecessor, but everything else stops there. UMU is taking its own journey to the hearts and palates of many discriminating, Japanese food-loving diners. Chris Orta, Dusit Thani Manila executive assistant manager for food and beverage, acknowledges that UMU has become the “calling card of the Japanese community here.”

“While there are many Japanese restaurants in Makati, they still consider UMU as ‘the’ one to go to,” Orta says. “The menu is pretty extensive, with a wide variety of sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats on offer.”

He says UMU now attracts more families to its teppanyaki tables. “They recognize that there is better value over there,” he surmises. “They love to experience the flair of the teppanyaki tables.”

UMU regulars always look forward to their favorite appetizers, sashimi, salads, shiru mono, nimono, tempura, robata, teppanyaki, nabemono, kaiseki ryori, and other choices. Orta says people can expect more skewers and grilled-meat selections on the menu.

“We try to incorporate new things, like the quail eggs on skewers. Yes, complete with the whole shell,” he says. “UMU is offering higher-quality yakitori, ramen, broth, everything. We evolve and keep it fresh without sacrificing the experience that our loyal guests have come to love.”

The same excitement happens at Benjarong, the hotel’s well-loved Thai restaurant. Orta says, “What has made Benjarong the Thai restaurant of choice is its understanding of flavors to create the overall dish. Here, Thai cooking is elevated into an art form. Our chefs stick to traditional cooking but each one presents her unique take to it.”

As an example, he cites the Benjarong classic Gai Phad Med Mamuang Himmapan, sautéed chicken with cashew nuts. “It is a simple dish with a lot of character. It is spiced just right, not too spicy as to overwhelm.”

This observation translates to the other items on the menu, some new, some staples. Who would refuse delectables as the Por Pia Savoey, Thai spring rolls; Moo Tord Nga, deep-fried pork with sesame seeds; the all-time favorite hot and sour prawn soup Tom Yam Gung; Yam Ped Yang, roasted duck salad; Moo Grob Phad Namprik Pao, stir-fried crispy pork with roasted chili; and other dishes that make choosing from the menu oh-so difficult. Indeed, Orta is right when he says that there is a lot of fun in Thai dining.

Now, when one is looking for a piece of Italy without having to leave the country, one chooses to be in Tosca, Dusit Thani Manila’s award-winning Italian restaurant. Found at the mezzanine level, its extensive menu covers everything from premium pasta and pizzas to the freshest seafood.

“The menu now boasts of new favorites as well as old ones,” he says. “With the traditional items, such as the tagliatelle, we incorporate unique olive oils, homemade spices, and even greater flavors. Our pastas are homemade, and the dishes have more unique textures.”

Orta says that while the old Tosca menu was “pretty consistent,” the new one sports an even higher level of consistency. “We are more into the authenticity of the recipes.”

Of course, he says, that does not mean that things will go humdrum from here. On the contrary, Tosca’s menu is more exciting than ever. “We now have more specials. For example, our fresh lapu-lapu is given an Italian twist, complete with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Our fritas are so unique they are deep-fried using our special batter.”

With regards to pricing, Orta says that Tosca’s, as well as the others’, is very much in line with the market. He adds: “We are very affordable, and the restaurant itself is much more comfortable. Think of a family environment and you will get a clearer picture.”

He points out that Sundays at Tosca see a lot of families enjoying the restaurant’s family-style (and –size) platters. The idea, he declares, is all about sharing. Which means more family members get to savor Tosca’s lovely antipasti, insalata, pasta, meats, seafood, risotto, pizzas, and even desserts. Suffice it to say, it is next to impossible to recommend a standout dish since the selections are ace. Perhaps someone in the family should make a reservation real quick to truly appreciate it all.

The same case applies to Basix, UMU, and Benjarong. Well, the next time that food trip starts calling, do it Dusit Thani Manila style. It is that kind of adventure that deserves more than second helpings.

***

Dusit Thani Manila is located at Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City. For more information, call (632) 238-8888 or fax at (632) 238-8800. Visit the hotel website at http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/en/dusit-thani-manila.html.