USPB has organized the US Potato Safari 3 which I've learned is an annual event.  I was fortunate enough to be one of the food bloggers from Manila who was flown to Davao to try different potato-infused dishes in their partner restaurants in Davao City.   We were also joined by several Davao bloggers who were really nice and cool!  Our first stop was Claude's Le Cafe De Ville.

Claude's Le Cafe De Ville is one of the most recommended places for fine-dining and French cuisine in Davao City.   

Claude's Le Cafe De Ville is located at the Oboza Ancestral House in Rizal St, Davao City.  

The Oboza Ancestral House was built in 1929.  


It underwent 7 months of restoration before it was ready.


I was surprised when Chef Claude Le Neindre personally greeted us as we arrived.  Chef Claude Le Neindre was born in Tours of the Loire Valley in France.  He has over 50 years of culinary experience which includes working in 5-Star chains: the Hilton, the InterContinental, Sofitel and Novotel of the Accor Group.   We're really fortunate that he and his wife Tess decided to settle back in the Philippines so we got to try his dishes.

Upon stepping in, I was absolutely enchanted by the beautiful furnishings and interiors of the place.   It has an aged sophistication and a comforting homey vibe.


It even has private rooms with memorabilia.

Everything was in proper order.  

Food


Before we began our potato-infused journey, we were given their complimentary bread basket with salsa.  I loved the salsa.  I think there's something more to it than what I apparently can see. 

Appetizer

Chili Potato Cheese with Shrimp

The Chili Potato Cheese with Shrimp really surprised me with its wonderful blends of flavors.  For an appetizer, it did a spectacular job in getting us all excited for the next dishes to come. 


Soup

Creamy Potato Onion Veloute

Because, I'm not much immersed the Creamy Potato Onion Veloute is for me french onion soup.  It is really good! 

Salad

Salade Madayaw

The Salade Madayaw is certainly something good.  Madayaw translates to something to celebrate for.  Such name is very appropriate for this salad.


Main Course

Pepper Steak in Hashbrown

The Pepper Steak in Hashbrown definitely deserved the spotlight.  The pepper sauce was so good!

Dessert

Potato Durian Pie ala Mode

Davao is the home of the famous durian.  When I was asked to go to Davao, the first thing that popped out of my mind and made me all giddy was the thought of durian.  So naturally, the Potato Durian Pie ala Mode is a real winner for me. 

Potato Souffle

Perhaps, I was too full from all the other dishes so I was not able to fully appreciate the Potato Souffle.  But, my companions were able to finish it.

                                     Pomelo Shake                                        Mango Shake


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I have to applaud Chef Claude Le Neindre for the wonderful meal.  I've appreciated French Cuisine more because of this delightful experience at Claude's Le Cafe De Ville.  The potato-infused dishes will soon be part of their regular menu so try it out for yourself.