East meets West at Networld hotel

MANILA, Philippines - At the Networld Hotel this month, guests will be taken on a trip of a lifetime with plates as passports as they travel the world from east to west.

Customers will enjoy a fusion of Oriental and western cuisine on Dec. 11 and 12 in the event dubbed East meet West. The P999 gastronomic dinner buffet will start at 6 p.m. in Kaishu restaurant located on the hotel’s ground floor.

A range of food styles is showcased in 20 dishes prepared by executive chefs Shinsaku Hosono, the hotel’s pride since 2006, and Arnel de Leon, a Philippine-born chef trained in the Carribean.

 “They do not have to travel abroad to taste eastern and western food. All they have to do is visit Networld to experience authentic Japanese and Latin American food,” De Leon told The STAR.

 “Cooking may be done here, but the taste will be authentic. That’s something I can guarantee,” he added.

Each chef will prepare 10 dishes, ranging from Hosono’s highly acclaimed sushi and sashimi plates, to De Leon’s well-loved salads and canapés.

 “This is the concept. Chef Hosono will do the eastern and Japanese food, while I will cook food from Latin America and the Americas, and Mediterranean,” De Leon said.

Hosono, for his part, said he would opt to speak less and let his cooking do the talking for him. “I’m not good with words but I guarantee that they will love our food,” Hosono told The STAR.

Seafood will be high on the list, since 70 percent of the hotel guests are Japanese. And to add to the total gastronomic experience, preparation and cooking will be done right in front of the diners by no less than De Leon and Hosono.

The chefs will also get out of their safe haven in the kitchen to perform and interact with the customers on these two days, giving guests a chance to meet the chefs up close and personal.

 “We will prepare food in front of them to show them how it’s done. They can ask us questions or give us suggestions or comments. It’s not just for entertainment; it’s also educational. Those who have passion for great food and great cooking will love this event. Culinary people will love it too,” De Leon said.

“Most importantly, this event will build trust – trust between us chefs and our customers,” he added.

The dinner buffet is also aimed at launching De Leon as the newest addition to Networld’s kitchen family. The 50-year-old chef gained his expertise abroad, and has been “around different kitchens” in Saipan, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, among others, before opting to come back to the Philippines to reunite with his family.

He will be Hosono’s counterpart and will be taking charge as the executive chef of Le Amoretto Café and Bar located on the hotel’s second floor.

Hosono, meanwhile, will focus on Kaishu restaurant.

De Leon said the greatest challenge to his new job is for customers to see that Networld is not limited to Japanese customers, but can also cater to western guests. He said he expects dramatic changes from the customers’ point of view in six months’ time.

“My vision is for customers to also look at Le Amoretto as the restaurant they are looking for. A not so expensive restaurant, but where food is superb. Here, under my watch, they will experience authentic taste through local cooking. It will never be about the price. It’s always about the quality,” De Leon said.

So get to know the chefs, and enjoy their culinary artistry this month at Networld.

Networld Hotel is located along Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City. For reservations, call 536-7777. Photos by fernan nebres