Pomelo cuisine: Vikings features Davao’s iconic fruit

In support of the Department of Tourism’s Visit Davao Fun Sale Campaign as well as Visit Philippines 2015’s Madrid Fusion, SM Lanang Premier launched its Pomelo Festival. Together with the festivities Vikings Luxury Buffet unveiled its special pomelo dishes.
 The all-new appetisers, entrees, and deserts were recently unveiled at a special media food tasting event held by the restaurant to taste Vikings’ corporate executive chef Anthony “Anton” Lanuza’s latest creations.
 To say that I was curious was an understatement as I recalled that when heat is added to pomelo, it looses its tart and sweet flavour and becomes bitter and unappetising, and cooking entails lots of heat. I was relieved once the dishes started coming out and each tasted fantastic.
 For starters chef Anton served his version of Kwek-kwek. Hard boiled quail eggs, battered and fried paired with pomelo sac infused vinegar. The addition of fresh bits of pomelo added a sweet fruity finish to the much-loved street food. A fresh and fruity Thai-style Shrimp and Pomelo salad followed. The shrimps were lightly seasoned with the citrus flavour of the pomelo elevating the healthy fish appetiser.
 There were two entrees that were served for the food tasting, one was a Baked Salmon with Shallot and Pomelo Sauce and Roast Beef Ribs. The baked salmon was perfectly cooked with the shallot and pomelo sauce adding a rich earthy finish. What surprised me though was the Roast Beef Ribs which was topped with lots of pomelo sacs and garlic. The ribs were tender and sweet with the bright citrus notes of the pomelo and earthy garlic adding a nice finish to every bite.
 To cap the meal, the group was served sweet pomelo sherbet that was paired with a cone made of bibingka and stuffed with salted egg. The combination was utterly delightful with the sweet and salty taste of the dessert playing with my tastebuds.
 Vikings’ manager Arvin Dizon says that the pomelo dishes will be part of their daily luxury buffet for the duration of the Pomelo Festival from April 10 all the way to May 17 so that everyone can visit Vikings to have a taste.
 Chef Anton will also hold a cooking demo using pomelo at SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court for the Pomelo Festival on April 25 and 26.
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