If there is one thing that placed Durianburg Philippine culinary map, is that its cuisine is diverse with dishes that come from many migrants as well as native people who call Davao City home. Looking to fuse their Ilonggo heritage as well as being proudly Dabawenyo, restauranteur brothers, Raymond and Christian dela Paz opened 1958 last year.
Built on the site of their maternal grandmother’s lawn, 1958 is a celebration of Filipino comfort food with flavours from all-over the Philippine islands. Walking past its grand wooden doors, one is greeted by a clean white interior accented by mismatched antique tables which are in stark contrast to the modern glass facade of the restaurant.
More known for their restaurant’s Tsuru and Hanoi, I asked the brothers what 1958 was about. “We wanted to open a restaurant that celebrated modern Filipino food, but we also wanted to infuse a part of our heritage as we trace our roots back to Negros as well as growing up here in Davao.” said Christian.
This fusion is evident in their menu which features classic Filipino favourites such as Kare-kare Crispy Pata, Chicken BBQ, Shrimp Aligue, Sinigang and Beef Shank Caldereta, side-by-side more regional fare such as Chicken Binacol, Bicol Express, and Sinuglaw. 1958 also features some dishes that have been taken off from the pages of Sagay, the all-day-dining restaurant of Casa Leticia such as Sagay Sisig and Kadios, which the Dela Paz family also run.
“We also created new dishes which incorporate Filipino dishes and added a new creative twist to make it more exciting” shared Christian. Among those dishes is the Sisig Nachos, which uses Sagay’s famous crispy sisig instead of boring ground beef, and 1953 Pomelo which is 1953’s spin on Davao’s famous pomelo salad but using “kalkag”, lightly toasted dried shrimp fry, to dial-up the salad’s flavor.
Diners will also love 1958’s Crispy Dinuguan, the crispy pork adds a nice texture to the rich and creamy blood stew, as well as their Bulalo Steak which features tender-cooked beef served together with delicious and cholesterol-laden roasted bone marrow.
For dessert, 1958 also has a list of desserts and cakes that are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. I recommend ordering their Tableya Truffle Cake which tastes as rich and decadent as it sounds. Served with a side of vanilla ice cream, it truly was a celebration of how Filipinos love dark chocolate.
1958 is located in Juna Subdivision along University avenue close to McArthur Highway. It has ample parking space as well as two function rooms that can accommodate small events and get-togethers.
