RBG’s Quickfire lunch with media friends on the go
by Jojie Alcantara
Working in a media industry keeps us on the go most of the time, so we zip here and there from one event to another like herded sheep. Not quite literally, but you get the idea. Invitations to product launch, opening events, concerts, food tasting, and other form of socializing do not give us time to sit around for small chats lately. We meet, socialize, do interviews and quickly leave for another. Eating becomes a quick option, particularly with those beating a deadline for editors.
In my years of experience, the most stressful is the ribbon cutting ceremony where the event will not start without you, so you have to respectfully be there earlier than guests to keep them from waiting. Some leave after a ceremony without savoring the food being served.
Business people on the other hand, are more stressed during lunch hours which become shorter due to travel time and discussions while waiting for food. People are constantly on the go at peak hours and miss enjoying their meals.
It was this one lunch opportunity in RBG’s relaxing atmosphere where we were gathered together by good friend Meg Sta. Ines, Public Relations Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao. RBG is the signature restaurant of the hotel.
My Davao media colleagues have been around since the mid-90s and we are a close-knit group of journalists and editors who are enjoying a long time camaraderie that goes beyond friendly rivalry (we write for different papers) and differences of opinion (oh we are an opinionated lot, I tell you).
As years go by, because of our individual hectic schedules, we seldom connect like we used to, and coffee breaks became few and far between unlike the old days. Suddenly, from being the desk-tied people that we once were in our eager naïve years, we set out exploring, expanding horizons and became adventurous travelers, divers, musicians, artists, and concerned environmentalists. The opinionated personalities have remained, and teasing and bantering comes easily among us.
On this day, we were treated to a Quickfire Lunch Special by RBG’s skilled team, as introduced by Restaurant Manager John Christian Bajado. Specially prepared by Chef Kristina “Teng” Collantes, sumptuous choices of main course include Grilled Belly of Pork, Crispy Roasted Pork, Grilled Chicken with Honey Mustard Barbecue Sauce, Rosemary-Lemon Roasted Chicken, Grilled Tuna Belly, Crispy Breaded White Fish with Tartar Sauce, Grilled Burger Steak and Beef Salpicao. Guests can choose between a hefty slice of cake and fresh fruits for an appetizing dessert afterwards.
The Quickfire Lunch Special was designed to give busy guests a new dining experience, enjoying a short break without the long wait, and comfort food that is easy on the pocket. Designed to fit one’s limited time for lunch, these set meals give value for money for only Php375.00, and was launched on June 30. You get to create your own 3-course meal and choose from an array of entrées, desserts and salad mixes, plus RBG’s soup of the day.
We were also introduced to the hotel’s newly appointed General Manager, Mr. Pavan Kakar, and Assistant Director of Sales, Ms. Annie Perez, whose first time to set foot in Davao includes a funny anecdote of hitching a motorcycle ride inside the SM Lanang Premier compound. GM Pavan has over 20 years of hotel experience and a proven solid track record by creating an environment where hotel teams work harmoniously together towards profitable growth. He has worked with Carlson Rezidor Hotels India in various positions and has successfully launched Radisson Blu Plaza Hyderabad Banjara Hills, a business and an I.T. Hub of Southern India. With a specialized course in revenue management from Cornell University, USA, he also holds post graduate diploma in Business Management in India.
“Our chefs created these menu options combining rich, textured flavors and healthy, natural goodness which are perfect for a fast-paced life,” GM Pavan chats comfortably with us. “Our goal is to give you culinary delight with incredibly tasty and exciting dishes that are sure to charge you up for the rest of the day at work.”
The brief but pleasing lunch with the new GM and officers was a satisfying way of bonding shortly before we go off on our busy schedules once more. The short break was indeed worth the food trip and treat.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao is a contemporary 204-room hotel with modern comforts designed for business and leisure travelers. The vibrantly colored hotel offers guests an easy connecting access to SM Lanang Premier Mall and SMX Convention Center, as well as an ideal location for city exploration.
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