Two things that I’m really weak at – heritage homes and food. Combine these two and I’m on a sweet surrender. Claude’s Le Café de Ville is the only full-service French restaurant in Davao City and I personally think this is one of the best restaurants in the country from ambiance to food.
I am fortunate to dine at Claude’s as part of Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014. The restaurant is housed at The Oboza Heritage House. While sipping coffee offered by Chef Claude Le Neindre, he gave us a short history of the house and their business as well.
It is actually their second location, their original restaurant was just across the street and they are currently leasing the house. Chef Claude is such a sweet fellow and no wonder, the Oboza family, one of Davao’s prominent and pioneering clans entrusted their home to the Le Neindres.
The interior of the house impressed me so much. I’m sadden though remembering my favorite restaurant in Iloilo, Afrique’s, used to be in an old house. Iloilo City is home to many heritage homes and attempts to make them into restaurants sadly failed. Just sad because it really adds charm to your restaurant.
Enough of the sad vibes and let’s go back to this Davao City foreign restaurant.
After coffee and short background of the house, Chef Claude then toured us to their kitchen and met his lovely wife, Tess and their granddaughter. We then started our French dining in Davao with bread served with butter and salsa, followed with Shrimp Cocktail and Baked Imbao Clams.
In Davao, I learned other recipes for imbao – not just for soups. Likewise, the poor girl in me never thought that salsa goes well with bread.
Next we had Jambalaya Gumbo Soup and Mussels Mariniere ( see picture below). It is very creamy but not too greasy like what other restaurants serve.
We then went to the main course. Claude’s is famous for their steak and oh boy, look at this Claude’s Pepper Steak!
Another main dish is the light yet delectable Grouper Fillet ala Meuniere with Rice Pilaf.
Both beef and fish are juicy and moist – perfectly cooked. For dessert, Chef prepared us fruits with cream. He said he decided to give us a light dessert because he knew we’ve been eating all day for our food tour. Now I remember the French paradox!
This is one of the best restaurants in Davao! If you love wine, this is the best place to enjoy a glass or two.
Meet Chef Claude Le Neindre with the Oboza family portrait.
Do you also find yourself loving a restaurant because of its owners? Same feeling with Claude’s. Chef Calude is such a sweet gentleman, he is very lively and jolly, personally taking care of all his diners – even bussing tables! He lets you enjoy your meal and treat each one as his guest.
Claude’s Le Café de Ville is a highly recommended place for those asking where to eat in Davao. French dining set in a cozy lovely ambiance – this is a must!
Claude’s Le Café de Ville
The Oboza Heritage House
143 Rizal Street, Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. 222-4287/227-9405
claudes_cafe@yahoo.com
wwww.claudescafedavao.com
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