For one night this June, you and your dog can go out on a date and indulge in a five-course dining experience. And if another human is feeling jealous or left out, invite them to come along.
Chef Giannina Gonzalez of Whole Pet Kitchen is collaborating with her father, chef Gene Gonzalez of Cafe Ysabel, to serve a degustacion and “doggo-stacion” June 20.
“Degustacion for a Cause,” a one night event, will benefit the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) shelter. It’s the first-ever degustation dinner for both human and dog in the country.
“The food for the humans are the ones already being served at Cafe Ysabel, with some that pop up in special menus once in a while,” Giannina said. “It’s a mix of our bestsellers and some new things by my dad.”
The menu for humans by chef Gene includes Caesar’s salad with Home-smoked Bacon, Duet of Crustacean Bisque and Asparagus Chowder, Seafood and Sausage Ravioli with Squid ink Tomato Creme, Roast Beef Belly with Grilled Corn, and Strawberry Shortcake, Avocado Ice cream and Custard Sauce.
Giannina, who uses only 100-percent human-grade ingredients at Whole Pet Kitchen, will create something special for the dogs. The dishes will be plated and the food will be on par with what chef Gene will be serving to the humans.
“We want the whole experience, the pampering and luxury for the dog,” she said. “We want it to be fun and a total experience.”
The Doggo-stacion by chef Giannina will include Pork, Fruit, Sage Sausage; Green Lipped Mussel and Fish Chowder; Tripe Stew Ravioli; Buffalo Patties with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli; and Yogurt Ice Cream with WPK Liver Cake and Cheese Frico.
Each dish will be explained by the chefs before serving, so she encourages guests to arrive on time to enjoy the full experience.
The collaboration came about because a lot of diners have been asking chef Giannina if they could bring their dogs to Cafe Ysabel. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant on a regular day. But for this event, the restaurant will be closed and will cater exclusively to dogs and their pawrents.
Dinner will start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are P2,000 for one human and one dog, or P3,700 for two humans and one dog.
Limited seating. Call Tim at tel. 0906-0139100. Cafe Ysabel Restaurant: 175 M. Paterno St., Barangay Pasadena, San Juan City.