We love Davao and its people, but one of the things people notice quickly about this place is that it is a very pragmatic city. Davao has its roots as an outpost, most people who live here (or, at least, their parents or grandparents) came from somewhere else. In other words, Davao is still working on developing an artistic identity.
Still, we spent this evening surrounded by artistry. We went with friends to our favourite restaurant in Davao, a small French eatery where the owner knows us by our first names. Still, I promised artistry. Let me point some out:
- The restaurant decor is unlike anything else in Davao. From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by etchings done by the owner's grandfather. On top of the wine cabinet, there is a small mechanical sculpture by his uncle, a lion which moves its head around in an amazingly lifelike fashion.
- The food is not only presented beautifully, but the flavours are crafted together painstakingly and with tremendous creativity.
- The group we were with was filled with musicians planning an event, thinkers pondering life's great puzzles and foodies expounding on the virtues of, well, food.
There is a danger, though, that in the context of a French restaurant we find ourselves believing that artistry is something we must bring to Davao from elsewhere, not something we can find there. Not so! This restaurant, though, has always served us as a reminder that artistry can exist and even flourish here, at those times when we are tempted to give in to the pragmatism of daily city life. For that we will always be grateful.
Evan
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