The taste and sound of Raul Sunico’s cave
Food and music were never more appealing than on that Sunday afternoon, when a restaurant with the unlikely name of D’Cave Flavours opened its doors to the public. Both were in abundance: food, in the tempting spread of deliciousness laid out on the buffet table, and music, in the outburst of songs and melodies that filled the air with joyful sounds.
Heading the celebration was renowned pianist Raul Sunico, acclaimed for his virtuosity, lyricism and excellence on the keyboard. Also known among friends as a gourmet, Sunico sees D’Cave as an expression of flavors and creativity. It’s his latest venture in the food business, and in his welcome address, he playfully gave its name a French flair by pronouncing it “D’Cav.”
“You are entering a jungle, a food jungle of different flavors,” he said. The restaurant’s location on busy Quirino Highway in Novaliches makes this “jungle” of flavors a convenient alternative to the surrounding restaurants that are more of the fast-food variety.
And what a jungle it is. Multicolored lanterns suspended from the ceiling illuminate the place with prisms of light. A brick wall hints at an industrial feel. Murals of food add visual appeal, while an open kitchen allows customers a view of the chefs at work.
“It’s more than just a restaurant,” said executive chef Froilan Ferrer. “It’s a place where flavors become experience, a place built on passion, flavor, and community.”
Those passions and flavors found expression in the lavish variety of food served that afternoon: mixed salad with vinaigrette, pasta alla arrabiata, lengua conseta, menudo Sulipeña, paella, braised pork, Singaporean chicken, and dainty chocolate cupcakes. The spread best expressed what Ferrer described as an exploration of unique and creative dishes from around the world—food crafted with technique and high-quality ingredients.
Aside from serving lunch and dinner, D’Cave is also an events venue, offering customized catering for special occasions and intimate gatherings. Its second floor is ideal for private parties and celebrations.
As guests enjoyed the sumptuous feast, music began to fill the air. Tenor John Patrick Packay and soprano Donna Klariz Baluyut sang a soulful duet of Hanggang Ngayon. Other performers included violinist Merjohn Lagaya, pianist Harold Galang, opera singer Rachelle Gerodias Park, and Sunico himself. Their choral rendition of The Drinking Song from the opera La Traviata added spark and merriment to the occasion.
Guests included Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, artist Impy Pilapil, Philippine Ballet Theater president Marilou Magsaysay, PBT vice president Marilou Nepomuceno, UST Conservatory of Music dean Dr. Sandy Chua, FCCP president Ningning de Ocampo, the sisters of St. Paul College, and Tytana College president Dr. Gerry Cao.
D’Cave Flavours is at 774 Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City. For reservations, call or SMS 0906-2703939.
