With 18 unique food and beverage offerings spread across its three hotel brands and boasting six of TripAdvisor’s 10 Best Restaurants in Clark, Hann Resorts is positioning itself as the culinary capital of Pampanga.
Taking inspiration from Pampanga’s reputation as a gourmand’s playground, Hann Resorts is making the most of its industry-leading position to establish itself as the region’s undisputed culinary capital.
Located in the heart of the economic business hub that is Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Hann Resorts is home to 18 food and beverage outlets spread across its two 5-star hotels – Swissotel and Clark Marriott – its soon-to-be renovated Widus Hotel and its thriving casino floor.
“Hann Resorts aims not only to preserve Pampanga’s reputation as an epicurean destination but to celebrate and further enhance it with our remarkable selection of offerings nowhere else seen in the region,” explains Patti Javier, Hann Resorts Assistant Vice President for Corporate Marketing.
Surrounded by the Zambales mountain ranges, Pampanga is renowned for a thriving food culture through which it blends traditional and contemporary flavors, utilizing inherited heirloom recipes and time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Speaking with Inside Asian Gaming, Hann’s Vice President Hotel Operations, Tarek Aouini – who oversees Swissotel and Widus – said he aims to deliver both variety and authenticity to those dining at any of the property’s F&B outlets.
“Authenticity with the food and vibe is a must, which is why we hire seasoned and well-experienced team members – especially chefs who can deliver the complete dining experience based on the restaurant that [the customers] choose,” he offers.
“The province of Pampanga where Clark is located is known to be the Philippines’ culinary capital. Clark, being a tourist destination, is also a gateway to North Metro Manila and as one of the preferred choices for travelers from the Americas, Europe and neighboring Asian countries like Korea and China, we offer Italian, Chinese and European authentic cuisines.
“Filipino cuisine is also essential to show the artisanship of our Filipino chefs.
“The rich history of Pampanga is reflected in signature Kapampangan dishes like sisig (chopped pork face), betute (fried frog legs), cameroo (fried crickets), pindang damulag (cured cabarao beef), burong kanin (fermented rice), and bringhe (a Kapampangan version of paella).
“We offer some of these dishes to pay homage to Kapampangan traditions and local ingenuity.”
zWith a plethora of dining options to choose from, Hann boasts a collection of Clark’s best restaurants all under one roof including six of TripAdvisor’s 10 Best Restaurants in Clark. These include Smoki Moto, an elevated Korean grill experience located on the 17th floor of the Clark Marriott Hotel; Wu Xing, offering high quality Chinese fare in an elegant setting; Markt, a vast European-inspired all-day dining restaurant; Goji Kitchen+Bar, a popular buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Spice, located just off the casino floor and offering a quick and tasty meal of local and Asian favorites.
Gamers also have the option of dining at Nasi (H Club members) or Kai (H Circle members).
Aouini, however, admits to being particularly swayed by elegant Italian destination Ristorante di Verona.
“Coming from a country near Europe, Italian cuisine is close to my heart and reminds me of home,” he smiles.
“Ristorante di Verona at Swissotel Clark showcases an open-type kitchen like your typical home and houses more than 300 wine selections and a 100-year-old balsamic reduction. The restaurant also features the picturesque view of the Zambales mountain ranges, which reminds me of my fond memories in Italy and in Switzerland.”
While each of Hann Resorts’ hotel brands provides specialty offerings designed to match guest preferences, the most recent to open, Swissotel – home to 10 of the property’s F&B options – also aims to complement its reputation as a wellness retreat.
Describing Swissotel as a combination of “Swiss hospitality and Filipino ingenuity”, Aouini says his staff strive to ensure their guests experience a sense of vitality throughout their stay.
“We take pride in having opened recently the first and only Alpine-inspired spa in the Philippines, the Pürovel Spa & Sport,” he explains.
“This spa celebrates the origin of well-being, the Pürovel philosophy, and is inspired by the Alpine seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall, which mirror the four stages of natural vitality: renewal, peak activity, recovery and hibernation. Signature Pürovel Spa treatments use essential oils from Alpine flowers and herbs, originally produced in Switzerland, and work in symmetry with designed sports training facilities having both been created to invigorate your mind, body, and soul.
“Our 24-hour fitness center and a resort-style pool for kids and adults with a splendid view of the mountains will also restore your well-being and leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized.
“We want each guest to experience our brand promise to ’Live Bold, and Play Bold’, and to remember their wonderful experiences from their hotel stay, dining experience, and worthwhile activities within and around the resort.”
