Dinner with a good friend

When I was in Tokyo, I had a chance to meet a very good friend of mine Girolamo Panzetta for dinner at restaurant AN Steak & Spice. Here we start reminiscing about the good old days of Japan and what life was like back then, more than 30 years ago! We met each other in … Continue reading Dinner with a good friend

Part 2: Toyosu Fish Market: Yamaharu Seafood

Today I went to visit one of our main seafood suppliers inside the new Toyosu fish market. The market officially opened its doors to the public on October 11, 2018 after years of delay. It is over 4.4 million square feet, making it the largest indoor market in the world. In here there are over … Continue reading Part 2: Toyosu Fish Market: Yamaharu Seafood

Toyosu Fish Market: Hicho Tuna Shop

In Tokyo I had a chance to go to the newly opened Toyosu Fish Market with my buyer, who sources all the fresh fish and seafood that we use in our restaurants. The market is gigantic! Its the biggest wholesale market in the world and much bigger than the old Tsukiji Market. There is one … Continue reading Toyosu Fish Market: Hicho Tuna Shop

Best pizza in New Zealand

On my last trip to New Zealand, I had the opportunity to meet with Chef Kevin Morris, the founder of Dante’s Pizzeria. I remember eating at his very first shop over 10 years ago in Huapai, Auckland. Back then it was a very small shop; that served some great pizza. I recall asking him lots … Continue reading Best pizza in New Zealand

From Market to Table: Yellow Fin Tuna Belly

One of the more interesting items I picked up recently from Cuboa Farmers Market, was a huge slab of yellow fin tuna. Highly prized by the Japanese, most (if not all) the largest yellow fin tuna is exported directly to Japan; since the early 1970’s. It is the Philippines most profitable sea food commodity by … Continue reading From Market to Table: Yellow Fin Tuna Belly

SEAFOOD WET MARKET & SEASIDE RESTAURANTS IN MANILA

Together with two chefs from my restaurant, we took a rare break from our busy schedules and went for a late lunch at a seafood wet market located right by the sea (actually a lagoon), in Pasay City, Metro Manila. In this market you get to buy fresh seafood and then walk across the street, … Continue reading SEAFOOD WET MARKET & SEASIDE RESTAURANTS IN MANILA

From Market to Table

When it comes to creating new dishes for my restaurant , there is no better place than to start in the farmers market for inspiration for my next tasty creation. You never know what you will find! Today I traveled over to Cubao Farmers Market in Araneta Center, Quezon City, to see what they had … Continue reading From Market to Table

Trying Carinderia: street food in Manila

Today I got the rare chance to explore a part of Manila that I haven't had a chance to see yet, together with my local chef. He told me about this special restaurant on Dian Street; Makati, called Aling Sosing’s Carinderia, which I’m told, is a very famous food stall in Manila. Walking closer to … Continue reading Trying Carinderia: street food in Manila