Chef of the Week: Tippi Tambunting

MASSETO has its own way of revealing its identity. Situated at the mezzanine of SB Cards Building on Valero Street of Makati City, the restaurant only has the trademark red letter M logo hanging on the wall of its reception area. Despite the absence of any apparent signage, wine lovers will find themselves entering the glass sliding door to see what kind of dining awaits them.

A first-time visitor will gaze intently at the beautiful play of dim lights and earthy furnishings. The well-spaced 12 tables exude privacy. Over 400 wine bottles are showcased on the cellars perched on the surrounding walls of the restaurant, accommodating an open bar in the middle area. Artworks by Claude Tayag, Arturo Luz and Fabian de la Rosa are added sophisticated elements. Once seated, you will definitely say "yes, this is fine dining."

With Masseto's awards both from international and local award-giving bodies, the culinary secrets to its top-notching highlights are best unravelled by its executive chef Tippi Tambunting. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and trained in New York, Tambunting shares her innate love for cooking ever since at an early age. After completing a bachelor's degree and a work experience in the US, she came back to the country determined to enter a catering business. Now in its fourth year of being the mastermind of this great dining destination since 2009, Tambunting tells how her devotion to combining food and wine gives Masseto its distinct identity.

Together with Tambunting, four other people (who are themselves foodies deeply engaged in distributing high-end wines) conceptualised Masseto. The restaurant is like a second home to the gourmands.

Tambunting emphasises the importance of pairing in its offerings. "When you see the menu, it's really straightforward. It's traditional and has nothing fancy. I create a menu that would go well with wines. We wanted it to be a marriage between the food and the wine," she says. She also gives an in-depth attention to the choice of ingredients, explaining the use of some vegetables and other spicy components that might overpower the wine and vice versa.

Crispy Duck Leg, one of the signature dishes of Masseto

Wine is a key factor that Tambunting "religiously works on every day." No doubt Masseto remains in the Philippines' Best Restaurants Guide, being one of the Best of the Best for Wine Lovers with a consistent perfect 10 score for wine category, because of its expansive selection that carries top-of-the-line price points.

To abide by its steadfast commitment of providing one excellent place for food and wine, a professionally trained sommelier is always present for pairing recommendations. More so, all servers are knowledgeable about wine. An iPad is even made available for diners' access to the wine list, which is neatly categorised - by region, price, kind, or vintage. The wine list is updated daily with new options, so your choice of wine may not be on the iPad application. A printed version will be handed over instead for your convenience.

Wine dinners are also held in Masseto. During these booked events, wine is the top priority; food is secondary. The challenge of making a set menu gives Tambunting new gateways to explore fresh ideas in using perfect components that blend with the wine.

The restaurant's Bottle Room which can be converted into a private room for booked events

The restaurant's regular menu boasts well-planned signatures - from appetisers to mains and desserts. It is constructed the way both locals and foreigners would patronise their own top picks every time they come back for a pleasurable dining experience. Separate special menus are also prepared to promote seasonal imported food like white asparagus and French oysters.

Another famous hallmark of Masseto is a whisky bar twinned to the restaurant called Bar M. It is a modern speakeasy built in 2012 and meant for after-dinner gatherings and nights-out. Bar M houses around 80 whisky brands from as close as Japan to as far as Scotland. The finger-food selection features old-time favourites infused with Masseto's signature taste. Patrons find it a wonderful venue to spend with friends after dining in Masseto. If you want a regular dish to be served at your table in Bar M, the wait staff are more than willing to bring your choices, as the two restaurants share the full regular menu.

Bar M

"Whatever I am doing now is something that I don't really get to do anywhere else. I think I have reached the highest position I could be as a chef. It's a privilege and I'm lucky in this age of mine that I am able to do this," says Tambunting when asked about her career.

Given the fantastic mix of excellent food, great ambience, premium wines, and a passionate chef, the winning equation for this awesome culinary creation will always be: Masseto equals Tippi Tambunting; and Tippi Tambunting equals Masseto. Always.