Cover Photo: restaurantabaca.com
Photo: restaurantabaca.com
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These Filipino-American culinary forces have been recognised for their delicious work
The James Beard Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has made it its mission to "celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food". Annually they award a select few, identifying the best and most talented players in the United States' culinary industry. What started over 30 years ago, has today solidified its place as one of the most prestigious awards in the F&B world. The James Beard Foundation focuses on food culture, communities and supporting a flourishing, delicious industry. "By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future."
This year, three Filipino-Americans, Vince Bugtong from Abacá in San Francisco, Margarita Manzke from République in LA, and Aaron Verzosa from Archipelago in Seattle, Washington have been nominated for the awards. Both Bugtong and Manzke are finalists for the title of Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, while Verzosa is a contender for the title of Best Chef in the Northwest and the Pacific.
Learn more about them here:
Vince Bugtong
Above Photo: restaurantabaca.com
Photo: restaurantabaca.com
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Chef Vince Bugtong is the pastry chef at Abacá, a contemporary Filipino restaurant in San Francisco helmed by chef Francis Ang. Previously Bugtong flexed his dessert muscles at Viridian, La Folie and Breadbelly too. Located in the Kimpton Alton Hotel, Abacá has a commitment to shining a light on beautiful California produce. Ang and Bugtong proudly display the wonders of Philippine flavours across the menu as they seek to further connect with their heritage, interpreting what Filipino food means to them. On the menu, diners will find classic Filipino favourites that have been elevated through Francis Ang's eyes and seasoned hands, plus new innovative creations utilising Filipino ingredients or cooking techniques. Chef Bugtong's talent shines brightly through Abacá's tasty desserts (all of which have a Filipino twist), and his comforting bakery creations which guests can partake in every morning via their panaderia.
Margarita Manzke
Above Photo: republiquela.com
Above Photo: republiquela.com
Photo: republiquela.com
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Margarita Manzke is no stranger, having been nominated for the James Beard Awards eight times in the past. Her culinary prowess has made her name known in the world of pastry. Born and raised in the Philippines, chef Manzke maintains her strong connections to the country to this day as she and her husband the acclaimed chef Walter Manzke are co-founders of Wildflour Café + Bakery. Prior to heading up the pastry kitchen at République today, Margarita worked at Patina, Spago, Mélisse and Bastide, plus opened Bouchée, Cantinetta Luca and l’Auberge Carmel, Petty Cash Taqueria, Sari Sari Store, with Walter too. On top of all her scrumptious work in the kitchen, Margarita has also authored a cookbook called "Baking at République". At this LA hotspot, chef Margarita concocts pastries and baked goods that keep patrons coming back for more. Here, the love she has for her craft and her strong grasp on flavour paired with technique has turned heads and rightfully so.
See also: Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo reveals the recipe to Wildflour's growth
Aaron Verzosa
Chef Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago and his team wanted to further understand what it meant to be Filipino and American; to define who they were by embracing their heritage and communicating their emotions through food. "In the US they call us Filipino, in the Philippines, they call us American. We exist in this in-between of identities, always looking one way or the other. But on this long journey, we learned that we are the product of our parents’ struggles. The product of our creative adventurous parents, who left the Philippines to expand and grow their islands—to create their own culture and identity in this Pacific Northwest land that we call home," share co-founders Amber Manuguid (in charge of restaurant experience) and chef Aaron Verzosa.
Verzosa worked at Modernist Cuisine with Nathan Myrvohld, as an R&D chef for around five years during which he journeyed to the culinary capital of Paris to stage with the lauded chef, David Toutain. Through further travels back to the Philippines, Verzosa and Manuguid re-ignited their connection to the country. Combining chef Verzosa's love for the Philippines with his passion for cooking has put Archipelago on the foodie map.
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About
Isabel loves to learn, and see things from different perspectives. Connecting with people and engaging in new experiences to broaden her horizons is what inspires this storyteller, keeping her constantly curious, and excited for what's to come. An absolute love for all things F&B ignited a hunger to devour content from this world and keeps her jumping into tasty adventures around the globe. From the beauty of simple bites, to nuanced fine dining tasting menus, street food, and the art of entertaining, the multi-faceted nature of the dining experience is something she can't get enough of. A good cup of coffee or a glass of wine paired with a dash of witty conversation is a quick way to win her over. This editor loves travelling, food, music, skincare, fitness, and is only friends with people who love dogs. Guilty pleasure?: Binge-watching TV shows and movies she has already seen.
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Concept creation is the name of the game and branding takes centre stage in Isabel's day-to-day schedule. From producing shoots, conceptualising bespoke projects for our partners, relationship management, to cooking up features and events for Tatler Dining, this editor is a tried and tested foodie at heart. She mainly writes content for Tatler Dining, engaging in captivating discussions with restaurateurs, chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts to tell must-know stories. Aside from that Isabel manages Tatler Dining's flagship events like Off Menu, or Cocktail Festival and puts together the Tatler Dining Guide, our annual listing of the best eats around town.
Follow her on Instagram @isabelvmf.
