Chele Gonzalez on pushing the boundaries of the Filipino gastronomic experience

Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2022 honouree Chele Gonzalez preserves Philippine culinary culture with his adventurous palate

Chef and owner of Gallery by Chele and Deli by Chele, José Luis “Chele” Gonzalez, was born in Torrelavega, Spain. After honing his approach to cooking into an entire philosophy by working in some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, he came to the Philippines. Now, he holds numerous prestigious awards for his culinary genius. As a mentor, educator and culinary wanderer, Gonzalez roams the Philippines for a wider perspective on the flavours our wondrous country has to offer.

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What projects in the last two years are you most proud of?

Chele Gonzalez (CG): In Gallery by Chele, we thrived despite the pandemic. We launched Deli by Chele, and it also succeeded as an online shop, now we have a store in some of the mall properties around the metro. Our consultancy company through Adviche F&B Solution went further with our partners from different hospitality establishments and restaurants. With all of these things, I am just grateful for the trust and for the continuous support for all the projects that I work with.

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What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

CG: Things are changing all the time, and since the pandemic when things got disrupted, it forced us to look at things from a different perspective. In the hospitality and food industry we need to be ahead all the time, always have consciousness of what is happening, try to anticipate scenarios, and adapt quickly. These are the key to success right now.

There are so many challenges in many parts of the world, especially the Western countries, but in the Philippines in my view, things are developing after what has happened, and I think now is the time to be creative, to explore and innovate, and success will follow.

What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?

CG: It is going to be a long journey, so be patient, and work with passion. Have a clear goal of what you want to achieve and remain faithful to it. Love every challenging moment and that will make you and your project successful. It might take a shorter or longer time but when you take the right path, you will eventually get there. You will just one day and look back. I did all of it, I went through it, and I thrived. But mainly, enjoy what you do, and everything else will follow.

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Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?

CG: My foundation really comes from working with some of the best restaurants in Spain. Professionally, I always look up to Josean Alija, because he was one of my mentors. But something that drives my culinary and personal career is really my family and the values that they have instilled and I always carry them with me. I do listen to my mom, she is really the voice of guidance in my life. But yes, all the chefs that I have worked with and my mom are my biggest inspiration.

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What are your plans for the coming years and what keeps you going?

CG: There are so many projects coming, and sometimes there are partnership requests that I had to say no to. I think, right now, I just want to make sure that whatever project I am doing is a success. But from my consultancy to food, I want to take them one at a time. But a lot of beautiful and exciting is coming, the Chele Gonzalez brand is growing, and it will always be about excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

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