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The inaugural event will feature chef Barry Quek of Michelin-starred restaurant, Whey Hong Kong
A brand new chef-driven dinner concept is coming to town. Meet the Cork Elite Dining Series. Organised by the exclusive members-only club for wine enthusiasts, Cork Elite proudly announces the launch of Cork Elite Dining Series, set to provide distinctive culinary experiences for discerning foodies.
This private dining concept is designed to bring a captivating marriage of fine wines and modern European dishes that show off Asian influences to the table, making each experience a must-try.
Members of the Cork Elite private club are currently welcome to a stunning collection of around 3,000 rare and fine wines, making it home to the most extensive wine list in the Philippines. Alongside its impressive wine selection, Cork has been offering private wine dinners and monthly events, for its members too. However, now with the Cork Elite Dining Series, members and non members alike will be able to partake in all that Cork is cooking up. There will be exclusive evenings reserved for members only, and other designated nights open to the public.
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Cork thus far has mostly been known for its outstanding wines but not so much as a dining destination. When asked what drives the brand to venture deeper into the dining scene, Cherry Dee Leguira, general manager, says: “We all know that food and wine are a perfect match. At Cork Elite, we wanted to do more than just offer premium wines. We aimed to enhance the dining scene in the Philippines. Our goal is to bring together amazing food and exceptional wines, creating a special experience for everyone.”
From this new dining event concept you can expect nuanced bespoke events featuring world-renowned chefs and sommeliers, creating menus for dinners that will be held in the club's private dining room. The freshman event is set to take place on the 8th and 9th of September, 2023 and will feature the celebrated chef Barry Quek of Hong Kong restaurant, Whey.
“Cork's decision to launch the first Cork Elite Dining Series with chef Barry Quek stems from his exceptional culinary talents and unique approach to the culinary world. His remarkable ability to seamlessly blend diverse cultural influences into his creations is a testament to his creativity and mastery in the kitchen. Notably, earning a Michelin star within just eight months for his outstanding dishes showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft. Barry Quek's accomplishments, combined with his global culinary journey and relentless pursuit of excellence, make him the perfect choice to set a new standard for our dining series. Cork believes that Chef Barry's extraordinary skills and culinary vision will undoubtedly elevate the dining experience and align perfectly with our values at Cork Elite,” Leguira elaborates.
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Chef Quek cooks food rooted in memory, taking inspiration from his childhood. “I’m paying respect to these food memories and dishes and presenting them in a contemporary way,” he says. Seasonality is pertinent to his philosophy at Whey, where he proudly supports local farms. At the Michelin-starred restaurant, many of the dishes are made using European cooking techniques that Quek learned while working in Belgium, Australia, and London, with a heavy focus on fermentation.
“For the upcoming dinner, we are very excited to be cooking in Manila! At Whey, we pay homage to our Singaporean roots, delivering a unique cooking approach towards my hometown cuisine with influences of culinary experience around the world. Diners can expect a Peranakan curry laksa with konjac rice and lobster, a brioche made from buah keluak, and a housemade petai bean miso-marinated beef,” adds chef Barry Quek.
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Not only will diners be treated to his spectacular menu but a wine paring too. “For the very first Cork Elite Dining Series, we knew we needed a truly special wine pairing. The wines handcrafted by M. Chapoutier are a true example of excellence. Specifically for this evening, our focus is on showcasing the remarkable single vineyard wines from M. Chapoutier. It's a big honour for us to present these prestigious labels, and we're genuinely grateful for the opportunity to match them with chef Barry's amazing dishes,” explains Leguira.
Moving forward, Cork Elite is not only working on more of these fantastic chef-driven dinners but will be elevating its everyday dining program too. "We have exciting plans for enhancing the dining experience at Cork Elite. My team and I are rekindling a focus on culinary art by infusing creativity, modern techniques, and the skills acquired in the kitchen. This renewed focus will elevate the dining experience for Cork Elite members and guests. We're introducing new ingredients, diverse flavours, and exciting cuisines, shifting our perspective on the menu. While the menu at Cork Elite will still be casual and less rigid, we remain committed to delivering the exceptional dining experience that our members and guests have come to expect, " imparts Henessy Dy, executive chef, Cork Elite.
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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.
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