Roots first anniversary, Marina, Filippo & Inês
Cover Roots first anniversary, Marina, Filippo & Inês
Roots first anniversary, Marina, Filippo & Inês

Exactly a year after they opened, chefs Ines Castañeda and Filippo Turrini collaborate with some of the island’s F&B stars for a one-night-only event

On September 16, 2024, restaurant Roots in Siargao is celebrating their first anniversary with an event they are calling: “An Island Celebration: A Collaborative Dinner by Roots and Friends.” The dinner is not only meant to commemorate this milestone but also their way of celebrating the collective spirit of the island’s culinary community. 

After leaving restaurant Central in Lima, Peru which was at one point on the top spot of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, chefs Ines Castañeda and Filippo Turrini found themselves in the resort island of Siargao at the northern part of Mindanao. Here, they embarked on rigorous research and explorations all over the island and beyond, building their network along the way while wracked with uncertainty about if their impact-conscious concept would resonate or not. 

See also: Introducing Now Now and Softu: Asian brunch plates and Japanese soft serve ice cream

They built Roots with the vision of an interdisciplinary approach while embracing the ideal of blending gastronomy, art, design, and sustainability to offer a unique dining experience. Chef Ines Castañeda, Creative Director of Roots and one of the six founders, underscores the importance of the restaurant’s interdisciplinary team: “Our diverse talents and distinct capabilities are the bedrock of the milestones we’ve achieved and our most important asset as we face the future. Each team member brings a unique skill set that complements and enhances our collective vision.”

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Roots first anniversary
Above Roots first anniversary
Roots first anniversary

The celebration will feature a meticulously curated 7-course tasting menu that brings together some of the best of the island’s local culinary talent. It showcases three dishes crafted by the Roots team, complemented by two creations each coming from both David del Rosario of CEV: Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack and Dom Hammond-Marquez of Barbosa. The Roots beverage team will also offer cocktails to accompany each dish, plus three expertly crafted libations from Jesse Qi and Bobby Heugel of Last Chance. 

The collaborators, like the talented Roots team, are equal heavyweights in the island’s culinary landscape. Del Rosario has made CEV a beloved fixture in Siargao after surviving the pandemic and typhoon Odette, taking his learnings from Mission Ceviche in New York back home with him. His enthusiasm for kinilaw draws from a deep passion for the dish and a belief that it is one of the hidden treasures of Filipino cuisine.

See also: Kodawari: This pandemic project just opened its second brick-and-mortar location

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Roots first anniversary, David del Rosario
Above Roots first anniversary, David del Rosario
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Roots first anniversary, Jessey Qi
Above Roots first anniversary, Jessey Qi
Roots first anniversary, David del Rosario
Roots first anniversary, Jessey Qi

Hammond-Marquez brings with her a vast experience in the application of holistic food systems, nourishment, and environmental responsibility. After leaving a successful career in filmmaking, she transitioned into the culinary world where she trained in raw and vegan techniques in Perth, Australia before consulting for various restaurants in Bali. She is now the Director of Culinary at Seed Resort Bali and head of F&B at Barbosa Siargao.

Qi and Heugel on the other hand, along with their team of hospitality nomads, are opening their bar, Last Chance, in September. Both recognised for their work by reputable award-giving bodies such as 50 Best and James Beard, both Qi and Heugel are determined to make Last Chance one of the most accomplished bars in the Philippines and Asia. 

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Roots first anniversary
Above Roots first anniversary
Roots first anniversary

The dinner is by reservation only and is bound to be Siargao’s culinary event of the year. For inquiries and reservations, email reservations@kaoscasa.com. 

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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe
Contributor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.