Rude Boy in Manila

"FOOD rocks," the chef Aaron Craze summarises his passion for cooking. Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and plain black shirt with his hairstyle moussed up during the media event at Red, Makati Shangri-La, Craze is not your stereotypical chef. His charm, enthusiasm, and culinary flair became the awesome mix that make him a celebrity chef.

As part of Craze's world tour - with Makati Shangri-La as his first adventure in Manila; and Philippines as his last stop after Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia - spearheaded by Asian Food Channel, an intimate gathering on June 7 unveiled the simple yet sumptuous flavours that are the signature of Craze's creations. Asia Tatler Dining Philippines witnessed how the afternoon tea concept was transformed into an interactive session, highlighting a cooking demonstration, three-course menu, and casual round table discussion.

Chef Aaron Craze during the cooking demonstration

A classy plate that features beef carpaccio with shaved picked radish and micro greens tickled every appetite with delight. Before the main course was served, Craze actively jumped from one table to another, entertaining each guest with his explanations on the dishes he played with. A poached barramundi with yellow Darwin sauce and pak choi became everyone's favourite with which Craze actually demonstrated the proper way of its preparation and cooking in an energetic way. The classic and savoury burst of Thai flavours was revealed in this dish, being so fragrant and curry-based as it also went down so soft with its melt-in-your-mouth texture. An excellent sweet note left every palate with the Thai basil panna cotta with Scottish shortbread biscuit and poached rhubarb.

Beef Carpaccio

Poached Barramundi with Yellow Darwin Sauce and Pak Choi

Thai Basil Panna Cotta with Scottish Shortbread Biscuit and Poached Rhubarb

The humble beginnings of Craze enumerate his being the winner of reality cooking show Jamie's Chef and a graduate of Fifteen, a London-based foundation by Jamie Oliver that helps less fortunate children to discover and enhance their culinary talents. Going through his own life struggles at a young age became the motivation and gateway for his world-renowned standing in the culinary industry.

Now having authored a book titled Aaron Cooks Italian, hosting some television cook shows for adults and kids alike and also a dedicated musician, Craze gladly shares his simple cooking philosophy after garnering all these achievements. "Cooking is like music. Once you learn the chords, you can write your own song. The same with once you know the fundamentals of cooking, you can make your recipes. It's all coming from here," Craze says as he pointed towards his heart.

Given the creative and out-of-the-box culinary talent of Craze, Tatler Dining gets more excited about what Craze will cook up next either here in Manila or anywhere else in the world.