In 1996, I was one of six judges at the Bonlac Great Chefs of Asia where a dozen of the Philippines’ top chefs competed. At the end of several weeks of competition, the Top 2 were chosen: chefs J. Gamboa and Jay Roces of Cirkulo restaurant on Pasay Road, Makati, and chef Menoy Jimenez of the Center for Culinary Arts Manila (CCAM).

Jimenez is one of the most outstanding chefs in the culinary scene. He is also one of the top instructors.

I suddenly remembered CCAM’s Annie Guerrero giving a tribute to my mom Nora. They were sorority sisters of the Sigma Delta Phi at the University of the Philippines. Dinner was prepared by chef Menoy, and all of the dishes were recreations of the highlights of the menu in our French restaurant Au Bon Vivant. I also remembered our popular onion soup gratinée and Chateaubriand Bearnasie being on the menu that night. The meal was outstanding.

Tito Chef

Today, Jimenez operates his own restaurant and culinary school in BF Sucat, Parañaque. Tito Chef is located on President’s Avenue in BF. I recently visited and was reminded about how good his food is. He has a lot of classic French dishes, but with his own little twists.

We had the classic Salade Niçoise topped with tataki-style fresh tuna. It was a modern take on the French classic salad—well-plated and delicious.

The Sole and Salmon Roulade is poached and rolled filet of sole and salmon in a butter, lemon and caper sauce. Outstanding!

We also had the Chicken Ballotine a la Crème, a chicken roll with a mushroom cream sauce and seasoned veggies. Also very good.

I wanted to try the entire menu, but my tummy could take only so much.

Next time, I plan to try the Wagyu beef cheeks Bourguignon, ox tongue Bordelaise and French Bouillabaisse.

It was nice to rediscover Menoy and his cooking. I get asked many times by parents, “What culinary school can you recommend?” I tell them that if the school has a restaurant, dine in the restaurant, and if you are impressed with the food, enroll your child there.

Tito Chef has a good showcase of the fine quality of food that comes out of his school. Check the place out!

Tito Chef by Chef Menoy, 2 Adelfa St. corner President’s Ave., BF Homes, Sucat, Parañaque; tel. 8425577

My next Japan food tour will be in Hokkaido, April 7-12.

E-mail [email protected]