Celebrity chef Bruce Lim, (not Lee) who together with Angel Aquino hosts Tablescapes, one of the most viewed shows on the Asian Food Channel, finally opened a restaurant located at the Fort. More on this later…..
The show Tablescapes is quite enjoyable to watch as Chef Bruce takes viewers to many parts of the Philippines showcasing the country’s different cuisines with his own unique touch and vast creativity. He also seems so cool while cooking and hosting.
Well, up close and personal, he is not just cool but has a smiling face to match. He even looks younger in person that I did not recognize him when initially introduced.
Chef Bruce Lim
TBW found him to be very accommodating, patiently answering our never-ending questions. Did I mention that he seems to be a humble, down-to-earth individual despite his celebrity status? A rarity in this world of ours. Reminds me of world renowned chef, Alain Ducasse who proved to be an epitome of humility and charm combined during his visit to Manila last year. =)
Photos taken from the second floor dining area.
This is Chef Bruce at work.....preparing our garlic rice?
See those khaki shorts he's wearing.....cool dude!
He not only is the Executive Chef of the restaurant, I’d like to say he is also the public relations head……doing “table hops” during meal time engaging diners in animated conversations. “Table hops”?….you know the customary thing newly weds do during their reception, hop from table to table. =)
Conversing with diners during one of his "table hops"
Alright….. enough of the Chef. Let’s move on to the restaurant he opened, called Chef’s Table. Named and conceptualized after a Chef’s table which is in actuality, a table located in the kitchen of a restaurant where invited guests sit to have their meal specially prepared by the Chef.
Chef Bruce Lim’s Chef’s Table resembles such description as the restaurant has an open kitchen right in the center side of the dining area. It is literally open, no glass dividers that are normally seen in some restos that have the same kitchen design and set up. Chef’s Table has the longest open kitchen I’ve seen so far. Right beside the open kitchen are counter tops where guests can dine, hence the Chef’s table concept. These counter tops are considered the “prime tables”, the best seats in the house so to speak, as one has a full front view of kitchen action live! No delayed telecasts here! Diners get to see how the chefs cut/chop/braise/pan fry/blow torch food. Lucky guests can even observe every movement of the kitchen staff and interestingly, learn the kitchen lingo permeating in that area, up close. It’s like watching an unscripted cooking show live!
Open Kitchen
In demand, prime seats located right in front of the open kitchen.
What type of food is served? Fine Filipino food using global culinary standards and techniques. I dare not call it fusion food simply because it’s not. It is pure Filipino food but prepared and presented on a different level due perhaps to more sophisticated (for lack of a better word) and learned cooking methods, the marriage and play of ingredients never thought of before and wise applications of worldly culinary knowledge.
Chef's Table--ground floor Infinity Tower 26th street Fort Bonifacio. Beside Soma Building
MORE ON THE FOOD AND EXPERIENCE IN TOMORROW’S ENTRY…..
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