It’s a pity that not that many people know of Larry J Cruz now, even as they dine in the restaurants he had founded, and which had blazed the trail in Philippine dining. It doesn’t help that today we are wellGoogled but not well read.
Lifestyle. Ambiance. These were the two elements that Larry introduced in the Philippine dining scene in the late Seventies and by doing so, helped redefine the way Filipinos dined. A turning point—very few people would disagree with me about Larry’s contribution to Philippine lifestyle of the Seventies onwards. Before his Café Adriatico, restaurants, in general, were mere eating places; for ambiance and style, the Filipino diners went to hotels. The newsman Larry Cruz and his father, E Aguilar Cruz—the newspaper editor, essayist, painter who became the diplomat and the Philippine representative to Unesco in Paris—changed all that.
Even as they were in media and walked the corridor of power, father and son were behind one of the leading art galleries in Manila. The art gallery became the precursor of a café inspired by the fine ilustrado (pertaining to high or noble status) home interiors of elegant wood, finely crafted furniture reminiscent of the traditional bahay na bato, paintings and Filipiniana art collectibles. In this setting, the friends and colleagues of Larry and Abe, as the ambassador was known in their uppercrust circle—actually, the cognoscenti—would enjoy their barako or tsokolate eh (strong coffee beans from Batangas or thick native chocolate drink derived from the word espresso) and home-cooked Pampango dishes.
Esta historia es de la edición February 2023 de Tatler Philippines.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2023 de Tatler Philippines.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
LAST WORD
We ask the people we feature a round of quickfire questions to give us more insight into their personality. This month: Georgina Wilson-Burnand
LIFE'S A BEACH
Tatler Asia gets an exclusive first look at Rosewood Phuket's new Houses, which include a colossal 21,000 square foot beachfront mansion
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN
Design Hotels Managing Director Stijn Oyen on why its portfolio of properties is truly one of a kind—and what, ultimately, makes a great hotel
HEROES ON A MISSION
Cape, an NGO that champions Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders, has been shaking up Hollywood's storytelling for three decades. But the team feels there's still work to be done on making representation more nuanced and global
BEHIND THE SEAMS
These bright, young sartorial talents are making a mark on the Philippine fashion industry one stitch at a time
GARY
As he reaches a turning point in his life, Gary Valenciano, one of the country's most renowned musical artists, relies on divine guidance to choose the right path
BOLDER & BEAUTIFUL
Georgina Wilson-Burnand, makes a graceful return after many years, embodying the best version of herself yet
IF WALLS COULD TALK
Unfolding like a page in Philippine history, the historic Laperal Mansion serves as a symbol of Filipino hospitality, artistry and craftsmanship
Legacy Reimagined
Delight in Tiffany & Co’s newest campaign, With Love, Since 1837, inspired by its legendary window designer, Gene Moore
Test Of Time
Rolex watches represent a dedication to excellence and sophistication, with precision engineering and lasting durability