My personal cuisine guide

Last week, there was a welcome break in the media world from all the anger generated by the stories of widespread corruption in the DPWH and all other government agencies.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

The world famed culinary Michelin Guide to the best cuisine finally published a recommended guide to Philippine cuisine. It awarded one restaurant with two stars and eight others with one star. It also had a list of other recommended establishments, ranging from fine dining like Antonio’s and Old Manila of Manila Peninsula to cafeterias which did not earn stars but were likewise recommended.

Michelin-recommended restaurants may receive one to three stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, harmony of flavors and consistency between visits.”

After the initial reading and a few days of contemplation on the article, I realized that I had several restaurants which I personally think should have been included in the list. The one restaurant that I think deserves a Michelin star is Chef Jessie Rockwell Club. My personal favorites there are the Duck Confit and Bistek Tagalog with its Pinoy sauce. The popular desserts are the different-flavored souffles.

I have other favorite restaurants that may not win a Michelin star but which I believe deserve to be included in the recommended list. First on my list is Abe’s, which specializes in Filipino cuisine, located in Serendra and has a distinct Kapampangan taste.