KINEME NIGHTS: A FLAVORFUL FILIPINO FEAST AT KONDWI

Chef Frances Tariga and Marvin Agustin bring fun and flavor to a unique tasting menu experience.

- PAM PASTOR

Guess what, we're not at Fear Factor today, we're at Kondwi," said chef Frances Tariga, making everyone laugh, as she presented the balut-free dish Penoy & Caviar. Kondwi is the art gallery-slash-gastropub that actor-turned-restaurateur Marvin Agustin and artist Leeroy New opened in Poblacion, Makati in 2020. Named after the word "conduit," it's a space they created to support artists of different disciplines. "That includes culinary," Marvin said.

On the day of our visit, the spotlight was on the artistry of chef Frances, owner and chef of Tadhana in New York, Top Chef alum, and the first winner of Morimoto's Sushi Master. She's teaming up with Marvin and taking over Kondwi all Fridays and Saturdays of September starting on the 12th.

At Kondwi, chef Frances enjoys creative freedom. "No holding back, basically. Kondwi fits me very well. I'm an unapologetic chef."

"Her technique, her flavors, her textures are so, so good," said Marvin. "Plus, we kind of came from the same background. We struggled in life. We were determined and we persevered. Her journey was going international. My journey was going from being a waiter, a mascot in the restaurant, to acting, and then going back to what I first fell in love with—restaurants."

For Frances, who grew up in Sampaloc, Manila, before working as a private chef for the royal family of the United Arab Emirates and then moving to New York, the collaboration was an easy yes. "Why not? It's Marvin! I respect the guy with his hustle. We both have humble beginnings and I think if there's someone who could understand me, it's him. I think we have chemistry as well. Mahirap mag-pop-up if you don't like the person that you're collaborating with."