Two of the best-known Filipino chefs in Italy, Dario Guevarra and Morris Danzen Catanghal, have teamed together to create an amazing culinary adventure at Mabuhay Restaurant in Milan.
Guevarra’s cozy Filipino restaurant has held the top spot on TripAdvisor's rankings since its inception in 2019, surpassing 6,261 Milanese establishments.
Catanghal won one of the episodes of the reality show "Gino Cerca Chef" in 2020 and got a contract in one of the 50 restaurants owned by Italian chef Gino D'Acampo in Manchester, UK.
Together, they've embarked on a gastronomic voyage that transcends borders, tantalizing taste buds with a symphony of flavors that harmonize the essence of both cultures.
“Chef Dario Guevarra and I are excited to go on this culinary adventure together as two Filipino chefs making our mark in Italy. Our collaboration is more than just about food; it's a celebration of cultural fusion, where every dish tells a story of heritage and innovation. Together, we're breaking boundaries and inviting diners to experience the best of both worlds,” Catanghal said.
This collaboration unfolds as an artfully crafted degustation experience, where each dish is a canvas showcasing their ingenuity and culinary mastery. Through this creative endeavor, they aim to spotlight the diverse tastes and components of Filipino and Italian cuisines, paying homage to the intricate tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped their culinary identities.
“Through this curated degustation experience, we aim to immerse not only Filipinos but also Italian patrons in a symphony of flavors that pays homage to the diverse influences of both Filipino and Italian cuisines,” Guevarra said.
Their culinary creations are nothing short of masterpieces, meticulously crafted to perfection, each unveiling a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and cultural nuances.
Among the highlights of their culinary repertoire is the Cannolicchio Salato di Tonno Kilawin, a fusion of Italian and Filipino flavors. This dish features salted tuna, prepared in the traditional Filipino kilawin style, marinated in vinegar, and enhanced with a medley of marinated onions, peppers, aromatic seasonings, and cannoli tuile. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors, where the brininess of the razor clam complements the savory richness of the salted tuna, elevated by the bright acidity of the marinade.
The culinary journey continues with Crispy Pansit Prawn, featuring succulent prawns wrapped in vermicelli noodles, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, accompanied by palabok sauce and lemon gel, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that delight the senses.
For those yearning for comfort and warmth, the Polpette di Ginataang Kalabasa offers a nostalgic embrace, with creamy coconut milk-infused pumpkin balls fried to golden perfection, evoking memories of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
As the main course, the Octopus Kare-kare pays homage to the Filipino classic, with tender octopus bathed in the luxurious sauce of a traditional kare-kare, accompanied by a smoked eggplant salad, creamy yogurt, and a hint of citrus, creating a harmonious melody of flavors that linger on the palate.
Meanwhile, the Kaldereta Tortelloni is a culinary revelation, combining the richness of tortelloni pasta with the savory flavors of kaldereta sauce, elevated by a luscious cream made from roasted peppers and a vibrant green sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese crisps for an added crunch.
And to conclude this gastronomic extravaganza on a sweet note, the Purple Yam Tiramisu offers a delightful twist on the Italian classic, with layers of velvety purple yam mousse and delicate coffee biscuits soaked in espresso, creating a symphony of flavors that captivates the senses.
Each dish is a testament to the culinary prowess and creativity of chefs Guevarra and Catanghal, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary arts. With every bite, diners embarked on a sensory journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of Filipino and Italian cuisines, leaving them craving for more of these unforgettable culinary experiences.
Marinella Christine Rosales described her dining experience as a gastronomic extravaganza.
“The Octopus Kare-kare took me on a flavorful journey back to my Filipino roots, with each tender bite of octopus immersed in the rich kare-kare sauce. It’s exquisite,” Rosales said.
Mario Santiago has nothing but praises for the food and hopes for future events in larger venues, welcoming more Filipinos and Italians.
“It’s Filipino food to the next level experience with our world-class Filipino chefs Dario and Morris. One of the best fine dining experience we can offer to the world . We love the food served. Authentic and unique Filipino taste with a twist. Proud Pinoy here,” said Santiago.
These world-class dishes from two talented chefs continue to promote not only Filipino food but also the skill and excellence of Filipinos abroad, serving as ambassadors of Filipino flavor and culture on the global culinary stage. Each dish is a testament to their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to elevating Filipino food to new heights of sophistication and acclaim. Catanghal and Guevarra continue to inspire and pave the way for greater recognition and appreciation of Filipino gastronomy worldwide.