CHELE GONZALEZ
This master chef has been included in the top-list World’s Top 50 Best restaurants, for Gallery Vask, and is now the man behind Gallery by Chele, and Enye. He has done many international and local collaborations too. Chef Chele's international perspective and experience elevates his food and keeps us on our toes.
Where do you like to eat here in Manila?
This depends very much if in manila and focus working or if I’m travelling in adventure mode.
If I’m really busy I will look for something comforting, something that make my body feel happy after the stress of working the restaurant. Soup is always the best option for me so I love ramen. I also love Chinese food and dim sum. Although it is always godo to try something new or exciting - I love to do that in my free moments especially with my wife. Last option for me is fast food, pizza or burgers. That will be the last option.
But when I’m travelling I’m so obsessive to plan where I’m going to eat and learn as much as I can that I have to plan everything and research intensely about the restaurant I have to choose... I love to eat good food and keep learning. I’m still very curious!
What do you like to prepare for yourself at home?
I like to prepare simple good food. Good ingredients cooked simply but to perfection. I do not want to spend too much time in the kitchen at home. I already do it at the restaurant, but I love to chose my ingredients and then cook so that I make the ingredients shine by themselves.
I love to cook eggs, specially for breakfast and I’m going to tell you a secret.... to me, egg is the most important ingredient because that is what I usually ate with my mom for dinner when I was a kid!!
What is your top restaurant in the world?
One of my top picks is Mugartiz. They know how to break the rules, experiment and push boundaries.