RP chefs compete in Asian Culinary Challenge

Les Toques Blanches Philippines Culinary Team

Top young chefs led by Les Toques Blanches Philippines Culinary Team will compete from today in the Food and Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge in Singapore.

Managing the team are chefs J Gamboa of Cirkulo Restaurant and Fernando Aracama of Embassy Cuisine, while chef Ariel Manuel of Lolo Dad's Café will be at the helm as team captain.

The team includes Virgilio Timola and Anatolio Bleza of Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Arnold Guevarra of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Amador Mendoza of Manila Pavilion Hotel, and Reno de la Victoria of Waterfront Hotel Cebu.

Giving them the much needed helping hand are apprentices Marge Villena of Lolo Dad's Café, Andy Tabotabo of CCA Manila, Janet Lazaga and Ryan Otmana of Malacañang Palace.

Representing the team for the Valhrona Asian Pastry Cup are James Antolin of CCA Manila, Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts and Pauline Diaz-Lagdameo of ISCAHM. Pampango artist Mike Aguas of MCCA, a multi-awarded metal craft manufacturer, designed and executed the plate elevations and sugar and chocolate molds.

Although the same team bagged the Gold and "Best of the Best" trophies in the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic last year, they will go head to head with stiff competition from around the region.