Soseki Modern Omakase in Orlando, Florida, owned by Filipino chef Michael “Mike” Collantes, has been awarded a Michelin star, globally known as the ultimate hallmark of culinary excellence for restaurants.
The intimate ten-seat multi-course dining experience for customers recently earned one star for “high-quality cooking” in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in Florida for 2022.
The Michelin-starred Soseki, or cornerstone in Japanese, is run by chef and restaurateur Mike Collantes who has worked with some of the Michelin Guide’s most celebrated chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon, among others. Collantes also formed the Taglish Collective Restaurant Group, a restaurant group that began with a fast-casual Filipino-American concept.
Chef Collantes took to social media to share his restaurant’s recent achievement and thanked everyone for supporting his new endeavor.
“What an honor it is to be recognized by our peers and Michelin. We want to say a heart felt thank you to every guest who has come through our doors and continue to support what we have done in just 1 short year of opening,” Mike Collantes wrote in an Instagram post on June 11, 2022.
With one Michelin star, the gastronomic guide praised Soseki for highlighting local ingredients in Florida. The restaurant, known for featuring a modern take on omakase, or a form of Japanese dining meaning “chef’s choice” partners with local farmers, fishermen, cheese, and ceramic artisans.
“This tiny operation with Chef Mike Collantes at the helm is an ideal illustration of a contemporary meal expressed by way of an omakase. Diners should make their way down a hallway to arrive at the glorious space, outfitted with dark walls, sleek wood floors, and a counter armed with ten plush seats,” the Michelin Guide wrote.
“A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in a menu that changes monthly. As a result, guests are likely to experience a new culinary theme each time they visit,” the guide adds.
The restaurant guide recommended Soseki’s “Scandinavian-style” sashimi, which includes “salmon that’s cured like gravlax” and arranged with smoked mozzarella.
“The dish may sound busy, but each element unites so seamlessly and displays that desired balance between complexity and creativity,” the Michelin Guide praises Soseki.
Chef Collantes’ Soseki received the coveted distinction from the Michelin Guide after Chicago’s Kasama by husband-and-wife team Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores became the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Soseki Modern Omakase in Orlando, Florida, owned by Filipino chef Michael “Mike” Collantes, for being awarded a Michelin star!
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