Chef Francis Tolentino of Manila’s Taupe and Chef Jordan of New York’s Carriage House unite for a new collaborative menu that fuses Asian and American flavors like never before.
In a culinary match spanning Asia and the USA, Chef Francis Tolentino of Taupe in Manila and Chef Jordan of Carriage House in New York have joined forces to craft a unique dining experience, blending their cooking styles and cultural influences.
The story of this collaboration began in 2019 when Jordan visited Manila and was introduced to Francis. Their shared passion for innovative cuisine and a commitment to excellence sparked a connection. Through constant communication, their friendship blossomed into a professional synergy rooted in mutual respect and a desire to push culinary boundaries.
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For three nights, diners in the metro enjoyed the collaborative efforts of the two chef friends who took time to talk to them and explain the food despite being extremely busy in the kitchen preparing for 150 covers.
Francis started his culinary career in Miami and New York. He came home to the Philippines to become a restaurateur who was known for creating concepts inspired by his travels abroad. He refocused his sights by highlighting Filipino cuisine.
Canadian-born Jordan worked at Jean Georges, Spago, and The French Laundry. He is the host for Netflix’s Cook at All Costs.
The theme of nostalgia, chosen by Francis, serves as the soul of their collaboration. He says, “For this new menu, I wanted it to be more personal. I really want to share a piece of me, my childhood, memories of my mom and my grandmother.” Drawing inspiration from their childhood memories and culinary journeys, they curated a menu that seamlessly merged their unique styles and flavors. Jordan navigated challenges such as adapting to local ingredients and the more humid conditions of the Philippines, ensuring each dish reflected his culinary finesse.
Francis remarked: “This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision and passion for creating memorable dining experiences. We wanted to not only showcase our individual talents but also celebrate the richness of Filipino flavors.”
The debut of their collaborative menu at Taupe was met with enthusiasm, selling out within hours of its announcement.
Looking forward, both chefs see endless possibilities for the Philippines’ fine dining landscape. “There’s so much potential here,” noted Jordan. “The success of this collaboration paves the way for future projects and deeper engagement within the local culinary landscape.”
For Jordan, this collaboration is about connecting with Filipino diners on a personal level. He shared: “I hope that people in the Philippines understand who I am, what I’m about, see my talents and my passion for food. I want to know that as a person who has never lived here that I can at least earn the respect of some Filipinos through my food.”
As they celebrate this milestone, Chef Francis and Chef Jordan anticipate further collaborations and projects that will continue to elevate the dining experience at Taupe and beyond as they announced their plans to open a new restaurant in Manila, where they will further explore their respective countries’ flavors and create dishes inspired by the fusion of their culinary heritages, ingredients, and technical expertise. This venture aims to become a focal point for their combined culinary creativity.
Jordan is exploring further opportunities for projects in the Philippines through Crown Artist Management, aiming to bring fresh and exciting experiences to the local community.
Francis, meanwhile, is preparing to launch his new nostalgia-themed menu this September, offering guests a glimpse into his personal journey through childhood memories with his mother and grandmother, as well as his experiences growing up both in the Philippines and abroad.
Taupe by Francis Tolentino is located at Two Maridien Tower, 26th Street, Taguig City. Message or call (0962) 7189892 for inquiries or reservations.
Photos courtesy of Taupe Dining.
