Cebu as a Destination for Pork

CEBU, Philippines - Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton and his wife Irha Atherton are set to open their first restaurant in The Philippines, The Pig & Palm, on July 26. Located in the MSY Tower, Cebu Business Park, the 57-cover restaurant will offer a modern Spanish tapas menu with a focus on pork dishes. A 25-cover stand-alone bar will serve innovative cocktails and bar snacks.

The Pig & Palm is the 16th restaurant worldwide for the Athertons' critically acclaimed restaurant group, The Social Company, which holds three Michelin stars and spans London, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai and Sydney. The restaurant is a collaboration between the athertons and their business partners, Cebu-based property developers Chris and Carla McKowen and architect Lyndon Neri, aiming to bring a taste of Spanish gastronomy to Cebu in an informal, contemporary environment.

Together, Jason Atherton and Manila-born head chef Tim dela Cruz have developed a menu of modern tapas-style sharing dishes, interpreted using the best of Filipino produce. The restaurant's dishes will celebrate Cebu's reputation as a destination for pork, with a focus on pig-based plates sourced from local farms in Cebu. Dishes on the menu will include "Jamon and Manchegotoastie with Quail's Eggs," "Lechon de Leche with Spiced Pork-fat Roasted Carrots and Herb Dressing" and "Pulled Pork Burgers with Spiced Tomato Chutney and Avocado." In addition, a brunch menu will offer a range of inventive egg-based dishes.

A drinks menu has also been created by group bar executive Jamie Jones for The Pig & Palm's bar, blending traditional Filipino fruits and flavors with British cocktail styles. The McBandaq combines locally produced rum and root beer with carnation cream and fresh banana, blended and served in a milkshake cup.

The Pig & Palm will then be open Tuesdays through Sundays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are now accepted at [email protected] or thru phone  09294814668. The reservation line is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  (FREEMAN)