A Toast to Taste

Philippine Tatler, in partnership with HSBC, celebrated the launch of the Best

Restaurants Guide (BRG) 2018 with over 300 attendees at the Raffles Fairmont Makati Ballroom. Alongside the 173 well-deserving restaurants in the book, T.Dining, Tatler’s new multi-platform lifestyle brand, was introduced.

Comprising the BRG; the website (philtatlerdining.com), which now boasts a new look and broader content; and an exciting series of events that took place throughout the year, the new T.Dining brand and look is targeted at engaging and re-invigorating the face of the region’s dining scene.

The annual event, very much looked forward to by the country’s most venerated foodies, oenophiles, and discerning sophisticates, began with welcome remarks by Managing Director Irene Martel Francisco and a toast with HSBC Head of Retail Banking Kris Werner; Raffles Fairmont Makati Managing Director David Batchelor and Director of Communications Monique Toda; and BRG co-editors Shauna Jay Popple Williams and Maritess Garcia Reyes.

The most thrilling part of the evening was the grand reveal of the awards: the Top 20 Best Restaurants, and, for the first time in Tatler history, four speciality “Best of Class” awards. The Best New Chef went to Josh Boutwood; the Best Pastry Chef to Miko Aspiras; the Best Cocktails to Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar; and the Best New Restaurant to Enye by Chele González in Cebu.

From fine dining favourites to casual culinary gems, the Top 20 restaurants in the roster included Antonio’s, Bar Pintxos, Canton Road, China Blue by Jereme Leung, Cru Steakhouse, Crystal Dragon, Donosti, Enye by Chele González, Finestra, Gallery VASK, Inagiku, M Dining + Bar, Man Ho, Mirèio, The Pig & Palm, Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar, Rima, Sala Restaurant, Tsukiji, and Wildflour Café + Bakery.