QUE RICO!

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is Spain’s prized culinary treasure. It comes from a 100% black Iberian pig found in the village of Jabugo, grown free-range, acorn-fed, and cured for a minimum of 36 months. With the specific diet of the pigs, the supply of the jamón is limited—without rain, there will be no acorns, and ultimately, no jamón can be produced. The lingering taste of its nutty flavor and the harmonious mix of sweet and salty similar to that of buttered almond is truly an exceptional experience that cannot be missed when in Spain.

This year, in addition to their world-class master carving services, Cinco Jotas-trained brothers Michael and Mark Lopez bring the famed jamón here to Philippine shores through Maestro Cortador Filipino (MCF). Aside from Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, MCF brings two other types of jamón: Jamón Ibérico de Cebo and Jamón Serrano Reserva. Jamón Ibérico de Cebo comes from a 75% black Iberian pig from Guijuelo which is grain-fed, bone-in, and cured for a minimum of 24 months. On the other hand, Jamón Serrano Reserva which hails from Trévelez comes from a bone-in pig cured for a minimum of 15 months.

In addition to these three variants from MCF, the artisanal duo also carries Jamón Ibérico de Bellota from

globally-renowned Cinco Jotas in their menu of meats. Michael personally ensures that the quality of jamón is topnotch and of premium quality. He attests, “We go to the cellar and inspect the quality of each Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.” Each jamón weighs around 7 to 8 kilograms which is good for a maximum of 120 persons.

Michael shares MCF's list of well-known clientele among others, “We have been carving jamón at the Union of European Football Associations Champions League since 2013. We’ve participated in events alongside culinary superstars such as chefs Pedro Subijana, Jose Ramon Andres, Juan Mari Arzak, Elena Arzak, Joan Roca, Jordi Cruz, and Don Armando Scannone. We have carved jamón for Penelope Cruz during one of her ad shoots for Lancôme.”

Similar to Japan's sushi senseis, Spain's jamón master carvers are also recognized as field experts in the culinary world. By optimizing the jamón’s consumption by ensuring every morsel is put on the plate, the master carver is a practical and excellent addition to your opulent celebrations. Their impeccable knife skills and precision, which takes years to develop, will not only bring an elegant show of refined taste, but also a unique and delectable experience for your invited guests.

Maestro Cortador Filipino brings Spanish food traditions with its premium meats, high quality equipment, and culinary ingenuity