The Blackboard by Chef Michel

Redefining Manila food scene with deviant culinary offerings

The Blackboard by Chef Michel debuts new home for ‘fearless’ fine dining experiences

For the ultimate food gourmand, a dining experience is never the same: excitement as an endless pursuit whilst satisfaction an insatiable priority. And as food trends ebb and flow so as to cater to such willful demands, one particular restaurant, The Blackboard by Chef Michel, is now making its “deviant” mark on Manila’s food scene – fearlessly “erasing” standard notions in fine dining by offering eccentricity and spontaneity in mouthfuls of divine choices.

The recent successful launch of The Blackboard at the Level 5 of The Podium, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City, finally put a delightful end to diners’ hungry wait for innovative, high-end cuisine flavors. Best epitomized as the new haven for global cuisine fusion, the fine dining restaurant was formally welcomed as part of the Cravings Group chain of restaurants.

The launch was celebrated via an intimate dinner graced by Ms. Badjie Guerrero, CEO of The Cravings Group.

Unorthodox genius

Building on his techniques in classical French cooking and a robust mastery of various global cuisines – influences and personal experiences collated since he dabbled in the kitchen at the age of 17 --- Chef Michel Cottabarren is indeed one tough master cook with multi-dimensional skills and confidence to burn.

The pony-tailed French connoisseur has tempted the guests’ with a synergy of dishes that truly bespoke his infamous unorthodox artisanship, just the way he pleased the palates of countless diners from far and wide during his previous stints abroad.

Many of his culinary gems once again shone to the delight of guests. Among the event’s provocative servings are a cornuccopia of tapas (Black Olive Tapenade, Chicken Liver Parfait, Spicy Eggplant, Mussels ala Vinaigrette, Salmon Croquetas with Aioli, Gravadlax, Grilled Calamari, Grilled Mushrooms and Grilled Sardines), Black Rice and Pulled Pork Wraps with Confit Onions, Refried Beans and Guacamole for mains. Capping off the magnificent meal are two luscious desserts, Apple Pie Wontons with Vanilla Sauce and Lemon Cheesecake.

Entrees ‘etched’ on the board

Besides his profound mastery and reputation as an exemplary figure among epicures, Chef Michel’s passion and imagination account for his ever-changing savory creations. From classics to contemporary to the experimental, the result is nouveau fine gourmet cuisine that bestows value for money and creates enduring emotional bonds with its customers.

And while his uncanny ability to transform ordinary ingredients to superb, endless options is mind-blowing enough, Chef Michel is fast to caution diners that he doesn’t have a menu at The Blackboard. Specialties of the day --- from tapas to main entrees and desserts --- can be conveniently spotted, written neatly on a proverbial blackboard.

“This may seem to baffle them at first since most diners are accustomed to being handed out a menu to browse on. But I assure them though of a very unique, intimate and fun fine dining experience whenever they visit us,” he said.

And while the Blackboard highlights a dynamic varied list of sinful dishes, Chef Michel says the restaurant is keen on igniting a strong following for Western-Mediterranean-Asian fusion here in Manila.

“My culinary style has been heavily influenced by my extensive experience working across different continents--Europe, America and Asia. I use only the freshest local ingredients available for my dishes, but I'd like to leave the local dishes to the locals. I believe the closest I can get to whipping up local dishes at The Blackboard is infusing native and international flavors, and then adding something delightfully unexpected. That's my style. Makes things more interesting, doesn't it?” quipped Chef Michel.

“What's good about having no fixed menus is the wide variety of dishes that the restaurant can offer. It adds to the excitement of dining out. Filipinos are known to have a natural affinity for food and I believe my culinary background--multi-cuisine--answers the gastronomic desires of this adventurous market."

“We go by word of mouth, and by taste of mouth. I make it a point to offer personal satisfaction for all guests, in every visit. As we make Manila the new home of The Blackboard, we promise to serve consistently good and well-thought of dishes,” Cottabaren concluded.

For inquiries, reservations and updates on The Blackboard by Chef Michel, visit www.theblackboardbychefmichel.com. Like its official Facebook page at facebook.com/TheBlackboardPH and follow at Twitter twitter.com/TheBlackboardPH and Instagram instagram.com/theblackboardPH