A CHANCE WITH THE MAN BEHIND TODD ENGLISH IN THE PHILIPPINES


OLIVER
Todd English Food Hall, one of the finest restaurants that offer a wide range of freshly prepared mouthwatering dishes and gourmet, has been serving us delicious specialty cuisine for years now.

DSC_0915_2photo courtesy of www.primer.com.ph

One cannot deny the fact that we are lucky to have this kind of venue to treat our taste buds every once in a while. Designed by Ivy Almario, with its 900sqm communal dining area that is a complete replica of the New York flagship branch, Todd English is also a complete visual treat for anyone looking for a great place to dine, wine, and enjoy. With dim lighting that compliments the black and white marble floors and a macaron Ferris wheel near the center enticing your sweet tooth to try their offering, you are definitely in for an encapsulated food haven that one must experience.

Known for his interpretation of rustic Mediterranean cuisine, Chef Todd English expands his culinary borders to international flavors, creating a true dine-around experience among the nine diverse food stations: Ocean Grill & Oyster Bar, Noodle & Dumpling Bar, Pasta Bar, Sushi Bar, The Grill, Taqueria, Pizza, Cheese & Charcuterie, Wine Bar and Patisserie.

 

DSC_0901_2photo courtesy of www.primer.com.ph

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photo courtesy of www.cheftoddenglish.com

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photo courtesy of www.cheftoddenglish.com

The Philippine branch features some things that you won’t see in their New York restaurant, such as their local take on the local Lechon and its pasta machine that is custom-built for the restaurant.

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photo courtesy of www.primer.com.ph

Sure! you have experienced the Food Hall, you have even tasted their famed-dessert The Bomb, but what sets Todd English apart is the verity that the owners are very hands-on, and they even visit the country whenever their time permits just to check on the place and people. Yes, the people!

We, here in STYLE MNL are lucky to have finally met one of the brains behind this Gastronomic lounge and it is very fitting to have a tete-a-tete with the son of the owner, Mr. Oliver English, who will soon manage their other food ventures here in the country.

 Why did you pick the Philippines as a venue for Todd English?

We felt like it was one of the next great frontiers in terms of food globally, that combined with partners that we really like and trusted. We see tremendous potential here in the Philippines. I can even tell you the difference, even when I first came to hear, to now, we see a lot of developments, so many foods and beverage offerings and options in the market, It is really incredible, and I think we’re still in the forefront of a bigger expansion, a bigger growth when it comes to offerings.”

Given the potential, do you have any plans of opening other restaurants here in the Philippines?

Yes! We just actually opened POUND, which is sorted of a spin-off of a Burger concept here, we are opening another concept restaurant as well, called HOOK, which is going to be a raw bar, oyster seafood place this Spring, and a couple of other plans so your readers must watch out for it.”

Why do you love the Philippines so much?

“Oh! I actually love the Filipino people. For me- we’ve got restaurants all around the globe, we’ve traveled a lot- I felt a tremendous sense of warmth from the Filipino people. It really is a true and genuine sense of warmth and I love that. In addition, you guys have a very diverse and big food culture here, which we love and it’s really amazing!”

Have you tasted any Filipino cuisine? What would be your favorite local dish?

“Yeah! A lot and they were all sumptuous and great! My favorite-I’ve been having it for breakfast- It’s like Wagyu beef, two eggs served with Garlic  Vinaigrette Rice (Tapa and Sinangag). I’ve been having it every day and it is so amazing! You have a very large food offering here in the Philippines, the one that- you’ll actually know- is made with love and passion.”

Just like your Dad, do you also love cooking? Can you share with us a few of your past experiences? 

“I do cook, usually I cook for my loved ones in our home. I grew up in the banquets of my Family’s first restaurant in Boston. I have experienced everything inside that restaurant, from washing the dishes, preparing the tables and a little bit of everything. However, I finished my degree in Business and Hospitality, so now I ran more on the Business side of things.”

What’s your last keynote to all the people who love eating here at Todd English?

“Thank you! We’re here because of you! We’re here to feed your passion and your love. And we are ultimately here because we love what we do and we love to make people happy. Seeing you guys, enjoying our dish, and leaving your table smiling- that feeling is so fulfilling in so many ways!”

“No matter where you are in the world, no matter what you’re doing, you can go here and treat yourself and you can walk out of the door a lot happier. We just wanna see you satisfied and have a good time. If you have a good time, we have a good time. AMEN!”

Visit Todd English Food Hall at 5/F, Sky Park, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. They are open from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Mondays thru Fridays, and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Style MNL staff

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About the Author

This is the official staff tab of Style MNL. Follow us on our social media accounts and fan page to learn more about the latest stories from our site.