At Gallery by Chele, Chef Chele González and Chef Carlos Villaflor have long explored the potential of local flavors, and, after extensive research, marry them with the modern techniques and fresh flavor pairings they have always championed. Their latest tasting menu is another incarnation of this methodology, centering only on one resource: the coconut. Nicknamed the Tree of Life for its countless utilizations in food, drink, shelter, and textiles (to name a few, and which, as a whole, appeals to the duo’s other advocacy: sustainability), the coconut has been a staple in Filipino households—and cuisine—for centuries. While this thesis—a full tasting menu based on one ingredient to ground the entire experience—may be one that they’ve applied before (and successfully: a previous notable and well-received menu was centered on just the cacao plant), trust Gonzalez and Villaflor to surprise. If you’re expecting an abundance of coconut milk emulsions or the oleaginous..
