In Manila’s ever-evolving dining scene, some chefs leave a lasting impact by continuously pushing culinary boundaries. Over the past decade, Nicco Santos and Quenee Villar have been at the forefront of this movement, introducing some of the city's most memorable dining experiences. With a portfolio that includes Your Local, Hey Handsome, Elephant Grounds, Restaurant Aurora, and the pandemic-era cloud kitchen Sambar, their names have become synonymous with innovative, flavor-driven cuisine. Yet, their latest venture, Celera, is not merely a culmination of their journey—it marks a new beginning. Santos, known for his bold and inventive approach to Asian cuisine, has a deep understanding of regional ingredients and a talent for blending traditional Southeast Asian flavors with contemporary techniques. Villar, his longtime collaborator and business partner, plays a pivotal role in shaping their restaurants’ identities, overseeing operations, concept development, and menu creation. Together, they share a passion for flavor exploration, continuously evolving..
