The Westin Manila Opens Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez

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MANILA, Philippines (March 07, 2024) -- The Westin Manila, a premium hotel managed by Marriott International, partners with renowned Chef Chele Gonzalez to introduce an elevated Spanish dining concept to Metro Manila.

Cantabria is Chef Chele Gonzalez’s hometown in the northern coast of Spain, a tierra infinita or “infinite landscape” known for its unparalleled culinary treasures from its mythic ocean to a multitude of greeneries and mountains. This region is rich with some of the best seafood in the world as well as a variety of meat delights.

“Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez” is a restaurant that specializes in one-of-a-kind seafood, creative Tapas, comfort meats, and traditional Spanish favorites. The bespoke menu transports you to the shores of Cantabria region with its ocean bounty in delicate bites and indulgent delights, an ode to the famed chef's childhood summers and culinary beginnings played out on plates prepared with a unique Spanish flair. The central attraction in the dining area is an open seafood display, with the fresh catch of the day prepared in front of diners.

Located on the Roof Level of the hotel, this dining venue is poised to become a new epicurean hot spot, as the only Spanish restaurant by Chef Chele Gonzalez in Metro Manila, offering a unique experience weaved through its ambiance, signature food, and exceptional collection of signature cocktails and vino.

Asked what led the way for this partnership, General Manager Alexander Dietzsch shares, “A Spanish restaurant has always been in the plans for our hotel, and we wanted to collaborate with a chef who can bring an authentic experience to the table. We searched far and wide and we didn’t find anyone in Manila who is as dedicated to the concept as Chele.”

Culinary Roots

Chef de Cuisine Ivan Saiz Sordo takes the helm in the kitchen, overseeing the execution of Chef Gonzalez’s well-crafted menu. Chefs Sordo and Gonzalez both hail from the region of Cantabria and have worked together on a number of celebrated restaurants around the Philippines. Their lineage, culinary roots, and common love for seafood brought them back together at The Westin Manila, to bring to life the flavors they learned and loved growing up.

“Spanish cuisine continues to evolve over time, and so do tradition and techniques. Cantabria presents a unique side of Spanish cuisine and raises the bar by showcasing a blend of tradition and trends through a flavorful journey,” explains Chef Gonzalez.

“We take on a creative and sophisticated approach to seafood, and showcase a unique side of Spanish cuisine unknown to most, together with innovative Tapas, meats, and other Spanish favorites,” he adds. “We also serve rustic and traditional Spanish comforts from steaks to paellas, sangria, vino, and more.”

Spanish Fare

The restaurant’s own signature fish, served as Rodaballo a la Parrilla (grilled wild turbot fish), is drawn from Cantabria region’s powerful waves facing the Atlantic, which make it a hero catch or a sea gem surfacing on a plate.

"We're putting our own touch osn these ocean bounty with unique dishes like the Tosta De Anchoa Y Berenjena (Cantabrian premium anchovies, baguette toast, and charred eggplant),” says Chef Gonzalez. “Other seafood delights include Mero al Horno con Patata Panadera (baked grouper, roasted potatoes, garlic, and parsley emulsion), Ostra dela Casa (signature oyster), Tartare de Oyster Salmon (oyster and salmon tartare, ikura, ceviche dressing), Tiradito de Pargo (sliced snapper, avocado and lime salsa, radish and cilantro oil), and more."

Tapas are given a sophisticated and creative twist with delectable bites like Ravioli de Carne Guisado con Espuma de Parmesano (braised beef and porcini ravioli with parmesan espuma and basil oil), Wagyu and Ikura Toast (beef Wagyu tartare, salmon roe, brioche toast, truffle yolk), Solmillo Iberico “Sando” Sandwich (deep fried pork tenderloin sandwich with tonkatsu sauce and caviar), Chili Crab Croquetas con Mayonesa de Lima (creamy chili crab croquettes with lime mayonnaise), to name a few.

Meats are also excellent choices on the menu, with steaks as stellar standouts. The most recommended ones are the signature Presa Iberico con Patata y Mojos (grilled pork Iberico steak, fried marble potatoes, green and red mojos sauces) and the Chuleta Angus (grilled Angus beef rib eye with fries and shishito peppers).

“We've embraced a wide range of tradition and innovation across our menu. We want you to experience Spanish cuisine anew through authentic and progressive cooking as well as seafood and time-honored delicacies.”

Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez formally opens to the public on March 8, 2024 (Friday), serving dinner from 6:00PM to 10:00PM. For reservations and inquiries, e-mail cantabria.manila@westin.com or contact +63 962 533 7957.

Visit westinmanilahotel.com or follow @cantabria.manila and @westinmanilahotel on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.