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Interview by Nicole Limos
MANILA BULLETIN
STYLE WEEKEND
Page13 / Friday, 11 May 2007
Chef Iñigo Castillo is the young and dynamic F&B manager at C3, an events place and restaurant in San Juan. Born and raised in the Philippines, this 28-year-old Spanish-Filipino chef concocts distinctive recipes for holiday cuisine or spa-inspired dishes, depending on C3’s theme that changes every quarter. A 2001 Center for Culinary Arts, Manila graduate, the chef is also known for customizing menus for clients who want a personal touch on meals served during the events they hold at C3. With his ingenuity in the kitchen, Chef Iñigo truly encapsulates the three Cs behind C3-creating, celebrating, captivating.
Did you cook growing up?
Yes, I tried to, creating chaos in the kitchen when I was younger. There were pots and pans all over the place.
If you could go head to head in Iron Chef America, who would you choose as your opponent and why?
Most of the iron chefs are masters already and I’d be intimidated to be pitted against any of them. One thing chefs are taught in the kitchen is a sense of hierarchy. I do admire Batali and Morimoto, though.
Signature Dish
When I learned to cook professionally, I learned techniques instead of recipes so my repertoire isn’t dish-based. It ensures my ability to cook a wide array of stuff.
What can you say about Filipino palate?
Pinoys love to eat, so we are pretty open to a diverse range of flavors and experiences.
Learning curveball
The organizational part of handling a kitchen, how to get things in order, took me a long time to learn.
Is it a plus with women that you’re a chef?
I wish! Some girls like it but when they realize how much time you spend at work, they dump you. Haha!
Favorite gadget and kitchen aid
My brain. It’s my most important conceptual tool.
When at home, what do you eat?
Anything I find in the fridge. The last thing I want to do when I get home is mise en place. Cooks are some of the least fussy eaters I know.
A funny experience in the kitchen
The kitchen is actually a pretty funny place so it gets pretty crazy on a daily basis. It’s strange that I’m having a hard time recalling a specific experience.
Best cooking tip for homemakers
Organize your work counter. Messy work areas make messy products.
Your comfort food.
My lola's lechon kawali.
To sample Chef Iñigo’s cuisine, visit C3 Events Place and Restaurant at 18 Missouri Street, North Greenhills San Juan, Metro Manila or call +632 726 27 12
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