Ben Chan, the foodie

MANILA, Philippines - During this interview we got to know a little more about the other side of Ben Chan.

PHILIPPINE STAR: Is this the beginning of even more food concepts? Any snippets into the future?

BEN CHAN: I hope so. Currently we are working on bringing my favorite food places from my most favorite cities to Manila.

Would you consider yourself a foodie?

I like eating good food, whether home-cooked by a friend from their family recipe or from the kitchen of a well-renowned chef. In that regard I may be a foodie. But between Michelin stars or molecular gastronomy, I would still go for comfort food.

Favorite cuisine or dish?

I like desserts. Most people know that I would forego main course over dessert. I look forward to the ritual of dinner and after-dinner, especially after a long day at work. I enjoy the idea of dinner as a quiet celebration — of fine food, good company and casual conversation. It would sometimes last until midnight. Of course, over shared desserts.

Favorite food city?

I like Tokyo for its respect of craft and impeccable presentation. Their food spreads, from their bentos to their food emporiums, are always a visual feast. I also like the variety of good cuisines available in the melting pot that is New York. It’s easy to coast from the choices of Chinatown to Pastis and Balthazar. Now there are even hotspots of Philippine cuisine. Paris is my city for cafés, pastries and desserts. Nobody does it better than the Parisians when it comes to the experience of slowly sipping coffee or tea, breaking freshly baked bread, or nibbling on exquisite desserts. It’s how I fell for Paul.

Most memorable food experience?

In my most recent trip to Paris, we walked into Les Cocottes, a bistro in the seventh arrondissement known for its good food but also for its long queues. Luckily, a lady gave up her table for us. She turned out to be the wife of Les Cocottes’ famed chef, and later introduced us to Monsieur Christian Constant himself. It was heartwarming to meet a humble couple behind the renowned bistro, especially after being nourished with a great food experience.