Running a restaurant — let alone more than one — is no small feat, and it certainly can’t be done solo. Chef Bruce Ricketts and restaurateur Jae de Veyra Pickrell, the duo behind some of Manila’s most forward-thinking dining experiences, know this firsthand. To give better insight on what it takes to thrive in the city’s competitive scene, the culinary couple will join several industry leaders for a discussion at Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE! on Friday, March 21.
The two first met in 2010 when Ricketts was working in the kitchen of restaurant-club-bar Robot and Pickrell was rising through the ranks as an editor. After finding Ricketts passed out on the floor, Pickrell helped wake him up, eventually struck up a conversation about food, and haven’t stopped talking about it ever since. Since then, the two have worked tirelessly to create dining experiences that are just as focused on artistry as they are on flavor.
To their fine dining establishment Mecha Uma, along with their more casual spots Sensei Sushi and Ooma, Ricketts brings his love of zesty, produce-focused Japanese cuisine, finding the playfulness of combining Filipino and Japanese flavors. Meanwhile, Pickrell handles operations, designing spaces that enhance the dining experience and bring their culinary vision to life. In addition to these spaces, their California-inspired taqueria, La Chinesca, showcases Pickrell’s expertise in curating a unique environment that complements Ricketts’ bold, comforting dishes. Their latest venture, the sushi kappo Iai, sees the couple exploring how to bring precise sushi and kappo cooking to Filipino audiences.
The panel, titled “Understanding the Filipino Palate: A Conversation with Top Names in the F&B Industry,” will see Ricketts and Pickrell engaged in a candid conversation with Chef Josh Boutwood and Chef Miko Calo. Moderated by host and food enthusiast Erwan Heussaff, the discussion will delve into key topics shaping the local culinary landscape, exploring the challenges faced by Manila restaurateurs, the evolving future of the country’s restaurant market, and the growing global presence of Filipino cuisine.
The panel is part of Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE!, which will take place at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Limited seats are available, so hurry to secure your access to the Rolling Stone LIVE! exclusively on Sari.Sari.Shopping.
The bundle includes:
- All three cover versions of the maiden issue of Rolling Stone Philippines
- A t-shirt
- A tote bag
- Complimentary access to the event
- Access to the open bar
- And more exciting activities
