On the Table: Chef RJ Ungco
on 6 April, 2009

Chef RJ Ungco with his daughter, Raya
Who in your life has influenced your cooking the most?My Lola Gloria. Lola Alud. And my Lola Mel.
Which book has had the biggest impact?
So far, ang fave ko is Les Halles by Anthony Bourdain. But there are many other culinary-based books that give me inspiration.
What was your first job in the food business?
I was a lowly commissary cook stuck in the basement of an Italian restaurant in Italy, peeling garlic, potatoes and onions.
How did you get involved with 1521?
I was first a chef consultant for 1521. I came up with dishes and a menu for them. Suddenly we really hit it off (Tanke, Nica, and I) so from then on we became partners na.
What is your favorite item on the menu of 1521?
The Bonggang Bonggang Binagoongan and the Ang Tapa This.
Which restaurant meal (foreign or local) do you remember the most?
San Nick’s Lasagna (from an Italian restaurant beside my school in Switzerland) and my lola‘s Menudo.
Besides your own place, what’s your favorite restaurant in Manila?
Behrouz and Hossein’s. I’m a Middle Eastern food junkie! Before, [I used to like] Ima Filipino restaurant.
What junk food do you love?
Clover Chips and cold pizza.
Is there a food you just can’t seem to enjoy?
Prawns and crabs. I like eating them pero I don’t like peeling them.
Just between us, what are your future plans?
A couple more Ponzos and 1521s won’t hurt. To create, taste, produce, and conceptualize more mouth-watering dishes
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1521 Restaurant
547 Shaw Boulevard
Brgy. Wack-Wack
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Telephone: (02) 794 0433
LABELS: 1521, On The Table, RJ Ungco
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comments
Post a commentAPRIL 7, 2009 12:26 AM
solraya said...
Cute Raya!
I have been wanting to try this restaurant. Coincidence I get a call this morning to make a delivery to Mandaluyong. Hope to be able do visit.