CHEFS AGUSTIN BALBI AND CHELE GONZALEZ SET TO REUNITE IN HONG KONG AND MANILA FOR A SPECIAL COLLABORATION SERIES STARTING ON 28-29 MAY AT ANDŌ

ANDŌ X GALLERY BY CHELE

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[6^th May, 2024 – Hong Kong] Two culinary powerhouses, one MICHELIN-starred Andō (#37, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, Restaurant of the Year by Tatler Dining Awards 2024) and Gallery by Chele (50 Best Discovery and Top 20 Restaurants by Tatler Dining Philippines), are set to ignite the Hong Kong culinary scene with a special two-night collaboration dinner on 28^th – 29^th May, 2024 in Hong Kong first, follow by a second event in Manila in early November 2024.

“I am thrilled to welcome Chef Chele to Andō, a dear friend of mine whose creations are truly unique with a blend of the Philippines and Spain. The interplay of Japanese, Spanish, and Philippine flavours in this collaboration promises a fascinating dining experience for all,” says Chef Agustin Balbi.

Born in Torrelavega, Spain, Chef Chele Gonzalez received his culinary degree from Arxanda in Bilbao. Stints at some of the world’s most renowned restaurants—including El Bulli, Arzak, Mugaritz, and El Cellar de Can Roca, to name a few—have honed his approach to cooking into an entire philosophy. Chele’s philosophy now finds its ultimate expression in Gallery by Chele.

At the heart of Gallery by Chele’s mission is a commitment to global connection. The restaurant actively collaborates with individuals and institutions in agriculture, food technology, culture, and design, enriching their understanding of gastronomy and hospitality. By traveling across the Philippines and neighboring countries, the restaurant explores the diversity of local ingredients. This commitment to engagement and learning extends to global culinary techniques, design, and technology, which they eagerly share with others. Bringing together his spirit of exploration, curiosity about ingredients and technique, and love of nature, Chele has garnered prestigious accolades, including recognition in 50 Best Discovery, being named one of the Top 20 Restaurants by Tatler Dining Philippines, and receiving the Chef of the Year award from Tatler Dining Philippines.

“At Gallery by Chele, we believe in the transformative power of food to connect people, cultures, and memories. Our collaboration with Andō embodies the spirit of heartfelt cuisine and meaningful connections. I have previously cooked with Chef Agustin in his old restaurant, and it is very exciting to cook together once again.” says Chef Chele Gonzalez.

Priced at HK$2,500+10% per guest, the collaboration menu between Andō and Gallery by Chele transcends boundaries and embodies a union of passion, friendship, and culinary artistry. Having previously shared the kitchen for a past collaboration, Chef Chele and Agustin’s long-standing camaraderie adds a personal touch to the event. With only two dinners available, spaces are limited, and reservations are highly recommended.

Full sample exclusive one-off collaboration menu for the event are as below:

Snacks:

Foie / strawberry

Charcoal kissed tai / calamansi

Kare kare bombon

Crab

White asparagus / Kristal caviar

Tuna Ventresca

Bread Course

Lisa / salicornia

Argentinian beef / Mole / adobo

Caldoso rice

Cacao textures

Guava / ginger / Rhum

Sweets

For reservations and more information about Andō x Gallery by Chele collaboration dinners, please visit HERE or contact Andō directly.

<<ENDS>>

ABOUT ANDŌ

One MICHELIN-starred Andō is Argentine Chef Agustin Balbi’s first restaurant, launched in partnership with JIA group. Defying labels and bending genres, Andō’s modern tasting menus are a translation of Agustin’s own unorthodox journey onto the plate, one that nods at his ancestral roots in Italy and Spain, while gazing at the lands that shaped his craft – the USA and Japan.

Address: 1/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
Website – www.andohk.com

Instagram: @ando.hkg @agux1988

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES – ANDŌ

One MICHELIN Star – MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

#61 – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 Extended List

#37 – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024

#35 – OAD 2023 Top Asian Restaurants

#28 – OAD 2024 Top Asian Restaurants

Top 20 Restaurants of Hong Kong – Tatler Dining Asia 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Restaurant of the Year – Tatler Dining 2024

Best Sommelier – Tatler Dining 2024

#61 – Best Chef Awards 2022

#46 – Best Chef Awards 2023

One Diamond Award – Black Pearl Restaurant Guide 2023 + 2024

Marca Pais Cultural Ambassador Award by Government of Argentina Ambassador of More Good Charity

Bazaar Taste Elite – Harper’s Bazaar 2024

ABOUT JIA GROUP

JIA Group is a Hong Kong based hospitality firm that is internationally praised and recognized for executing spaces and experiences rooted in style and substance. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Yenn Wong, JIA Group has established a reputation internationally as an award- winning trendsetter in the hospitality industry. The current portfolio includes 11 venues in Hong Kong, full list of the restaurants and bars could be found on JIA’s website here. JIA Group is listed on the GEM board on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

www.jiagroup.co