In Paris, a Filipina Chef is Cooking Up Mischief
In Paris, something mischievous is taking shape. Three years after launching Reyna, her first dedicated restaurant, Filipina chef Erica Paredes has unveiled her latest venture. Set on Rue Gravilliers, a lively stretch in the heart of Le Marais, Mischief has opened its doors. Paredes’ journey in the French capital began humbly, hosting intimate supper clubs out of her apartment, where she first defined her culinary style. Word spread quickly, and soon, a seat at her table became difficult to come by. Those evenings laid the foundation for all that would follow.
Paris, France
Lifestyle Inquirer — 09 October 2025
Mahali Bakery Weaves Filipino and Malaysian Influences into Pastry
In Battersea, a riverside district just south of the Thames, Mahali Bakery offers a quiet pause amid the rush of traffic and shuffle of pedestrians. Step inside and the city recedes: sunlight spills across trays of freshly baked pastries, the aroma of butter and spice mingling with soft conversation. With Jocson’s Filipino roots and Foong’s Malaysian Chinese heritage, the pair draw on their backgrounds, letting the flavors of home fold naturally into their work.
London, United Kingdom
Lifestyle Inquirer — 09 September 2025
This Chef is Rewriting the Narrative of Filipino Cuisine in London
Behind some of London’s most compelling restaurants is Florence Mae Maglanoc — a quiet force redefining how the city experiences Filipino cuisine. After years spent honing her craft in hospitality, she stepped into her own. Today, she stands at the helm of a growing culinary collective: Donia, a modern Filipino restaurant that was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2025; Panadera, a neighborhood café inspired by everyday Filipino baked goods; and the 1996 Group, a hospitality umbrella that brings all her ventures under one visionary roof.
London, United Kingdom
Lifestyle Inquirer — 12 June 2025
Sa’min in San Juan Blends Cocktails, Culture, and Community
Tucked away along Wilson street in San Juan, Sa’min Bar and Community Space is a relative newcomer to Metro Manila’s growing beverage scene. Here, nostalgia isn’t just the theme, it’s the main ingredient. For founder Jenell San Antonio, everything from the menu to the music is crafted to spark recognition and curiosity, blending the familiar with the unexpected.
Manila, Philippines
Spot.ph — 19 April 2025