Miko Aspiras Holds A One-Night-Only Fil-Aussie Degustacion At The Grid Food Market In Rockwell

Barely a year since Miko Aspiras left for Sydney, and Manila’s food scene is still missing his je ne sais quio — that wonderful spirit of fanciful adventure that kept finding its way into his dishes, restaurants, concepts. He caught our attention in 2011, winning the gold medal at the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic, and since then he’s pioneered some of the most remarkable desserts in the metro: the first cookie bar, Basque cheesecakes (before they were a trend), flights-of-fancy layer cakes. International recognition came, too: he spoke at the Madrid Fusion Manila 2016, and was one of the prestigious Asia’s Forbes 30 Under 30. And, thankfully, we still have his fun restaurant concepts like Scouts Honor and Le Petit Soufflé. 

Immigrating to Australia last June, Miko is now executive pastry chef at The Hilton Sydney where he has been bringing Filipino flavors to the dessert lineup, including a coffee and walnut sans rival.

Back in Manila for a brief visit, Miko will be holding a one-night-only degustation dinner called Homecoming at The Grid Food Market. The menu will be a celebration of his Filipino roots and his new home in Australia, with three Fil-Aussie desserts prepared on the spot, and paired with three savory courses by Your Local. 

The menu, says Miko, reflects his passion for his work. “It’s where I am right, literally and mentally,” he says. “I’m slowly finding more structure to my desserts. I’m going back to the basics, but still keeping it super interesting and quirky, just like my style.”

Homecoming is a sentimental celebration with Miko working once again with the team he left behind in Manila. “I will always come back,” says Miko. “i know I have the support of Filipino dessertarians. And it’s right to do it at The Grid, one of the hottest concepts right now.

“Your Local is the perfect partner for my Aussie-Filipino desserts. Chef Natalie Moran will make some super exciting new dishes also inspired by AustralAsia, to pair with my desserts.” This is clearly a night not to be missed. 

Homecoming, a degustacion by Chef Miko Aspiras and Your Local, March 9, 2020, 7 pm, The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall. For reservations, please contact (0917) 859-3168