Antonio’s first Pinoy resto in Asia’s Best 50

Photo from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

MANILA — Antonio’s, a fine dining restaurant in Tagaytay made it into the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, the first Philippine restaurant to be included in the list.

Antonio’s ranked 48th in the prestigious list and was awarded during a ceremony in Capella, Singapore in Monday night.

Various industry experts from all over Asia participated in the voting process to form the ranking.

Antonio’s, established in Nov. 16, 2002, was also the only Filipino restaurant to be included in The Miele Guide to Asia’s Finest Restaurants from 2008 to 2012.

The restaurant is known for its “Lechon de Leche” and the “Spanferckel,” a 40-day piglet stuffed with herbs and fennel.

“To be considered one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants is both an honor and a humbling experience,” said Chef Antonio “Tonyboy” Escalante in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“It is also a statement that Filipino cuisine is ready and waiting for the world,” he added.

Escalente was given the 2014 Manitowoc Restaurateur Award, beating other renowned chefs from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore.