The Bistro Group (TBG) joins Chef Josh Boutwood in celebrating a monumental milestone in Philippine gastronomy
Boutwood’s flagship fine dining restaurant, HELM has been awarded 2 Michelin Stars, the only one in the Philippines to receive such a historic accolade. It cements Helm’s status as one of the country’s most innovative and renowned dining destinations joining the world’s list of most elite restaurants.
Helm is acclaimed for its thematic tasting menus – bold explorations of flavor and technique with imaginative themes as the inspiration – from timelines, cinemas, to colors. Whatever the theme may be, each featured dish has an interesting story to tell. Dining is deeply personal and immersive, bridging the gap between kitchen and guests, featuring globally-inspired dishes using the finest ingredients sourced locally and from other countries . Every detail —from sourcing to plating—is impeccable, showcasing Boutwood’s exceptional gift and culinary mastery.
Alongside this honor, Ember, Juniper, and The Test Kitchen were all included in the Michelin Guide’s ‘Michelin Selected’ listings, a testament to the depth and diversity of his culinary portfolio: Ember, an approachable fine dining destination with refined dishes centered on flavor and finesse; The Test Kitchen, Boutwood’s creative laboratory for evolving menus, where seasonal produce drives innovation; and Juniper, the newest concept inspired by G&T bringing the elements of fine dining into a relaxed, modern setting.
These awards demonstrated the commitment of both TBG and Boutwood’s celebrated concepts to world-class quality and innovation. Their shared journey champions the same passion for craft and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Boutwood joined TBG in 2012 as executive corporate chef, overseeing TBG’s various restaurants’ R & D and innovation. He was entrusted with the creative reins to conceive his bold, outspoken, and daring ideas that gave birth to his fine dining concepts, Helm, The Test Kitchen, Ember and Juniper.
TBG President Jean Paul Manuud shares his excitement, stating, “We congratulate Chef Josh and the entire Helm team for this truly outstanding achievement . Their dedication, hard work and creativity has made this possible. For The Bistro Group, this is greatly inspiring to say the least. We are happy to support Chef Josh and are proud to be his partner. And, it is only the beginning,” Manuud adds, hinting at The Bistro Group’s continued growth will propel Philippine dining to loftier heights.
Experience the culinary excellence of Helm, Ember, The Test Kitchen and Juniper — four exceptional restaurants from The Bistro Group portfolio.
