The torch has been passed with a renewed purpose in the ongoing efforts to drive greater awareness and appreciation for Australian lamb in the Philippines through an innovative chef led advocacy and continuous consumer engagement with the appointment of the country's newest Lambassador. Meet the new Lambassador for Meat and Livestock Australia, Chef J. Gamboa...
The formal appointment was held at an intimate press lunch followed by a sneak preview of savory new dishes showcasing Australian lamb at Michelin Selected Cirkulo Restaurant in Makati. As the new Lambassador for Meat and Livestock Australia, acclaimed Chef J. Gamboa will play a pivotal role in leading key initiatives showcasing inspiring menu innovation, building and strengthening chef engagement and making lamb more accessible in the local market. And Chef J. Gamboa is up to the task, unveiling an exciting menu featuring the finest Australian lamb at Cirkulo Restaurant. Are you ready for a sumptuous Lambtastic feast? Then, read on...
The country's second Lambassador, Chef J. Gamboa follows the successful stint of Cyma Greek Taverna and Souv by Cyma's Chef Robby Goco's pioneering role as the first Lambassador in the Philippines (for more on the country's milestone first Lambassador, see my post Lambtastic: Meat And Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from 2024). What can diners expect at Cirkulo Restaurant and other participating establishments in the next few months? Exquisite and creative renditions of Australian lamb by Chef J. Gamboa in a series of exciting programs and activities in the pipeline. At the formal launch in Cirkulo Restaurant, Chef J. Gamboa is joined by Meat and Livestock Australia's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia Valeska V (R) and Beej Sison, Business Development Manager for the Philippines (for more on Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian lamb, see my previous posts Day One, Four Restaurants: The I Love Aussie Lamb Experience Takes Over Tagaytay For A Month-Long Festival from early February this year, #ILoveAussieLamb: Twelve Top Chefs From Tagaytay's Top Restaurants Celebrate The Versatility Of Aussie Lamb on the campaign launch early this year and All Aboard The Aussie Lamb Caravan By Meat And Livestock Australia For A Savory And Flavorful Ride At Participating Restaurants from late last year).
Chef J. Gamboa takes the challenge with his opening salvo of sumptuous culinary creations featuring the versatility of premium Australian lamb in a tempting menu at his Michelin Selected restaurant. For over thirty tears, Cirkulo Restaurant in Makati has long been known for its elegant take on traditional and modern executions of Spanish cuisine from tasty tapas and soothing sangrias to savory mains like their signature Cabeza de Cerdo, or Suckling Pig Sisig, Slow Roasted US Beef Belly with horseradish cream sauce and Paella Montaña with Portobello mushrooms, whole roasted garlic, truffle oil and asparagus. Chef J. Gamboa brings this same passion, masterful execution and imaginative creativity to his new menu highlighting Australian lamb. "Chef J. represents the best of what we look for in a Lambassador - culinary excellence, strong industry influence and a genuine passion for quality ingredients. We welcome him to the global Lambassador club," shared Meat and Livestock Australia's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia Valeska V.
The Lambassador program is a novel and integrated part of ongoing efforts to generate greater awareness and appreciation for Australian lamb in the Philippines. Now on its third year with Chef J. Gamboa as the second local chef honored with the appointment, expect to hear more from Meat and Livestock Australia. For Chef J. Gamboa, each dish always begins with the finest ingredients enhanced by mastery of execution in the kitchen. "I've been a big fan of Australian lamb since we opened Cirkulo in 1995. Through the years, Australian lamb has always been guest favorites on our menu: Garlic and Pepper Crusted Slow Roasted Australian Lamb Ribs, Cordero Lechal Asado or Roasted Australian Suckling Lamb with Chimichurri Sauce to name a couple. I'm honored to be a Lambassador and happy to share and promote our Australian lamb and beef dishes with our guests," added Chef J. Gamboa.
After a few brief opening statements at the press lunch, Chef J. Gamboa finally exclaimed the much anticipated moment with a short announcement. "Let's eat," followed by a round of applause from guests, media and industry partners at the launch while Chef J. Gamboa headed back to the kitchen. Chef J. Gamboa starts the lavish feast with the signature specialties of Cirkulo Restaurant like the Bolas de Queso or crisp Grana Padano Cheese Balls. Each bite teases the palate with its delectable play on contrasting textures followed by the creamy and luscious richness of Grana Padano.
Designed and curated by Chef J., the menu presented at Cirkulo Restaurant that day reflected the versatility of Australian lamb across dishes complemented by premium Australian beef for a first-hand experience of Australian red meat quality and its variety of possibilities in the home or professional kitchen. Then, Chef J. served his Tartare De Buey with premium Australian Beef Tenderloin, capers and shallots...
...followed by Roasted Bone Marrow served with toasted brioche for a double dose of pure and savory goodness.
A generous dab of buttery bone marrow melts on the palate, releasing a lingering savory richness. Just from the starters, Chef J. Gamboa isn't holding back at all.
In between bites, Chef J. brings a refreshing change of pace with the Insalata di Gorgonzola with crisp and garden fresh Lolorosa, Granny Smith apples, walnuts, pickled carrots and radish dressed in a tart and mildly sweet apple vinaigrette.
Chef J.'s creative even whimsical style comes to the table with his Potato "Carbonara" Omelette, a soft, fluffy and creamy creation with potatoes, Pancetta, silky smooth cream, Grana Padano and eggs for an elevated take on a comforting staple.
Cirkulo Restaurant's popular Paella Montaña brings fresh, clean yet hearty notes to the feast with Portobello mushrooms, whole roasted garlic, asparagus and truffle oil to complete the medley of flavors.
Chef J. presented the first Australian lamb dish with the Slow Roasted Australian Lamb Short Ribs with garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon richly seasoned with pepper and sea salt.
Roasted low and slow, the Australian Lamb Short Ribs just falls-off-the-bone with its tender and juicy texture. The fresh lemon, pepper and sea salt cuts through the savory richness of the Australian Lamb Short Ribs for that balanced finish.
High on my list that day is the Cordero Lechal Asado or oven roasted Australian suckling lamb with rosemary and garlic and served with Chimichurri Sauce. The near buttery texture of the Australian suckling lamb releases a savory and flavorful burst with each bite...
...perfectly tempered and complemented by the bold nutty notes of the Chimichurri Sauce. The quality of Australian lamb is immediately apparent right from the very first bite. And that's no surprise as Australian lamb is globally recognized for its high standards in food safety, natural production systems and consistent eating quality.
Like butter, one more fork-tender bite just seals the deal. And that's why the Cordero Lechal Asado remains one of the popular dishes at Cirkulo Restaurant.
Braised in red wine for hours, the Lamb Shank Ossobucco with lemon gremolata is a rustic and traditional rendition that still hits the spot with its comforting and nostalgic vibe. Translated as "bone with a hole," this hearty savory dish becomes even more special transformed by the quality of Australian lamb with its deep and bold flavors.
Complementing the Australian lamb renditions of Chef J. is the impressive Chuleta De Lomo Alto Con Hueso or charcoal-grilled bone-in Stanbroke Farms Australian Ribeye with a medley of roasted vegetables and thyme salt. Cooked in Cirkulo Restaurant's custom wood-fired Josper Oven to medium perfection with its juicy pink center, it's yet another reason why Australian red meats like lamb and beef are known the world over.
Just a pinch of thyme salt is all that's needed to enjoy and experience the rich flavors of the premium Australian ribeye with just a whisper of smoky hints from the Josper Oven to complete the play on exquisite flavors.
For dessert, Chef J. capped a sumptuous Australian lamb and beef feast at Cirkulo Restaurant with a decadent duo of desserts, the Warm White Chocolate Bread Pudding with luscious Bourbon cream sauce and vanilla ice cream...
...and the Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake with Liquid Center with raspberry coulis and fresh oranges for the perfect sweet ending. The Australian lamb and beef menu at Cirkulo Restaurant is an impressive start with more yet to come as Chef J. Gamboa performs his new role as Lambassador for Meat and Livestock Australia.
Now it's your turn to explore and discover flavorful possibilities with Australian lamb, renowned worldwide for its unmatched quality, fresh and rich yet clean flavors and versatility in a variety of cuisines or creative executions. "At MLA, our focus is on strengthening both industry capability and consumer engagement, working closely with chefs, retailers and partners to build confidence in Australian lamb, while creating more meaningful dining experience for Filipino consumers," stated Beej Sison, Business Development Manager, Philippines. The successful Lambassador program by Meat and Livestock Australia is just one component in a comprehensive program anchored on a strong focus on education, inspiration and real world application in support of the Philippine food industry in elevating standards and expanding protein choices. Love lamb? Let Chef J. Gamboa show you the many different ways with Australian lamb...
Cirkulo Restaurant is located at the Ground Floor, Milky Way Building, San Lorenzo Village, 900 Arnaiz Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Metro Manila. You can also visit their website, FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.elcirkulo.com/, https://www.facebook.com/CirkuloRestaurant/ and https://www.instagram.com/cirkulo_makati/ for more information and updates or call 0927 136 1305 for inquiries.
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