Michelin 2-Star Helm Manila, along with Michelin Selected Juniper, The Test Kitchen Manila, and Ember, are all helmed by one remarkable chef : Chef Josh Boutwood.
Rather than feeling like extensions of a single concept, each restaurant stands confidently on its own, shaped by a distinct personality, philosophy, and rhythm. Yet across all four, there remains a quiet, unmistakable Boutwood signature that ties them together.
As non-chefs but passionate foodies on our Michelin Philippines and global culinary journey, we’ve had the delicious privilege of tasting our way through this spectrum.
For us, the answer to what makes it all work goes beyond technique : it’s consistency, conviction, and a culinary point of view that never gets lost.
For our 61st and 62nd Michelin dates, the handsome hubby and I ticked off Michelin Selected Ember ( Aug 5) in Greenbelt and The Test Kitchen Manila ( Aug 6) in Rockwell.
Both are the brainchild of Chef Josh Boutwood, the same chef behind Michelin Selected Juniper ( Nov 16) and the 2 Michelin Star Helm Manila, which we were fortunate enough to experience on my birthday (Nov) 🤩
More about Helm Manila from my previous blog posts , link below
After dining at all four, something became crystal clear.
Every restaurant has its own personality, menu, and ambience,but they all share the same DNA : beautifully executed dishes, impeccable technique, warm hospitality and some of the most memorable pork we’ve ever eaten.
We know that sounds oddly specific, but hear us out.
JUNIPER
At Michelin Selected Juniper, we still talk about that incredibly juicy sous vide pork chop. It was perfectly cooked from edge to edge and bursting with flavor. More on Juniper on my blog
https://pigoutmanila.com/2026/02/16/juniper/
EMBER
Our lunch at Ember was nothing short of exceptional.The grilled pork chop was astonishingly tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful despite its simple presentation. One bite and the handsome hubs and I knew “ babalik balikan”
It was proof that when ingredients are respected and technique is flawless, you don’t need unnecessary frills.
The experience was made even better by Ms. Rose, whose gracious hospitality and attentive service made us feel genuinely cared for throughout our meal.
TEST KITCHEN MANILA
Lunch at The Test Kitchen Manila continued the winning streak.
The handsome hubby ordered the roast pork belly with celeriac purée, and oh my , what sorcery makes Chef Josh’s pork so consistently succulent?
Meltingly tender, juicy, and downright scrumptious, it was easily one of the stars of our meal.
Naturally, we had to ask Ms. Nicole: was it sous vide, like the pork chop we had at Juniper? Nope!
So what’s the secret? Perhaps simply exceptional pork. Ms. Nicole confirmed that Chef Josh is uncompromising about his ingredients : everything must meet his exacting standards for quality.
Whatever the secret, this pork was a masterclass in succulence.
The sourdough.
Freshly baked, beautifully crusty on the outside and wonderfully soft inside, it’s the kind of bread you tell yourself you’ll only have one slice of… until you’ve reached for three more.
It’s become one of those signatures we now look forward to every time we visit one of Chef Josh’s restaurants.
Chilean Sea Bass
I chose the Chilean sea bass with burnt cauliflower purée and XO sauce. The fish was superb! premium quality, perfectly cooked, moist, flaky, and incredibly fresh. The XO sauce added richness without overwhelming the delicate sweetness of the sea bass.
Son #2 ordered the Wagyu beef cheek, and after tasting it, we all understood why it’s become one of the restaurant’s standout dishes. It was luxuriously rich, fork-tender, and literally melted in our mouths.
A heartfelt thank you as well to Ms. Nicole, whose bright smile and cheerful service made the entire lunch feel even more welcoming.
Final note
After experiencing four of Chef Josh Boutwood’s Michelin-recognized restaurants, the handsome hubs and I have come to appreciate that what makes them special isn’t just technical excellence.
It’s consistency.
Whether you’re dining at the refined elegance of Michelin 2 Star Helm Manila, the relaxed charm of Michelin Selected Juniper, the approachable sophistication of Michelin Selected Ember, or the creative comfort of The Test Kitchen Manila ( also Michelin Selected )you can expect beautifully prepared food, thoughtful flavors, outstanding hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail.
Every restaurant has its own identity, yet they’re united by the same philosophy: let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves.
As we continue our Project Michelin Philippines, meals like these remind us why this journey has been so rewarding. Every now and then, you discover a chef whose signature quietly connects them all.
And in Chef Josh Boutwood’s case, that signature is unmistakable.
Pigoutmanila 