Chef Stories: Chef Bj Salustiano, Executive Chef of Valle Verde Country Club.


Chef Bj Salustiano is an Executive Member of The World Association of Master Chefs. He is also Executive Chef of Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig.

What started you off in your career path as a chef? 

- My culinary journey started with the fascination with meals I tried while travelling around Asia. I was curious with the similarities and differences and how it fares with our local cuisine. I was more of an eater than a chef.

Did you consider other options before deciding on culinary arts?

- It was the other way around. I started with different careers before I entered the culinary world. I worked for Emirates Airlines and ABS CBN. I realized i was not happy and looked for other opportunities until i worked as a kitchen helper at Edsa Shangri-La hotel.

Who is your greatest influence as a chef?

- My grandfather who is legendary for his cooking skills. Though a shoemaker by profession, he was often invited to cook for fiestas, weddings and other occasions. I often observe him cook and was amazed how organized and how rhytmic he moves in the kitchen. 

What would you consider as your greatest accomplishment this far? 

- My greatest achievement so far is how I bounced back from running away from the culinary industry and going back getting the highest position as an Executive chef. It was a love and hate relationship and I consider myself as the prodigal son of the culinary world. 

If there was one recipe to remember you by, which one would it be and why? 

- Lengua con Champignon. Complicated to prepare but rewarding once executed properly.

What was the most challenging project you handled?

- The most challenging project I would say is not a project but myself. How I have to constantly reminded myself that I have what it takes to be a chef. With no culinary degree under my belt, I trusted the lessons i gained based on experience and good memories

What other things are in your bucket list? 

- To finally get a proper culinary degree

If given a blank check to finance any dream project, what would you work on?

- A modern Filipino restaurant named after my grandfather "Telesforo" that will feature his specialty dishes

 

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