Nat's Honey-Cured Ham, Garlic-Brined Chicken and Classic Lasagna Bolognese

Every year during the holiday season, Chef Nathaniel Uy, or simply "Nat" of the hungry chef, works long hours in his home kitchen preparing his signature dishes for holiday orders. A brief one-day lull between Christmas and New Year orders allowed Chef Nat to share his holiday bestsellers in a casual lunch with friends. And what a feast...

We sampled Nat's signature dishes at the elegant 22 Prime, twenty-two floors above the Ortigas CBD at Discovery Suites (for more on 22 Prime, see my previous post here), the perfect setting for a post Christmas lunch before the new year.

A cocktail before the feast is always a good idea at 22 Prime. And there's no better time to enjoy the inventive Foie Old Time's Sake, the classic Old-Fashioned infused with foie gras (for more on 22 Prime's cool cocktails by Enzo Lim, see my previous post here). Each sip delivers layers of deep, smoky notes of bourbon followed by sharp citrus hints and the subtle richness of foie gras.  

Nat's rustic and comforting Classic Lasagna Bolognese, with layers of soft yet firm and chewy homemade pasta, five kinds of cheeses, and savory beef. The baked top crust with Nat's blend of cheeses deliver a richness that completes the holidays.

Nat's Garlic-Brined Chicken, slow-roasted tender and juicy chicken with marble potatoes and carrots, is then served next. The fall-off-the-bone chicken is juicy, with hints of nutty garlic complementing the delicate flavors of the chicken. The marble potatoes and carrots absorb the rich flavors of the chicken, completing the dish.

Pure pork love. Nat's signature and bestselling Honey-Cured Ham, and the undisputed star of the holidays, draped in a mildly sweet glaze...

Nat's Honey-Cured Ham was sliced by 22 Prime's chefs, served with Nat's sweet sauce, and it was time to dig in. The ham is tender and juicy, with its delicate flavors punctuated by the sweet sauce. Perfect.

Fork-tender and incredibly juicy, Nat's Honey-Cured Ham delivers subtle sweet and smoky notes with every bite. Another slice of Nat's Honey-Cured Ham? Make that three more slices...

For dessert, 22 Prime's signature bestsellers were served, including their Cheesecake...

...their indulgent Chocolate Marquis served with Vanilla Ice Cream...

...and their classic Creme Brulee. After a leisurely lunch, Chef Nathaniel Uy heads back to the kitchen to complete the orders for New Year. Here's wishing everyone a happy new year...

For more information on Chef Nathaniel Uy's signature dishes, send him an e-mail at uynathanielco@gmail.com or call 0922-818-6434.