Restaurant Alchemy: Giving Boracay a one-of-a-kind flavor

MANILA, Philippines - Boracay's Station 2 has a new offering which is definitely more than what you would expect from the usual eat-all-you-can eateries along the stretch of white beach.

Restaurant Alchemy is quite promising, as its owner and resident chef, Joshua Sacapano Boutwood, uses out of the box techniques in making his dishes.

The 24-year-old Filipino-British chef said his restaurant's concept is that of a theater where ingredients of his dishes play as actors, and his kitchen, the director.

After having worked in prestigious restaurants in Sweden and Denmark, Chef Josh decided to go back home, in the paradise island of Boracay, and share his knowledge and passion to fellow food lovers.

Filipino-British Chef Joshua Boutwood at work

The beachfront location of Restaurant Alchemy lets its diners, including me, enjoy the sunset while having dinner and wine.

While at the island for a coverage, I was invited by Chef Josh for a tasting menu.

Using fresh and local produce, he made sumptuous delights that indeed satisfied my palate.

For the first dish, Chef Josh prepared Sautéed Tiger Prawn with Poached Egg. I am not much of an egg lover but this one really intrigued me. The combination was a hit, as the poached egg was so soft, it felt like it almost melted in my mouth.

Chef Josh also served Seared Tuna with Mango Glaze. I really enjoyed this one, since I love sweet dishes and the freshness of the tuna really played a great part in the richness of its flavor.

Seared tuna with mango glaze

My favorite, however, is the Tenderloin of Beef with Cola Glaze. This one really made a mark on me, with its rich flavor and texture.

For those who don't eat meat, no worries because Restaurant Alchemy has a vegetarian menu.

This shiitake and roasted garlic dish is from the restaurant's vegetarian menu.

And for those with sweet tooth, it also offers mouthwatering desserts which includes my favorite, Death by Chocolate.

Death by Chocolate

Chef Josh said, more than putting his restaurant in the pages of magazines and food segments of various TV shows, his main focus is to promote the use of local and sustainable ingredients and put his creativity and madness together under one roof, that is, of his very own, Restaurant Alchemy.

Photos by Chef Joshua Boutwood