A collaboration in the kitchen

MANILA, Philippines - Chefs are the soldiers of the culinary world. With the kitchen as their battleground, they need functional, sophisticated tools to whip up perfect dishes every time.

One of the most important (and perhaps the foremost) kitchen tool is the knife. Every culinary masterpiece starts with this instrument, which is responsible for slicing, dicing, mincing, chopping, and all sorts of food-cutting methods.

But having a serviceable knife just isn’t enough. Chefs and homemakers agree that the quality of a knife affects the whole cooking process. “A good knife makes food preparation easier, faster and more enjoyable. It is made of high-quality steel that does not alter the taste of food and lasts for a long time,” says Jennifer Liza, marketing manager of Star Paper Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Zwilling J.A. Henckels cutlery products in the Philippines.

There are numerous brands of cutlery out on the market, but professional chefs and seasoned cooks know that they can only trust a few. Zwilling J.A. Henckels is one name that’s a cut above the rest. “Zwilling simply is like a tradition when it comes to knife brand. I strongly believe that a chef is as good as his tools and needs a brand he can trust,” attests chef Jake Enrique, senior culinary program manager at Genting Star Tourism Academy.

Zwilling is a trusted brand across the globe. Its history speaks of 280 years of fine craftsmanship and sophisticated lifestyle. Over the years, the world-famous twin symbol has come to represent quality, innovation and reliability across its many product lines.

In the Philippines, top culinary schools declared Zwilling as their official brand of kitchen knife. “Breaking new grounds and reaching new heights is what Zwilling aimed for when it started reaching the topmost culinary schools in the Philippines in 2007. This partnership marks a collaboration of excellence, which is sure to raise the bar for all,” explains Randy Vizconde, product manager.

The Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) affirms that Zwilling adds value to their business.  “In the same manner that CCA is the pioneer in culinary education in the Philippines, Zwilling is also a trailblazer in the business,” says continuing education programs manager and instructor chef Gigi Angkaw. CCA has been using the brand since 2007, particularly because “it is made with the finest stainless steel, stays sharp longer, is lightweight, and makes precise cuts,” she says.

The Academy for International Culinary Arts (AICA), on the other hand, banks on the caliber and excellence of the product to help them impart their passion for the arts. Culinary instructor chef Alejandro Lazaro III says, “We chose Zwilling because of its dependability and variety of its knives. All models from high-end to entry level meet the standard.”

AICA believes in inculcating exceptional performance to its students, which is attainable through hard work and the ability to produce positive results. The prestige of Zwilling as a company that crafts quality kitchen tools helps them realize their objectives. “Zwilling knives are all easy to hold even on the hardest usage from its entry level model to its high-end model. All our students and chefs are satisfied in terms of its grip,” he confirms.

For First Gourmet Academy, a professional kitchen, complemented by equally efficient tools, is necessary for an enhanced learning experience. “We at First Gourmet Academy aim to offer the best to our students and that goes across from their education up to providing them with good quality supplies,” culinary director chef Mats Loo says.

In these times when consumers choose price over quality to cut back on their expenses, Culinary Institute of Aristocrat Manila program director and chef Jose Prats is vehement against sacrificing quality for a few pesos saved. “Price comes with true quality. It is one aspect of a product that cannot be compromised,” he says. “Zwilling has excellent quality. It has a reputation that speaks for itself, and we at The Culinary Institute of Aristocrat put our faith in products with the best reputation.”

Zwilling J.A. Henckels showrooms are located at Concourse Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City (898-0976); ground floors, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia (556-0255) and Kitchen Pro, Level 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mandaluyong (632-9121).

For inquiries, call 364-6041 to 49 local 702-706.