‘Replacing Chef Chico,’ first PH-produced series on Netflix

For Filipinos, romance and food make a sizzling combination, and “Replacing Chef Chico” — the first local Netflix production in a series format — serves up a zesty love triangle set against the backdrop of a high-end fine dining restaurant.

“Replacing Chef Chico” stars three of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry — Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi and Sam Milby.

Alessandra de Rossi and Piolo Pascual in ‘Replacing Chef Chico.’ NETFLIX PHOTO 

It is the brainchild of director Dan Villegas, assistant director Joi Bayan, and show-runner Antoinette Jadaone.

Offering a glimpse into the high-stakes and competitive culinary world, the series’ trailer introduces viewers to the main characters whose lives become intertwined at Hain, a fictional up-and-coming fine dining restaurant that specializes in customizing each dish to mirror their diners’ unique life stories.

But things take an unexpected turn when titular character chef Chico (Milby) gets into an accident, leaving him in a coma. The fate of Hain is suddenly left in the hands of his sous chef Ella (de Rossi) and a newly hired consultant Raymond (Pascual), who has more than just the restaurant on his mind.

Show runner Antoinette Jadaone (“Fan Girl” and “That Thing Called Tadhana”) shared that her inspiration for Replacing Chef Chico came from her love for food-related shows.

Recommending the series for holiday viewing, she also noted, “For Christmas, this perfect to watch with your family, friends, and loved ones because in every episode, there is a story of family, friendship and/or love, which is celebrated over food. The milieu or backdrop of every episode is Filipino food. It’s about time that Filipino food gets its proper spotlight.”

Director Villegas agreed, adding, “I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because on the top level it’s about love, friendship, acceptance and giving. So it’s worthwhile watching especially during the holidays.”

Both Jadone and Villegas also expressed their excitement over the evolving media landscape and what it means for the future of streaming and media consumption in the Philippines.

Replacing Chef Chico was produced for Netflix in association with CS Studios and Project8. Catch the series beginning November 24.