The Clooneys have left Manila but there’s one spot in the city, other than the Rappler office, of course, where the hangover from the visit remains—Taupe Dining at BGC. This cutting-edge fine dining place in BGC was where George and Amal Clooney had lunch—a distinction to be proud of indeed, given that Metro Manila now teems with impressive dining destinations, with a few Michelin-blessed chefs.
Taupe Dining by Chef Francis Tolentino opened for a private lunch (it has only dinner service) for Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney, his wife, the renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, and the founders/editors of Rappler Philippines. The Clooneys headlined the Rappler Social Good Summit 2025, where they had a most enlightening remarks and exchange about human rights, freedom of speech and libel, among pressing issues.
Taupe Dining founder Francis Flores told TheDiarist.ph this backstory: “Maria Ressa had her birthday dinner with us last year and loved Taupe. Through Maria’s good friend, the team reached out to book Taupe for the Clooneys’ visit…. We didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity to host them for lunch. It’s such an honor and blessing.”
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The group enjoyed a six-course experience from Taupe’s current tasting menu, Elements—Chef Francis’ third seasonal menu exploring how fire, air, water, and earth shape both technique and flavor. Chef Francis has been known for the minute details he crafts into his blend of Filipino culinary tradition and western technique honed from his training in New York. His Filipino roots—the palate memory of his childhood in the small neighborhood—anchor his western learnings and innovations. And these yield the flavors that define the unique experience at Taupe. 
The lunch for the Clooneys had the Dry-aged Duck, grilled and layered with keso de bola and smoked truffle; the A5 Wagyu Balbacua served with black squid-ink pasta and kadyos purée; and Taupe’s signature Burnt Brazo, reimagined with passion fruit, calamansi, and charcoal-burnt Italian meringue.
George apparently loved the Dry-aged Duck and Wagyu.
Also on the menu were, for starters, Guyabano Clout Tart, Blue Crab Ice Cream Sandwich. There were also Hokkaido Scallops and Corn,
After lunch, the Clooneys with the Taupe team led by Chef Francis Tolentino, Francis Flores, Mike Carandang
In a touching gesture, George Clooney asked for a group photo with the kitchen and front-of-house staff at the end of the meal.
Posted in its social media: “Taupe Dining is honored to have hosted leaders whose work continues to shape global discourse and inspire advocates around the world. Welcoming them into our home in Bonifacio Global City is a privilege we carry with profound gratitude.”
Taupe Dining pop-up will be at Balmori Suites at Rockwell this December.
For bookings: +63 960 698 0360 | www.taupedining.com
