Chowline: Bringing good ‘chow’ to Palaweños

As a tourist hub for local and foreign travelers, Palawan boasts pristine beaches, rich cultures, and a gastronomical experience that keeps visitors wanting more. In Coron, Palawan lies an American takeout and delivery food business called Chowline.

Chowline’s unique perspective on food-to-go and their savory pizza and pasta mains captured the hearts, stomachs, and tastebuds of food enthusiasts residing in and visiting Palawan. As the brainchild of American Chef Eric Hermes and his wife Nestlie, Chowline undoubtedly made the Palawan food scene more exciting.

The couple initially had their eyes set on Romblon, specifically Sibuyan Island. The picturesque beaches that are a stone’s throw away from living areas made the couple love the location. However, they had to consider logistics for the survival of their business.

“We didn’t know what we wanted to do when we came to the Philippines. We just knew that we had our skills with us. It could’ve been food or accommodations, anything hospitality,” Nestlie said, adding that they also entertained the idea of following a farm setup.

They both worked in the hospitality industry, with experience from their time at the Ritz and Intercontinental.

After Sibuyan Island, they went to Amlan and Dumaguete in Negros, Siquijor, and Manila, but none suited their business models and ideas to a tee. Only when her uncle from Puerto Princesa suggested Coron did the couple set their sights on the province.

Upon arriving, the couple saw Coron as the ideal location for their business because one of their main goals when they moved to the Philippines, was to be practical about their finances and find a source of income to sustain their lifestyles. And so they went to Palawan, armed with their adventurous spirits and a goal in their minds. Eventually, the couple built connections with the locals, bought the land, and settled away from the town.

Eric began as a consultant for many local hotels, but their idea of setting up their own business soon came to fruition with the establishment of Chowline.

Chowline began in September 2021 amid a pandemic as the couple saw they needed to pivot their dependence on tourism and tap into the seemingly increasing local food scene. When the health restrictions eased, they opened their doors for a dine-in setup and improved their menu to include a selection of burgers and Asian-inspired options.

“This is food I love to eat. I’m taking the parts of culinary school that I enjoyed and putting it to work,” Chef Eric Hermes said.

Besides putting his heart on a plate (or plates, for that matter), Eric also incorporated local ingredients and well-loved Filipino food into his dishes, like Chowline’s famous sisig pizza. He’s considering creating more fusion items on their menu, possibly a Bicol express pizza, sooner or later.

Meanwhile, his top five recommendations from Chowline’s menu include the Margarita Pizza, the Four Cheese Pizza, the Chori Burger, biscuits and gravy, and the lasagna. He found that mixing two cuisines, Southern American and Filipino, satisfied the discerning palates of food enthusiasts in the Philippines and from the West.

Vegan and vegetarian options, like the falafel burger and a BOY (build your own) pizza to allow guests to cross out meat and dairy from their pizzas while only adding plant-based ingredients, are also available for those with dietary restrictions or who prefer healthier alternatives without compromising the quality of food or its flavors.

“I’m trying to put as much Pinoy flavors as I can, but I don’t want to dumb it down. I don’t assume locals are going to like it. I’m starting to discover local people and their experiences with food,” he said.

Eric’s dedication to creating a well-curated food experience that leaves a significant on diners continues to propel Chowline into becoming a go-to dining establishment in Coron. In the meantime, Nestle shared that they source their ingredients locally to help boost the economy and provide opportunities for Palaweños and residents from nearby provinces.

Chowline also employs equally talented and passionate individuals from other provinces in the Philippines so they can have a chance to showcase their skills in producing mouthwatering dishes and make a positive impact on the community.

The locals enjoyed the new addition to the local food scene, and Chowline has since enjoyed good business with food enthusiasts who appreciate good food in an equally calming ambiance.

When in Coron, Palawan, Chowline is a must-try food destination to experience a holistic gastronomical experience of the province.