In a province celebrated as the culinary capital of the Philippines, a new dining destination is offering guests a chance to experience the charm, flavors, and traditions of France without boarding a plane.
Chez Suzette, an authentic French brasserie founded by Suzette Simon-Tingaud and her husband Jonathan Tingaud, has officially opened in Clark, introducing a dining concept that blends classic French cuisine with the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
For the husband-and-wife founders, the restaurant’s opening in Clark marks a meaningful homecoming of sorts. After establishing the concept in Singapore, they chose Pampanga as the next chapter for Chez Suzette, recognizing the province’s reputation as the country’s culinary center and Clark’s emergence as a thriving gastronomic destination.
Joining the venture is business partner Edward Mangulabnan, who shares the vision of bringing an immersive French dining experience to Central Luzon.
Located at 2080 RC Santos Street, directly across the Parade Grounds, Chez Suzette occupies a renovated barn-style structure that evokes the inviting atmosphere of a traditional French brasserie. The property features an outdoor bar, a spacious veranda, private dining rooms, and an intimate indoor dining area that can accommodate up to 60 guests. Plans are also underway to add a fountain at the front of the restaurant, further enhancing its European-inspired ambiance.
At the heart of the concept is authenticity. The founders wanted to recreate not only the flavors of France but also the rituals and traditions that make French dining memorable.
“We want guests to feel transported to France,” the team shared, emphasizing their commitment to traditional French ingredients, sauces, cooking methods, and service techniques.
Leading the restaurant’s day-to-day operations is Kevin Guegnon, General Manager of Chez Suzette. Guegnon spent three months training the restaurant’s predominantly Filipino kitchen and service teams, ensuring they mastered both French culinary techniques and the refined standards of French hospitality.
The result is a unique fusion of cultures—French precision paired with the genuine warmth and attentiveness that characterize Filipino service.
Among the restaurant’s signature offerings is the classic Beef Tartare, prepared tableside to showcase the freshness of ingredients and the artistry behind the dish. Guests can also savor Duck Confit, a signature steak selection, and the restaurant’s shareable Bouillabaisse, a traditional seafood dish from southern France.
Another highlight is the rich and comforting Beef Bourguignon, a slow-cooked stew made with red wine and vegetables that embodies the rustic elegance of French cuisine.
For dessert, diners are treated to one of the restaurant’s most anticipated experiences—the Crêpes Suzette. Prepared and flambéed tableside, the dessert transforms the dining room into a stage, giving guests both a culinary treat and a memorable spectacle.
Complementing the menu is a carefully curated wine program designed to enhance the flavors of each dish and provide diners with a complete French brasserie experience.
Beyond the food, Chez Suzette encourages guests to embrace the leisurely rhythm of French dining. Visitors are invited to begin their experience with an aperitif at the outdoor bar, enjoy a relaxed meal indoors, and return outside afterward for drinks and conversation.
The restaurant’s launch has been supported by the efforts of its marketing team, Louise Galang and Chianne Tiglao, who have helped introduce the brand and its distinct concept to the Pampanga market.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Chez Suzette welcomes both local diners and tourists exploring Clark’s growing food scene. Guests may also continue enjoying the restaurant’s outdoor spaces beyond regular dining hours.
As Clark continues to evolve into one of the country’s premier lifestyle and culinary destinations, Chez Suzette adds a new dimension to the region’s dining landscape. Through authentic French cuisine, elegant service, and heartfelt hospitality, the restaurant offers diners not just a meal, but a journey—one that begins in Pampanga and ends with a taste of Paris.
