Labor of Love: One Pastorelli Dish at a Time

Classic Filipino food staples with international finesse took center stage at Pastorelli’s soft launch in Pontefino Hotel.

Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of Pastorelli
March 29, 2025

“Always cook with love.”

What better way to highlight such a momentous occasion than through the words shared by Chef Stephen George Bustamante during the soft launch of Pastorelli, the signature restaurant of the PonteFino Hotel.

At the heart of Batangas City, Chef Stephen spearheads the restaurant’s culinary direction with a multi-hyphenated leadership portfolio in his repertoire. After pursuing his passion for cooking at 27 years old, the California-trained executive chef ultimately returned to his Batangueño roots and drew inspiration from his grandparents for menu curation.

“When I came back 13 years ago, I started working for Sentro 1771, so that’s where I really started cooking Filipino food; that’s where I learned. Then I found myself coming back to Batangas. So, I’m very excited that I’m here after years and years,” Chef Stephen highlights, dedicating his stay to PonteFino Hotel by tapping on his Filipino upbringing.

Batangas palate with a twist

Pastorelli’s soft launch features a variety of food selections, offering breakfast-lunch-dinner service accompanied by refreshing beverages and local dessert favorites. 

Suppose you’re craving a deep dive into the Batangueño culinary experience. In that case, order the classics like Taal Spare Ribs, Bistek a la Pobre, Sinaing na Tulingan sa Kamias, Batangas Lomi, and the Batangas Beef Bulalo.

If you’re craving Filipino food with an international, bold flair, Pastorelli also serves Lamb Shank Adobo, Wagyu Kare-Kare, Ginataang Barramundi Fillet, and Biko Cheese Fritters–all classic Pinoy staples elevated to another level.

Their bar menu is also stacked with beverages to accompany your decadent meal from wine and cocktails to coffee and tea (even served in a kettle).

Menu as a ‘labor of love’

Chef Stephen, candidly sharing his experiences at the table, expressed his dedication to the menu as a labor of love–putting immense care into the sauces, stocks, and broths. 

“It is a labor of love to build something as simple as tulingan lang. I learned to cook Filipino food that way. Long, but the outcome’s so much better,” Chef Stephen added. 

The executive chef also hopes the menu and the dining experience bring out comfort to visitors, resonating with moments from their “childhood and Sunday dinners or lunches you have with your family.”

A dessert bar was also on Chef Stephen’s plan in hopes of highlighting Batangas kakanin and other regional, traditional dessert flavors paired with his own kapeng barako, akin to a British afternoon tea time, strengthening Pastorelli and PonteFino’s vision to expand its international identity.

Plan your next culinary adventure

Pastorelli is the newest addition to PonteFino Hotel’s dining experience. An institution with 20 years of luxurious hospitality, the PonteFino Hotel is a staple in your stay in Batangas City.

Pastorelli is open for breakfast from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The restaurant is also available for private functions.

For reservations and more information, you may visit www.pontefinohotel.com.