During the height of the pandemic, amidst erratic government policies and rising food prices, I was commissioned to revamp the brand design of a family restaurant recently inherited by the younger generation.

 

Working on the logo went smoothly, but not so much for the menu. I had initially planned to do some food photography, but the cost of ingredients was prohibitive for all 20+ dishes. Eventually, we opted for food illustration instead.

 

 

 

Illustrating food, especially in Chinese cuisine, requires several layers, much like the approach to its ingredients and cooking. It took a while to finish each dish, but I enjoyed the process.

 

As the wise Cleaner from Toy Story 2 says: "You can't rush art!"

South Mandarin Restaurant is located at BF Homes, Parañaque City, Philippines.

© Kenny Tai. All Rights Reserved • R.A. 8293

A surprisingly pleasant combination of pastries and Art Nouveau; inspired by Walt Disney’s 1935 “The Cookie Carnival” and the Czech artist, Jiří Trnka.

Rice Overdose is a fusion-resto that fully respects the rich cultivation of rice, this simple grain with mild taste when merged to other dishes the result was an exquisite taste for one’s tongue. This restaurant serves various rice dishes for enthusiasts to gather and savor the famous staple. Rice Overdose believes that rice doesn’t only have to be served and enjoy on the table, but to enjoy rice even when a fellow rice-lover is on the go.


I was approached by the owners to create a brand identity and direction for their first restaurant, this made me excited to work with this project as I get to create beautiful photographic compositions with the festive colors and diverse shapes of food. I’m happy that they are satisfied as well.

Tommy is one hungry boy!

A clip based from my last two posts.
Music borrowed from Patrick Rondat, "Vivaldi Tribute"

In collaboration with Watusi Manila.

© Kenny Tai 2012

Here are some screenshots from a short opening film that I’ve designed two years ago that never got published due to some “conventional” reasons. The film was about an energetic boy who loves martial arts and has a massive appetite for street foods that got out of control.

I'm very proud to share the news that my character design, Verdebud is now a plush doll for Serenitea.

Thank you very much to all the support that has given to me. I have never thought that this would happen from a simple sketch on a scratch paper could develop to something like this. Verdebud plush dolls are now available on all Serenitea branches.

Again, thank you very much.