Chef Jordan Andino partners with Franciscan Estate to inspire our holiday meals

Whether you have watched Chef Jordan Andino on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay or even Cook at all Costs, then you know that he knows food. Over the years, Chef Andino has entertained us, as much as he has showcased his knowledge in the kitchen. And it is not just his TV presence that has us enamored.

In 2015, Chef Jordan Andino opened a Filipino Taqueria in New York City has expanded to other major cities in the U.S. His ability to fuse different cuisines together expertly has made him a chef to watch in so many ways. And maybe it is just us, but we love to see his partnerships, because it always offers up a new approach to culinary delights.

Recently, he partnered with Franciscan Estate wines to appear at the Heritage Fire Festival, where he helped spotlight the wines and how well they pair with a variety of amazing dishes. And we had the chance to ask him some questions about this partnership, how to pair wine with different dishes, and more.

Chef Jordan Andino talks about his Franciscan Estate partnership in a fresh interview with Guilty Eats

Guilty Eats: What made you want to partner with Franciscan Estate this holiday season?

Jordan Andino: "I love to grill year-round. As a chef, I am always thinking of the tasting experience from start to finish when preparing a meal—including considering the ways wine can enhance the flavors of a dish. When I first came across Franciscan Estate wines, I loved how easily these wines pair with my favorite grilled dishes, whether it be my own take on classic Thanksgiving staples or Filipino dishes I grew up enjoying. Given my love for grilling and fascination by the art of food and wine pairings, it just made sense to come together with Franciscan Estate. I had a blast traveling with Franciscan Estate this year to Heritage Fire Festival in Napa Valley and Miami, where I met with fellow food and wine aficionados with a shared appreciation for all-things gastronomy. As we approach the holidays, I know planning a holiday meal can be stressful for the hosts, so I’m glad to be teaming up with Franciscan Estate to share convenient recipe pairings that ensure the holidays run with ease."

Guilty Eats: What are some of your favorite wine pairings?

Jordan Andino: "I have many favorite wine pairings so it’s difficult to nail down just a few. When I’m cooking my staple chicken or fish dishes on the grill, such as my grilled Sinigang Swordfish or Chicken Adobo Wings, I can’t serve them without Franciscan Estate’s 2022 Chardonnay. When paired with the Sinigang Swordfish, the Chardonnay refreshes the palate with light layers of peach and honey that pulls through to a clean finish and really elevates the entire meal. When paired with the Chicken, the juiciness of the Chardonnay complements the tender, juicy chicken wings.

When I’m grilling a more beef-focused dish, such as my Pineapple and Sprite Marinated Filipino Kalbi with Kimchi Coleslaw, I find that this dish is incomplete without Franciscan Estate’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-bodied wine has a silken mouthfeel with layers of black cherry and dark raspberries with ribbons of caramel throughout, making for a delightful contrast to the Kalbi. What’s unique about the Cabernet is that while it is bold and plush it’s not overpowered by oak or tannins which allows the fruit to shine through, making it really versatile to pair with a variety of dishes. I recommend stocking up on this bottle for Thanksgiving, as anything you don’t finish can also be easily paired with winter holiday favorites as well."

Guilty Eats: Do you have any tips for pairing wine with traditional Thanksgiving meals?

Jordan Andino: "For sides and appetizers, I recommend opting for William Hill Estate’s 2022 Chardonnay. It’s a nice touch to have the wine decanted as guests arrive. With notes of baked apple crisp, ripe apricot and bright citrus at the forefront, this Chardonnay pairs well with richer side dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, or stuffing. For the main course, a Pinot Noir is typically the most popular varietal for Thanksgiving. It tends to have a higher acidity and is known for complementing the caramelized skin and juiciness of a turkey. One of my personal favorites is the Hahn Wines 2023 Pinot Noir. This wine has lovely delicate flavors of red cherry and raspberry with notes of earthiness. If you are serving any pescatarian guests this Thanksgiving, Franciscan Estate’s 2023 Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, such as sauteed scallops, refreshing your guests with
every sip. It’s also a lovely pairing for the vegetarians in the room, enhancing the freshness of a fall salad."

Guilty Eats: What’s it like for you to be a part of food TV as a host and a chef?

Jordan Andino: "I thoroughly enjoy getting to share my love for food on TV. The opportunities I have had on TV have exceeded my wildest dreams. By hosting shows like Late Nite Eats and judging on Chopped, not only do I have the opportunity to meet incredible chefs that I admire, but I also get to learn from their techniques and advice and apply their insights to my own cooking."

Guilty Eats: What’s something you wish more people knew about you as a chef?

Jordan Andino: "I started cooking at the age of nine, learning directly from my father in our family kitchen. He really taught me the fundamentals of cooking that I still reference today. The early memories I have in the kitchen with my dad shaped my culinary approach. My father also instilled in me an appreciation for my Filipino heritage, which is extremely important to me. I am honored that my dishes can be an entryway for many into Filipino cuisine. I’m proud to have the opportunity to continue the Filipino cuisine traditions that have been passed down by generations while also bringing my own sense of creativity and innovation to the table."

Guilty Eats: And since we are known as Guilty Eats, we have to ask what is your guilty eat?

Jordan Andino: "Depending on where I am I get one of two things: it’s either the Golden Arches—McDonald's is a rite of passage in my life! Or, if I'm in New York City, and remotely close to halal, you can find me at the Halal Guys eating mixed-over rice and loving every minute of it."