Lexus strives for luxury you can taste on Netflix’s ‘The Maverick Academy’
Lexus – a brand built on the ceaseless pursuit of perfection and unparalleled attention to detail.
This is how the luxury arm of the Toyota Motor Company made its mark in the automotive world in just 35 years. It took on and took down established European marques like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar by offering more of everything – refinement, reliability, technology and performance, all for a lower price.
Indeed, the things that have made Lexus so successful are what make the gustatory delights of fine cuisine more than just mere sustenance. So it is only fitting that Japan’s most prominent luxury automaker is a major partner in Netflix’s new show, “The Maverick Academy.”
“This partnership is a celebration of craftsmanship and excellence, and we’re excited to be a part of ‘The Maverick Academy,’” said Lexus Asia president Preston Tan in a press statement.
“The show aptly demonstrates the ethos of Lexus – the blending of passion, innovation, and exceptional customer-centric focus to create unforgettable elevated experiences,” he added.
8 chefs, 1 chance
The show follows the journey of eight professional chefs from Southeast Asia competing for the chance of a lifetime.
The winner gets to work alongside Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung, renowned worldwide for his bold and flamboyant cooking style, as well as his mercurial temper. Many have seen “The Demon Chef” in action on other popular cooking shows like MasterChef Canada and MasterChef Asia.
Joining Leung as a mentor on the show is his business partner and former protégé Eric Chong, the first-ever winner of MasterChef Canada. Other guest judges and mentors include Pam Soontornyanakij, Chalee Kader and MasterChef Canada judge Michael Bonacini.
Viewers will also get to see Lexus vehicles in action throughout the five-episode series, while the show’s winner will get limited-time ownership of a Lexus LBX hybrid-electric subcompact crossover.
“Just as Lexus crafts exceptional experiences, the chefs are creating amazing sensory experiences,” Tan said. “We believe that this series not only celebrates and supports aspiring chefs, but also inspires chefs and viewers alike to embark on their own culinary journeys.”
Dy flies the flag
Representing the Philippines and Singapore is Filipino-Chinese chef CJ Dy.
He told INQUIRER.net last month that he plans to showcase a “progressive Filipino-Chinese cuisine” rooted in a household where food and cooking are valued.
“I always see my ‘ah-mah’ (paternal grandmother) orchestrating the kitchen and I always join in,” Dy said.
“But when I was in 6th grade, I really took cooking seriously when my uncle had a small home-cooking business selling pastries, and I started to help him bake banana breads, cheesecakes, and muffins to earn 5 pesos for each item,” he added. “And by then I realized that this passion of mine can be a profession.”
Dy finished culinary arts at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde. He said he wants to be the first Filipino to earn a coveted Michelin star, only given to the finest restaurants in the world.
“I want to show the world that Filipino cuisine can be elevated and be world-class,” Dy said. “I believe Southeast Asian countries share the same ingredients, cooking techniques, and culture. And my question is that, why do we still have no stars?”
Catch Dy and Lexus’ latest models on “The Maverick Academy,” now streaming on Netflix.
