By SARAH JANE VON WETTBERG
SAN FRANCISCO – Almost a hundred food lovers were treated to the best of Philippine cuisine during the formal launching on Thursday, May 20, of the month-long Philippine Food Festival showcasing some of the best Pinoy dishes from 15 Bay Area restaurants.
The event was a veritable Pinoy fiesta: colorful buntings that festooned the venue, live native music, and a wide selection of succulent dishes.
The food fest at the Philippine Center in downtown San Francisco is part of this year’s Independence Day featured the specialties of participating restaurants, namely: Bistro Luneta, Boracay Garden Grill and Asian Cuisine, Goldilocks, House of Sisig, Intramuros, Jollibee, Kalesa, Mana, Nayong Pilipino, Max’s of Manila, Ongpin, Patio Filipino, Red Ribbon, Tastebuds, and Tribu Grill.
It was real gastronomic treat as the chefs of the participating bistros and cafes served their favorite specialties in creative presentation to tease the senses and the palate. Among the dishes entrees that stood out were:
Intramuros’ creative and luscious selection that included balut pate in crostini; paella negra served in glass cups (rice seasoned in squid ink and topped by jumbo shrimps; bangus sisig molded crisp like tiny crackers in a sizzling plate topped with bangus; ceviche — citrus marinated shrimps, scallops and tuna — the texture of which was perfect and the taste simple delectable; and for dessert a combo of ube, pandan, mango, maja blanca and chocolate put together in white choco-filled mousse.
Tribu Grill served their ever popular binagoongan rice and chicken barbeque.
Tastebuds brought stuffed lechon, with paella-inspired rice stuffing that tastes really great.
Pinoy leading fastfood Jollibee served it’s highly popular Chicken Joy and peach mango pie
Boracay came up with rice seasoned with squid ink served with calamari and grilled meat.
Goldilocks served their trademark lumpia and puto bumbong.
Patio Pilipino had a juicy paella dish which came nicely with stuffed mussels and crispy pata.
Sister bistros Nayong Pilipino and Kalesa came up with their popular friend chicken, chow mien and fruits.
Luneta’s special empanada was a big hit.
Magnolia served mango ice and ube ice cream and Max’s served the old-time favorite fried chicken with sweet banana ketchup.
Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Marciano A. Paynor Jr. lauded the restaurants which worked together on this project which aims to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation for the Philippines’ various food specialties.
“The Philippines is well-known for its world-class cuisine. The variety of famous Filipino foods is reflective of our people’s diversity as well as creativity which emanates from our culture and history,” he said. Diners in the participating restaurants have a chance to win prizes and gift items, including those whose photos of their favorite dish will be posted in the Philippine Food Festival Facebook page.
Among the special guest who graced the food fest were California State Senator Leland Yee, former Colma City Mayor and current Council Member Joan del Rosario, and retired Ambassador Romeo Arguelles.
ConGen Paynor expressed hope that this year’s food festival will become an annual affair that would encourage more people to visit the Philippines and participate in the Kulinarya Food Trips, culinary tour packages designed by the Tourism Department, and geared to exploring the culture and food of specific regions in the country’s diverse archipelago.
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