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A taste of Maryland Chickan in Makati
By Wendell Gaa With his trademark grin, cap and sci-fi T-shirt, Washington D.C. native Fred Corder — affectionately known as “That Guy” — was more than delighted to share with me the mouthwatering taste of ‘Maryland Chickan.’ It is chicken the way his grandma would make it: fresh, fried, with no MSG or extenders. The […]
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Filipino chefs mourn the death of ‘idol’ Anthony Bourdain who inspired them
By Rene Pastor Filipino chefs in NYC are mourning the death of celebrity chef and travel writer Anthony Bourdain who, according to news reports, hanged himself June 8 in a hotel in France. “Anthony Bourdain’s death is a tragic loss to the culinary world,” said Jappy Afzelius, executive chef at Tsismis, a Philippine-inspired tapas & […]
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Culinary pride, not prejudice (Part 2)
By Carina Evangelista On the subway ride to the restaurant, while I was coaxing Romy Dorotan to talk about childhood memories, I said I was curious about what memories he might have had around food as a child–say, if something had sated him so wonderfully after hunger. As we stuffed our faces with our sandwiches, […]
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A day in the kitchen of Romy Dorotan (Part 1)
By Carina Evangelista On a beautiful Spring morning, I met Chef Romy Dorotan at the Union Square farmers’ market to do some food shopping before heading to Purple Yam Brooklyn for what he called a session of ‘satsatan lang.’ My husband James and I have known Romy and his wife Amy Besa, the duo behind […]
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The ‘shame piece’
By Cristina DC Pastor Also known as the “last piece of anything.” In Philippine culture, it is usually the last piece of food left on a plate. Filipinos are reluctant to touch that piece for fear they would be seen as ‘matakaw’ (greedy) or ‘gutom na gutom’ (overly hungry). Hence, that last slice of Bibingka […]
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You’re a Big Star now, Sisig
By Cristina DC Pastor It’s time. Adobo’s star has dimmed, although its influential place in the culinary mainstream is assured. Non-Filipinos now recognize Adobo and order it with authority like they had grandmothers who cooked it for them. You’re the New Star now, Sisig. We have waited and wondered when you will emerge in the […]
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Grand Central Terminal rolls out red carpet for Philippine tourism, business and culture
By Cristina DC Pastor Don’t be surprised if, from May 9 to 12, you will spot some men in Ati-Atihan soot and women in colorful couture at the Grand Central Terminal Main Concourse on your way to work. The frolicsome music of the rondalla is likely to lead you to Vanderbilt Hall as you exit […]
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Popsie’s Food Truck: ‘Kakanin’ comfort food revisited
By Cristina DC Pastor In her quiet Jersey City home, Marisse ‘Popsie’ Panlilio cooks Binatog while her freezer is packed with quarts of mango and ube ice cream waiting to firm up. Elsewhere in the kitchen, her partner, sous chef Cosette Malig, cuts vegetables. There are slow and busy days in Popsie’s food chamber. But […]
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Down Memory Lane on Roosevelt Avenue
By Cristina DC Pastor The long and disorganized stretch of Roosevelt Avenue in Queens — reachable by the 7 Train — was both familiar and unusual. Payag Restaurant at the corner of 52nd Street is now empty. Somewhere on 69th is Rosario’s Ihawan, a new and pleasant-looking restaurant. Rene and I were lured by the […]