‘Bistro Filipino’ book makes Bay Area debut

The Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA), in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General, held the first international launch of “Bistro Filipino,” a coffee table and recipe book by Yola Johnson, at the Philippine Center last October 22.

The book compiles Filipino recipes re-imagined by Chef Rolando Laudico, fusing together tradition and innovation, with the view to promoting Philippine cuisine and culture abroad. Ms. Johnson is the mother of Chef Laudico.

Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon said “Bistro Filipino,” which beautifully showcases Filipino food artfully plated into mouth-watering presentations, complements the efforts of the Filipino Food Movement, the Kulinarya cooking competition team, Filipino chefs, Filipino restaurant owners in the Bay Area and throughout the United States in bringing greater awareness about Philippine cuisine in mainstream American society.

Vice President for Marketing of Ramar International Corp. and Filipino Food Movement Co-Founder PJ Quesada praised Yola Johnson for her achievement in publishing the book, noting how Chef Laudico’s cuisine embraces innovation so that it retains its Filipino flavor, but at the same time making it more contemporary. He added that the “conditions are right for this wave of Filipino cuisine to wash over the world.”

During the book launch, Filipino-American culinary art students shared their experience in promoting Filipino food in the Bay Area. Guests were likewise treated to Filipino delights courtesy of Patio Filipino and desserts from Foundation Café and Ramar Foods.

PAWA, a literary organization, is headed by Edwin Lozada.