Kulinarya Guidebook Comes Alive Through Dinner Series Launch
It was a reunion of sorts and a celebration of a new venture as the six chefs behind “Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine” came together once again for the launch of Asia Society Philippines’ KULINARYA DINNER SERIES last October 19 at the Rockwell Club, Makati City.
Over a hundred guests consisting of members of the diplomatic corps and local and international foodies were treated to food prepared the Kulinarya way, with Glenda Barretto— driving force of Via Mare and the Kulinarya Chef on feature for the evening—preparing a five-course menu of classic Filipino delicacies, from kinilaw (vinegar-cured mackerel) to sisig (thrice-cooked pork), to bulalo (beef soup with marrow) to a variety of salads. The meal was capped off by a dessert featuring Malagos Chocolate and guyabano (custard apple) mousse.
Before guests dug into their meals, Kulinarya Guidebook Editor and famed Food Writer Micky Fenix also treated them to a discussion on the history and origins of Filipino food, relaying lesser known tidbits such as the Mexican origins of a signature Filipino dishes. Barretto also took to the stage to quickly share the story behind her menu, explaining the flavors and regional origins of her dishes.
The KULINARYA DINNER SERIES continues in the steps of the Kulinarya Movement, a vision that was born in 2006 and that has so far resulted in two locally and internationally-acclaimed guidebooks. A team of six leading Filipino chefs (Glenda Barretto, Conrad Calalang, Margarita Fores, Myrna Segismundo, Jessie Sincioco, and Claude Tayag) came together to select classic Filipino dishes for the guidebook, with the goal of elevating Filipino cuisine, and getting it better recognized across the world.
The KULINARYA DINNER SERIES will continue in 2018, featuring each of the remaining five chefs.
This edition of the Kulinarya Dinner Series was organized by Asia Society Philippines and The Rockwell Club, presented by BDO, sponsored by Auto Nation Group, Inc., and done in partnership with Kultura. Special thanks to Bayani Brew, Proudly Promdi, Malagos Chocolate, Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc, Bleeding Heart Rum Company, Dona Maria Premium Quality Rice, San Miguel Brewery, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, and Solid Video Corporation. Asia Society Philippines is also thankful for the support of the Filipino Heritage Festival, and Mr. Neal Oshima.