Regional Filipino dishes celebrated at iconic James Beard House in NY

The chefs showing off their James Beard Certificate, from left: Musang’s Melissa Miranda; Carlo Magna of Twisted Filipino/Magna; Miguel Trinidad of Maharlika/Jeepney; Pinoy Heritage’s Francis Ang; and Lou Boquila of Perla. PCGNY

NEW YORK – Some one hundred guests experienced fine dining Filipino-style prepared by chef-owners of renowned restaurants at the iconic James Beard House here on January 25.

The five-course regional Filipino dinner was hosted by the Filipino Food Movement (FFM), and JBKollaborations (JBK), with the support of the Philippine Department of Tourism, The Filipino Channel, Inquirer.net, Tanduay Rum among others.

Chef Francis Ang (left)prepares his hors d’ouvres Palapa Maguindanao Beef Tartare during cocktails;

Rendering their own versions of traditional dishes from different regions in the Philippines were San Francisco-based Chef Francis Ang of Pinoy Heritage; Chef Lou Boquila of Perla in Philadelphia; Chef Carlo of Magna in Portland, Oregon; Chef Melissa Miranda of Musang from Seattle, Washington; and Chef Miguel Trinidad of Maharlika/Jeepney New York. Each course was paired with wine carefully selected by the James Beard sommelier.

James Beard members and subscribers enjoy the Filipino feast at the sold-out event. PCGNY

FFM President Sonia Delen said she was overwhelmed by the event’s success, saying her organization’s vision is to have Filipino cuisine become more accessible to foodies and patrons around the U.S.

JBKollaborations Founder Joanne Boston, a FYLPRO alumna, said she was proud to see her legacy project come to fruition. She added, “It is surreal to see the James Beard House serve a full-course Filipino dinner to a capacity crowd. I truly feel the love tonight.”

The Menu, clockwise from top left: Escabeche Octopus (by Chef Lou Boquila); Salmon Sarciado (by Chef Melissa Miranda); Pancit Isabella (by Chef Miguel Trinidad); Dinardaraan (by Chef Carlo Lamagna); Parsnip Semifredo Tinagtag (by Chef Francis Ang). PCGNY

Consul General Ma Theresa Dizon-De Vega was among the diners. She described the event as a truly defining moment for Philippine cuisine, saying that the Filipino Food Movement took a giant leap forward with the singular honor to be featured at the James Beard House.

The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable.