When people ask me about what I miss most about the Philippines – there is no doubt that the answer will always be “the food”. My mouth waters when I remember the Lechon Kawali (Crunch Pork with Shrimp Sauce), or Kare Kare (Oxtail Stew with Annato Peanut Sauce). I reminisce over my Mom’s Beef Tenderloin with Onions, or the egg and glass noodles (Bam-I Guisado) we used to have during family celebrations.
Egg and Glass Noodles (Bam I)
Lechon Kawali - Crunchy Pork
So when I heard that there was a Philippine Food Festival at the Grace Hotel, I knew that if there was one way to take me back to the Philippines without having to fly seven hours, this was it.
Mackarel with Coconut Dressing (Kinilaw)
Escabeche
The Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Airlines have organized a two week long event at the Grace Hotel called Flavours of the Philippines. They have especially flown two chefs (Ben and Kokoy of Via Mare restaurant) from the Philippines for this special event. Among the dishes on offer are Chicken Inasal (Grilled Chicken in Annato sauce), Maya Maya en Escabeche (Red Snapper in Garlic Tumeric Sauce), Shrimp in Sour Broth (Sinigang) and Pork Crackling with Tomato and Mustard Leaves Salad (Ensaladang Bagnet).
Halo Halo
Make sure to leave some lots of room for dessert where you can indulge in Leche Flan (our version of the creme caramel), Banana Spring Rolls (Turon) Rolled Meringue with a Cream Filling (Brazo de Mercedes) and of course, a Halo-Halo Station (Melange of Sweetened Fruits and Pulses).
It’s a pity that not many people are familiar with how wonderful Philippine cuisine is – so it’s great when there are events like these that can showcase some of the food we can offer.
The festival runs until the 3rd of September 2010
Grace Brasserie, Level 2 – The Grace Hotel: 77 York St Sydney. For Bookings please contact 02 9272 6636 or email: restaurant.reservations@gracehotel.com.au
On another note, this Saturday, the 28th of August – The Council of Italian Restaurants Association will hold a hands of class with Darren Simpson of La Scala on Jersey restaurant. In this three hour class participants will learn how to make Deep Fried Artichokes, Mushroom Risotto and Spaghetti alle Vongole. For more information call CIRA on 0405286067 or hop on to their website.
Trissalicious 
ooh I went to this too and your photos are so much better than mine 🙂
Thanks for posting about this Trissa! I’m actually going on Friday for dinner and can’t wait!! I knew I had to book a spot for dinner when I saw the email. 😛
Omg Lechon Kawali!!! I could eat a whole tray and more myself hee hee
Those who want to go to dinner, it’s all booked out! Try to nab a lunch booking if you’re keen. Some of the dishes here in this post was not on last night’s menu BTW.
How great, would love to attend this! Not so great that it’s on the other side of the country, but at least I have your photos to look at 🙂
Wish, there’s something like that here in Brissy..sounds really good and I love the variety…all I can say is YUM:)
Thanks for letting us know about this food festival. Always love to know more about your cuisine.
Crunchy pork. My heart is beating out of my chest!
I have to confess I do not know much about Philippine food and cuisine, so I have you and your blog to thank 🙂
The food looks fantastic – and the photography is excellent!
YUMMMMM
valerie
How beautifully you covered the event Trissa. Love the way you took the pictures! NICE!! Thank you for the window on Phillipine food.
Looks like a wonderful event, Trissa! You’ll have to taste and enjoy for me.
I don’t know anything on Filipino food!
Thanks for the beautiful introduction! yeah!
This sounds FANTASTIC! I really need to be educated on Phillipine food! 🙂
Its about time that Filipino food is showcased. I couldnt be more proud. I cant wait to try this. Now I just have to gather the family for a buffet of gorgeous Filipino Food.
Oh wow…, wish I was in Sydney to check this out. I’ve been so lucky with working with a few Filo Chefs throughout my career & adore the food. Its so good to see it starting to get a real following here in Oz. I’ve had Lechon Kawali before, just love the Crunchy Pork & Escabeche is to die for.
I am going tomorrow so it’s good to see everything looks great! I think the dinner buffet starts tomorrow so I hope there is even more food than during lunch. Starting to drool already! LOL.
It is a shame people are unfamiliar with Phillipine cuisine, but it’s because there aren’t any restaurants around to showcase it I suppose. I have never been to one in Sydney.
Looks like a wonderful event, loads of exotic tastes, pretty colours, and loads of sampling I’m sure 🙂
*kisses* HH
I’m thinking of going here on Friday dinner… Trissa, is it worth going to and paying $48 pp? What do you think?
Lovely photos, Trissa! I’m drooling just staring at them. Thank you for sharing. Events like this really make you feel so much closer to home.
What a great event. I wish they would have something like that in chicago.
I can see why you’d miss the food there so much — it all looks so delicious! Glad you were able to taste some of your favorites without the expensive airfare :).
I love food festivals! I think they are indeed one of the best ways to showcase a culture.. So much is said in a meal :)) Glad you got a chance to revisit your roots, Trissa:)
The Lechon Kawali looks so good! Nice event… at least people get to try filipino food! I didn’t get to try a lot of local food when I was in Boracay. I guess too many Americans there..
I think it is time that you bring greater awareness to how wonderful and versatile Filipino food can be. Thanks for sharing the pictures of the colorful food, the crispy pork niblets look sinfully good, I’d also love the try the egg glass noodle – it looks so comforting, and I love that shot of all of the sauces including that bowl of vibrant purple paste.