Culinary Pavilion at Pistahan 2011!

I'll be there! Will you?!

This is the article I submitted to EXPO Magazine - the official publication of Pistahan 2011. They had to edit my material to have it fit in the magazine and newsletter, but I wanted to give you my ORIGINAL [more thorough] submission here!

Hope to see you at Pistahan this weekend Yerba Buena Gardens!

xoxo,
Jo

PS: Please be sure to check out my two friends Melvin aka MelvinSings from Youtube playing ukelele on the Bayanihan Stage and Ron Quesada aka Kulintronica who will be performing on the Pistahan Stage.

all graphics courtesy of Pistahan
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- Culinary Pavilion -
By Joanne Boston
Filipino Food is truly a melting pot of several different cuisines from Chinese to Spanish to American. Some of the flavors and aromas may seem strange to some, but to all, they conjure memories with family and friends. After all, food brings people together! As well as having the opportunity to sample those flavors at all the delicious vendors at Pistahan, here is your chance to come to the Culinary Pavilion where you can experience Filipino food in a whole new way.


So you think you knew adobo? Think again. On Saturday at 12:30, be sure not to miss the 7th annual Adobo Cook-Off sponsored by Ramar Foods! Every family has their own recipe for the Philippines’ national dish of vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, simmered down with a chosen meat or vegetable. Whose dish will reign supreme? Come to the sample the competitors’ delectable variations to find out and see who will come out as the winner. The distinguished group of judges and you, the public, get to vote.

Are you aspiring to be the next Joey Chestnut and have a sweet tooth? Why don’t you enter the Heavenly Tropical Ice Cream eating contest on Saturday at 3:00. Watch as the contestants try their best to avoid brain freeze from delicious tropical flavored ice creams, such as mango and ube. The winner earns bragging rights and the title of Ice Cream Eating Champion! The audience will also have an opportunity to sample the luscious ice cream at 3:30 on both days of the festival.


Want more? Join in on the yearly Balut Eating Contest on Sunday at 1:30! Sign up at 11 am on both Saturday and Sunday – who knows, you maybe one of the lucky participants chosen to relish in this delicacy. Duck embryos not your thing? Well cheer on your favorite competitor as they chew their way through fertilized duck eggs - white, yolk, and yes…the baby ducks. This Philippine specialty may make some cringe, but our brave competitors have to put mind over matter (and weathers) if they truly want to be the champion! Check it out on the Bayanihan Stage Sunday afternoon sponsored by Mama Sita’s!

Sunday is your day for cooking demos. At Noon, come by the pavilion for a calamansi cooking demo presented by Pacific Fruit & Beverage Co. Thought it was just for juice and squeezing it over pancit? Our little tart fruit has made appearances on restaurant menus all over San Francisco in desserts, cocktails, and marinades. Stop by to watch how to take calamansi to the next level. Another awesome cooking demo will be presented by White King on Sunday at 2:30 in the afternoon. Have you ever wondered how to make “bibingka?” Here is your opportunity to see how this Philippine treat of rice flour and coconut milk is created. This soft and spongy cake is sure to summon memories of Christmases past or afternoon merienda with your Titas and Nanays.

This year’s 2-day exhibit, brought to you by Mama Sita’s USA, will feature “inihaw” or Filipino barbecue. Like adobo, there are many different types and recipes for inihaw depending on the region from your classic BBQ pork or chicken on a stick to the more exotic and infamous “isaw”/intestine and chicken feet. What goes perfectly with grilled meats? Atchara, of course! Come by for a cooking demo by Pinex on how to make your own pickled papaya condiment at 1:30 on Saturday.

If you find yourself hungry from gazing at the delectable-looking display, find Pearl Parmelee of Mama Sita’s USA who will be handing out recipe cards that you can try in your own home. While you are there, fill out a survey with Pearl and receive a Mama Sita’s seasoning packet as well as an entry in their hourly raffles. The recipe cards and giveaways, courtesy of Mama Sita’s USA, are only available while supplies last, so make your way to the exhibit early!

Food has truly become a part of our Filipino-American heritage from the meals at our own homes to the innovative food trucks that make their way through the streets of San Francisco. Let’s all come together at Pistahan to celebrate the wonderful flavors of our culture and to share our experiences as a community. Pinoy Pride is happening right now and so much pride comes through in our food!