Sumptuous Bistro Filipino book launch in San Francisco

Bistro Filipino coffee table book

SAN FRANCISCO – A coffee table book of Filipino recipes “re-imagined” by chef and restaurateur Rolando Laudico entitled Bistro Filipino had its international launch here October 22 at the Philippine Center.

Publisher Yola Johnson, the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA), and the Philippine Consulate General hosted the launch-reception featuring a spread of delights from Patio Filipino, Foundation Café and Ramar Foods.

Bistro Filipino compiles Filipino recipes that fuse “tradition and innovation, with the view to promoting Philippine cuisine and

At Bistro Filipino international launch in San Francisco (left to right): Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon; publisher Yola Johnson; Maya Escudero; PAWA President Edwin Lozada.

culture abroad.” Johnson is the mother of renowned Filipino chef/restaurateur Laudico.

Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon said book, which showcases Filipino food artfully plated into mouth-watering presentations, complements the efforts of the Filipino Food Movement, the Kulinarya cooking competition, Filipino chefs, Filipino restaurant owners throughout the United States to bring greater awareness of Philippine cuisine in the mainstream.

Filipino Food Movement Co-Founder and Vice President for Marketing of Ramar International Corp. PJ Quesada lauded Johnson for publishing the book, noting that Laudico’s cuisine embraces but retains traditional Filipino flavor. The “conditions are right for this wave of Filipino cuisine to wash over the world,” he added.

Sisig cups, among the finger foods served at the launch reception.

Filipino-American culinary arts students shared their experiences in pro

moting Filipino food in the Bay Area.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS