Culinary Historians of the Philippines (CHOP) held their first function at the Ortigas Foundation Library last Saturday. Ige Ramos, the new President of CHOP, has arranged for all future CHOP functions to be held at this Library during his two-year tenure. This is fantastic because the Library is the repository of a grand collection of books on Philippine history, culture, art and, among many other things, a range of important cookbooks on heritage food.
From L to R: Mama, Regee, CHOP Board Members Vicky and Nanette and President Ige Ramos. We all went on a tour of the Library before the function began. We watched a film called "Namets" which is a delightful story about two star-crossed lovers who attempt to set up a new restaurant in the city of Bacolod celebrating the heritage food of the province of Negros Occidental. Namets is a Negrense term used to describe food which is "horribly yummy" according to John Silva, the Director of the Library who is himself from that part of the Philippines.
From L to R: Mama, Regee, CHOP Board Members Vicky and Nanette and President Ige Ramos. We all went on a tour of the Library before the function began. We watched a film called "Namets" which is a delightful story about two star-crossed lovers who attempt to set up a new restaurant in the city of Bacolod celebrating the heritage food of the province of Negros Occidental. Namets is a Negrense term used to describe food which is "horribly yummy" according to John Silva, the Director of the Library who is himself from that part of the Philippines.
And it was very fitting that after the film, we all partook of some wonderful food that had been prepared by Florita's Restaurant which specializes in food from Bacolod. The above dish is Kansi,
a beef stew that is prepared in a traditional palayok (clay pot). It uses as a souring agent a fruit called batuan. The big chunks of unripe langka (jackfruit), which you can see above, are flavored not only by this acidity but also by the oils from the beef shanks. The shanks are boiled for hours, which results in a very flavorful broth. Namets, indeed!!
We look forward to many more CHOP functions at the Library. I hope to go back there soon to look at their collection of history books and, if so, I will write another blog about that visit. Many thanks to John Silva for making space for CHOP and hosting the function after the film for both CHOP and another group.
And, of course, many thanks again to Ige for the brainwave in the first place. CHOP will be well housed in this beautiful Library and will be able to conduct its food heritage research here. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!
Click on "Read more" below to see some more photos of the food.
The photos are self-explanatory. The group with Regee in the third photo below are from Florita's Grill and include, R to L, the owner, her husband and the manager.
All I can say is that both the film and the feast above were a great introduction to the culinary treats in store if you visit Bacolod. In fact, CHOP arranged a highly successful visit to Bacolod last year. You can find details of that trip on CHOP's website.
And, of course, many thanks again to Ige for the brainwave in the first place. CHOP will be well housed in this beautiful Library and will be able to conduct its food heritage research here. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!
Click on "Read more" below to see some more photos of the food.
The photos are self-explanatory. The group with Regee in the third photo below are from Florita's Grill and include, R to L, the owner, her husband and the manager.
All I can say is that both the film and the feast above were a great introduction to the culinary treats in store if you visit Bacolod. In fact, CHOP arranged a highly successful visit to Bacolod last year. You can find details of that trip on CHOP's website.
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