It took long enough, but it looks like Filipino food is finally having its moment in the culinary spotlight. A new documentary called “Ulam: Main Dish,” which explores modern Filipino cuisine and the chefs behind it, will be screened on Monday, April 23 as part of the programming for the 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) Spring Showcase presented by local non profit organization Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts).
After the screening and Q&A with the filmmaker, a group of 15 local Filipino American chefs and bartenders are coming together to cook a kamayan-style feast for 300 diners. The chefs will be putting their localized spin on the multi-dish meal, which is traditionally eaten communally with your hands.
Said Pac Arts executive director Kent Lee, “This unique film and food pairing event not only highlights the growing popularity of Filipino food across the country, but also showcases the talents and ambitions of our local Filipino chefs that are at the forefront of the Filipino food movement here in San Diego.”
The event will be held at The Natural History Museum from 6:30 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $32 and include the film and a seat at the post-film dinner as well as a cocktail and dessert reception.
Here’s the dinner’s impressive culinary team:
- Mike Arquines (The Lab Dining Sessions)
- Chris Aure (Zarlito’s)
- Tress Balch (Happy Sushi)
- Jonathan Bautista (George’s at the Cove)
- Evan Cruz (Arterra)
- Phillip Esteban (Consortium Holdings)
- Spencer Hunter (Hunter’s Home Kitchen)
- Craig Jimenez (Nom Nom Bento)
- Leigh Lacap (Campfire)
- Tara Monsod (Tender Greens)
- Danilo “DJ” Tangalin Jr. (Bivouac Ciderworks)
- Marcus Twilegar (Parq Restaurant & Nightclub)
- Jayrell Ringpis (Snoice)
- Marlaw Seraspi (Open House)
- Kristianna Zabala (Nomad Donuts)
