San Francisco's culinary scene is about to revel in the flavors of the Philippines as local restaurant Abacá hosts an impressive series of events in honor of Filipino American History Month. Spearheaded by Chef Francis Ang, the restaurant inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel has charted an entire month dedicated to celebrating Filipino heritage through cuisine, collaboration, and community engagement. Eater SF reports that the festivities will include a lineup of celebrated chefs and mixologists from across the country, each bringing their own regional twist to Filipino-American culinary traditions.
The event series starts with an October 18 brunch featuring chefs Monique Feybesse, Jade Cunningham, Andre Casper, and Abacá’s own Ang. Patrons can expect more than just a taste of eclectic Filipino dishes; a marketplace celebrating Filipino makers will also be on-site at the same hotel. Forbes details the series, noting that every event aims to honor Filipino culture and benefit local nonprofits such as the Filipino Food Movement, SOMA Pilipinas, Bayanihan Equity Center, and Sentro Filipino.
One of the loudest celebrations on the docket is October 20's Pulutan Night, a casual affair centered around Filipino small bites and inventive cocktails. Chef Ang described the night as an opportunity for guests to "chat, share stories, and see the creativity behind the food and drinks," emphasizing the community vibe that the event aims to foster. The lineup for this night includes talents like Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo from Señor Sisig, showcasing a convergence of culinary artistry in a single setting, as cited by Forbes.
Another highlight is the not-to-be-missed Kamayan feast, set for October 22. This event promises a hands-on dining experience, where guests are encouraged to grab their food sans utensils. The event features chefs such as Harold Villarosa and Deanna Sison. Chef Ang clearly holds the tradition in high regard, noting, "Eating with your hands elevates the experience," and touting the communal intimacy that the act fosters among diners. According to Forbes, proceeds from the night will aid the Bayanihan Equity Center.
The series culminates on October 24 with "Paubaya," which translates to "to entrust," a tasting menu event led by a trio of chefs, including Paolo Dunca and Ellie Estrada. This closing dinner reflects a new tradition of collaborative creativity, which has been the hallmark of Abacá’s special events. What started as a fundraiser to support those affected by Typhoon Haiyan has transformed into an annual culinary institution, showcasing not only individual talent but the collective narrative of Filipino American influence within and beyond the realm of food, as per Eater SF.
