Filipino Pop-up (New) - Mari Los Angeles
Having grown up near Historic
Filipinotown, the Echo Park area
of Los Angeles, I’m somewhat
familiar with Filipino food.
BUT there weren’t any places
to get Filipino food back then.
So, I had to get invited to
my Filipino friends’ family parties.
(did I say that out loud?)
These days, there are many venues
one can find Filipino dishes,
both fast casual and sit down establishments.
What about modern or elevated
Filipino food?
AND on the Westside
of Los Angeles?
Photo Courtesy of Kristie Hang
in Century City
has a Modern Filipino Inspired
Pop-up this Summer!
Located in Mari’s outdoor patio at the
Where’s That?
In the shadow of Nakatomi Plaza,
lies the InterContinential Los Angeles
in Century City.
If you’re a Die Hard fan,
then you’d recognize this building.
If not, it’s the Fox Plaza building,
adjacent to the Fox studio lot.
Happy 30th Birthday,
Nakatomi Plaza!
Now back to the food...
“KAIN”
in Tagalog means to “Eat”
So let’s Eat!
Photo Courtesy of Kristie Hang
Chef Brian Bellicourt
created tonight’s menu,
who (in true Filipino-fashion) was
inspired by his mother’s cooking.
It’s his modern take on traditional
dishes that I’m looking forward to
this evening and chef says it’s a go 👍
Snacks were on the table when
we arrived, crispy pig’s ears and seasoned peanuts.
The crispy pig’s ear reminded me
of chicharon and the seasoned peanuts
set the flavor profile for the evening.
I knew we were off to a great start!
BUT FIRST,
the bar is open!
When I think of Filipino food
and family gatherings, I think
of grabbing a beer and sitting down
with LOTS of good food.
When InterContinential mixologist,
Scott Allen, described the cocktail
he created for this pop-up,
I knew a beer would have
a minor role tonight.
The Calamansi Gin Lemonade
Calamansi is a citrus and widely
grown in the Philippines.
I’m not really a Gin fan,
but this cocktail was refreshing
and set the mood for dinner.
See What Jay Eats...
Appetizers
Tuna Kilawin
with Taro Chips
Similar to a ceviche, loved this
tuna with a kick.
Pork Belly Sisig Toast
Who doesn’t like pork belly?
Ube Gnocchi
with Bopis, Thai Basil and Pecorino.
Ube is a purple yam
and usually found in desserts.
But Chef Brian used it in the gnocchi.
Entrees
Palabok
with Spaghetti, Annotto Pork Ragu,
Charred Shrimp, Crispy Pork Skin,
Soft Boiled Egg and Scallions.
Who doesn’t like a runny egg,
Spaghetti and large shrimp???
Chicharon-Crusted Sea Bass
with Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms,
Ginger Soy Broth, Peanut Emulsion,
Eggplant and Long Beans.
The broth is poured tableside,
loved the texture of this fish.
Chicken Adobo
with Sautéed Ong Choy, Ube Mashed
Potatoes, Atchara and a Vinegar
Soy-Garlic Glaze.
A traditional Filipino dish,
Adobo. Served with Ong Choy,
a Water Spinach, so good!
Atchara is a pickle made with
unripe papaya.
Spicy Beef Cheek Kaldereta
with Pea Purée, Charred Baby Carrots,
Confit Fingerling Potatoes and a
Tomato Demi Glacé.
Days after the preview dinner,
I was still thinking about this dish.
Just when you thought
it couldn’t get any better,
it was Dessert Time!
Executive Pastry Chef Gail Romulo
introduced the two desserts
created for this pop-up.
Calamansi Almond Sans Rival
Great citrus & almond flavor!
Cornbread Bibingka
with Blueberry Lemon Thyme Compote
topped with fresh blueberries and corn.
I loved this dessert,
baked in banana leaves,
and the fresh corn was a
great addition.
Whether you’re a Filipino food novice
or expert, this pop-up is for everyone.
Set in Mari’s outdoor patio,
it makes for a great summer evening.
*The fixed menu is $55/person and includes snacks for the table, a choice of appetizer, choice of entrée and dessert for the table.
The pop-up begins Thursday,
August 9, 2018, and each Thursday
(until 8/30) from 6 pm - 9 pm.
Reservations are limited, so RSVP to giuliana.gonnella@ihg.com with the name, party size, date,
and preferred time.
Go Eat!
InterContinential Los Angeles
2151 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Maraming Salamat!
(Thanks a Lot)
Scott Allen
Brian Bellicourt
Giuliana Gonnella
Kelsey Harrison
Gail Romulo
NOTE: I was a guest of Mari Los Angeles.
I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions are strictly my own.
Photos by Jay Terauchi
unless noted.
Jay Eats Worldwide
(c) Jay Terauchi
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