Philippine Showbiz Today Vol 13 No 23 | Page 12

12 Philippine Showbiz Today December 8 - 21, 2018 Cover Story Philippine Consulate launches Filipino Cookbook Congratulations to Author/Editor Jacqueline Chio-Lauri on her kitchen book. The launch was hosted by The Philippine Consulate last December 3 at Herbs and Spices Café in Vancouver. (L- R) Natasha Alli from Toronto, CA, guest writer, Chef Allan Pineda, CA, from Winnipeg, MLA Mable Elmore, Consul General Maria Andrelita S. Austria, author/editor Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, Minister of State for Trade George Chow and Ambassador Petronila Garcia. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver sponsored the launching of the first Filipino anthology of cooking called “The New Filipino Kitchen” on Decem- ber 3rd. Consul General Maria Andre- lita Austria and her team led the launch in Downtown  Vancouver at the Herbs and Spices Cafe.  Guests of honour were Philippine Ambassador to Canada  Petronila Garcia, MLA Mable Elmore and Minister of Trade George Chow.  Deputy Consul Arlene Mag- no emceed the event, and was graced by two of the contributing writers in the book, who also read excerpts from their pieces. Chef Allan Pineda from Win- nipeg, shared his humble begin- nings of having fried chicken and rice packed in tin foil as his baon, and eating it cold in front of his friends with his hands. Pineda and his wife are restaurant owners in Winnipeg, Manila Nights, and were finalists in Western Living’s 2017 Foodies of the Year award. Another contributor, Natasha Alli from Toronto, spoke about her love of pansit palabok, and how that was her special treat for her eighteenth birthday. She is not a cook but is an avid fan of Filipino food. Agriculture Attache Josyline Javelosa read an excerpt from the piece by Chef Cristeta Comerford, the well-known Filipina chef at The White House. The book’s author and edi- tor Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, also shared her experiences in the ho- tel industry in Dubai where she started her career, as well as the impetus of the book as a tribute to her grandmother, whose bu- langlang or sinigang na bangus sa bayabas, is very memorable for her family.  She signed books and entertained guests after the readings.  Matte Laurel, owner of Herbs and Spices Cafe, a Filipino fusion cafe in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, led a demonstration of the adobo recipe from the book with her two executive chefs Consul Arlene T. Magno Matte Laurel, owner of Herb and Spices Cafe introducing chefs Nelly and Charlie and the staff With UFCABC Pres.Joel Castillo & Jefferson Tan With Matte Laurel and Evelyn Victoria The author with Remy Bello Hong Charlie Lopez and Nelia Pin- gol Lopez, who were part of the opening team at Seasons in the Park, Sharks Club, Cardero’s, Tea House and Hotel Georgia.  A delicious sampling of ado- bo, quesadilla, chicken barbeque, the guests.● bangus ceviche, and cassava cake, all recipes from the book, Photos by Janice Lozano and was served to the guests.Top Reyfort Media notch entertainers Ed and Salve Dayao were present to entertain