Houston – As Filipino Food Month kicks off, Be More Pacific, a Filipino restaurant in The Heights, is set to entice taste buds with a Kamayan Feast led by esteemed chef Harold Villarosa on April 9.
A Kamayan is an epic feast served communal style. It features seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, and garlic rice served on banana leaves. In Tagalog, Kamayan means “by hand” — and refers to how the meal is eaten.
“Unkle Harold,” as he’s affectionately known, was born and raised in the Philippines. He moved to the South Bronx at the age of nine where he discovered his love for food while working at McDonald’s. His dedication eventually led him to be affiliated with several Michelin-starred restaurants, win second place in Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, and advocate for food justice through his non-profit Insurgo Project.
Chef Harold appeared on Houston Life alongside Giovan Cuchapin, co-owner of Be More Pacific. They showcased delicious Ginataang Alimango, a crab cooked in coconut sauce, and Pancit Bihon a vegetable stir fry with glass noodles.
Chef Harold shared the Pancit recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 8.8-ounce package of Thai Vermicelli rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 3 diced green onions
- kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste
Directions:
- Soak noodles according to package directions.
- Prep vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large sauté pan.
- Add yellow onion, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Cook 3-5 minutes.
- Add cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
- Cook 3-5 minutes or until vegetables have softened.
- Add noodles to vegetable mixture.
- Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
Be More Pacific offers traditional Filipino fare and bar bites. The restaurant’s commitment to authentic Filipino flavors, combined with Chef Villarosa’s innovative techniques, promises a dining experience that celebrates Filipino cuisine.
If you cannot make it to the Kamayan Kollab, the restaurant hosts Kamayans upon request. You just need a part of eight or more people.