Filipino Cuisine Shines Bright in Abaca’s Celebration of Filipino American Culture | Eater SF

"An ambitious Filipino American History Month series turns this San Francisco restaurant into a weeklong showcase for the country’s cuisine, with four events running Saturday, October 18 through Friday, October 24. Things kick off with a brunch featuring chef-owner Francis Ang alongside Monique Feybesse (Tarts de Feybesse), Jade Cunningham (Carabao), and Andre Casper (Roline’s), paired with a marketplace of Filipino makers at the Kimpton Alton Hotel, where the restaurant is located. Follow-up dinners include a pulutan night—Filipino drinking food—offering small bites and cocktails by a team including Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo (Señor Sisig), Ej Macayan (Ox & Tiger), Kevin Diedrich (Pacific Cocktail Haven), Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya in Orlando), and Carlo Lamagna (Magna Kusina in Portland); and a festive kamayan feast where guests eat with their hands at a styled table, featuring Harold Villarosa (the Peach), Deanna Sison (Mestiza), Melvin Reyes (Mano Modern Cafe in Chicago), and Melissa Miranda (Musang and Kilig in Seattle). The final Paubaya dinner—“to entrust,” a nod to a tasting menu—is led by Ang with Paolo Dunca (Kayu in Washington, D.C.) and Ellie Estrada (Nisei). The series doubles as a fundraiser, with each meal benefiting groups such as Filipino Food Movement, SOMA Pilipinas, Bayanihan Equity Center, and Sentro Filipino. Ang says the goal is to “make a statement,” educate diners who may be new to Filipino food, and build momentum for the cuisine; reservations for all events are available on OpenTable." - Dianne de Guzman