Filipino culinary showdown in San Francisco Jan. 21

Filipino cuisine will take center stage in San Francisco, California as six Filipino American chefs compete for the top prize at the second Kulinarya: A Filipino Culinary Showdown.   The cook-off, which will be held on January 21, will pit three chefs each in the Amateur and Professional categories, where they must prepare:

• a starter course (appetizer or soup),
• their own version of adobo,
• a second entree of their choice, and
• a Filipino dessert.

  Qualifying for the Professional division are: Albert Rivera, Kristela Mendoza, and Tim Luym. The Amateurs, meanwhile, are: Gloria Ramos, Jerrick Figueroa, and Arlene Nuñez.   The competition will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Carnelian by the Bay Restaurant in One Ferry Plaza. It will be hosted by the Philippine Consulate General, together with:

• the Filipino American Arts Exposition,
• Philippine Department of Tourism, and
• Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.

The event will also feature a "special cook-off" using the Philippine Pili Nut, which is open to the public.   Attendees will get to taste Filipino delicacies in the Food Tasting Showcase, where several Filipino restaurants, gourmet food trucks, and caterers will be present. Those interested may buy their food coupons ($20 per packet) online at kulinarya2.eventbrite.com.   For more information -- or to sign up for the Pili Nut competition -- contact the organizers at(415) 956-4060 or pdotsf@aol.com - Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, VVP, GMA News