This Kapampangan chef has found a home away from home as he takes with him the flavors of Pampanga to The Monarch Hotel in Calasiao in Pangasinan.
As the hotel’s guest chef from June 10 to 14, Garcia will be preparing a fusion of European and Filipino dishes using the local ingredients of Pangasinan cooked the Kapampangan way.
Over lunch with the Pangasinan media on Monday, Garcia showcased his version of Ilocano’s famous Dinengdeng topped with Duck Confit, Vigan Longganisa Seafood Paella, Baked Fish, GenSan Tuna Watermelon Ceviche topped with Ibe Paro Feta Cheese, Bangus Au Gratin, Garcia Tabang Talangka (Crab Paste) Pasta drizzled with Truffle oil, Hasselback Potato, Ube Sampelot Pie, and Puto Calasiao Truffle.
During the media conference, Garcia said he brought with him his childhood comfort food Sampelut or Bilo-Bilo in Tagalog, a Kapampangan merienda favorite made of glutinous rice balls, tubers, banana, jackfruit and boiled with coconut milk.
“Kapag niluluto ko ang mga nakalakihan kong pagkain, parang nasa Pampanga pa rin ako at kasama ko ang nanay ko sa pagluluto,” Garcia disclosed to the mediamen. He shared that his mom was his first mentor and critic since he started cooking at the age of ten.
Meanwhile, Garcia extended his gratitude to Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I Director Martin Valera, DOT-Region III Director Carolina Uy and The Monarch Hotel General Manager Maria Thelma Valdepenas for this collaboration.
“Everyone is welcoming, every corner is elegant, the chefs are great and food at Cafe Cristoforo is superb. It is an honor cooking for the people of Pangasinan and I will bring home these great experiences to my fellow Cabalens,” Garcia exclaimed.
Catch the Independence Day buffet offering of The Monarch Hotel, the first classic European inspired hotel in North Luzon happening this June 10 to 14. Come and enjoy a world-class dining experience only at P999 per head.
The Monarch Hotel is located along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Miguel, Calasiao, Pangasinan. For reservations, email at [email protected] or call at 09777535255/ (075) 637 7770.