14-15 DEC: A TASTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

We’re delighted to welcome Mahal Kita to host the next Open Weekend Showcase on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December, 12pm until 4pm.

NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED

You’ll recognise their astounding flower arrangements decked across Margate, but this is the first time Mahal Kita founder, Anthony, will share their food story with the trainees at The Perfect Place to Grow.

Anthony says: “Mahal Kita means "I love you" in Tagalog. I use it in my business as an homage to my heritage, but I also view it as a reminder to infuse love into (almost) everything I do.

Growing up, the act of creating in the kitchen was integral to the foundation of what family means to me. My Filipino mother instilled a (verging on) aggressive sense of hospitality in our household, with a full table and a revolving door of family, friends, waifs, strays, and "fake" aunties.

Hospitality among Filipinos is no joke; you will be fed, nourished, listened to, and made to feel welcome. My love of food comes from this idea — that at the table, we are all welcome. The food brings us together.

I’m truly excited and honored to share my take on hospitality and Filipino food with The Perfect Place to Grow. I believe we can sometimes get caught up in the seriousness of cooking while seeking a form of perfection. However, perfection is overrated if it’s not fun.

Filipino food comes from the heart; it’s unpretentious, practical, and always feels like home.”

THE MENU included chicken and vegetarian adobo with rice. This is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, with an umami soy and vinegar sauce. Get Lumpia Shanghai, Filipino style pork or vegetarian spring-rolls with Filipino style spiced vinegar “sawsawan” on the side.

Dessert will be Maja Blanco coconut pudding or Karioka vegan fried sweet rice balls.

No reservations needed - just turn up!