New Book on Modern & Classic Philippine Cuisine Underway

Revolutionary Book on Modern Philippine Style Fine Dining Underway
Expressions of Interest Now Being Accepted

by David Rea

Through a chance encounter at a talent contest in Sydney, I met Marx Canoy for the third time and casually asked him, knowing that he was a chef, if it was possible to make Filipino food look presentable in the same way as Japanese and French cuisine. He said it was! But it was only later when I saw his food pictures that not only was it possible but the presentation could probably even surpass those other examples.

Thus, the idea for a new book on this subject has been hatched!

Expressions of interest from potential sponsors and advertisers, individuals and concerned groups are now being accepted to fund the publication of this revolutionary book about modern Philippine style fine dining.

The book is co-authored by Marx Canoy, currently the talented Sous Chef at Vibe Hotel's Rushcutter's Bay branch in Sydney and Maria Rea, journalist, food writer and columnist for Ang Kalatas Australia. The two are presently finishing their manuscript being prepared and edited by Ms. Rea. It aims to present dishes and foods using traditional Philippine recipes and cooking methods the modern way- dishes which are not just tasty but visually appealing and healthy using freshly sourced ingredients from the locale, specifically those readily available in Sydney as both authors are based in this city.

The book is expected to be published in the middle of next year, in time for the Philippine Independence Day celebrations as they dedicate their work to their Motherland, the Philippines which has emerged from its struggles as a long colonised nation to a democratic island full of promise as its global citizens shine and still look to their roots for inspiration. This sentiment is shared both by Mr. Canoy and Ms.Rea who both have great interest in fine food and Filipino food which they believe can be both.

While they are full of flavour most of the time, it has been often said that Filipino dishes are unattractive, unhealthy and
unappetising. The book debunks this belief and will tantalise the most conservative Filipino cook or chef as it transcends boundaries- using basic Filipino cuisine but fusing other types of cooking in some preparation methods and presentation. Ordinary Filipinos are also the main target readers of this book so they will take pride in sharing their cuisine to the world.

If one goes to a typical food court in a shopping centre in any suburb or city in Sydney alone, Filipino restaurants or take away shops are not generally part of the mainstream society being patronised by the locals. They are often based in areas usually frequented by the Filipino Australians like those in Main Street in Blacktown or other suburbs in this city with a growing number of Filipino residents like Doonside, Mt. Druitt, Rooty Hill, etc. A few are near train stations in St.Mary's and other suburbs mostly west of the greater Sydney region as far as Campbelltown and Liverpool. A few are Filipino restaurants are in Northern Sydney like in Dee Why or near the city of Sydney.

The dishes Canoy and Rea have come out with are those at par with other international cuisines like typical western cooking or popular Asian foods which are already enjoying worldwide support. With their book, the two authors are passionate to share their tested dishes which they have already been serving to their consumers, friends and relatives. Ms Rea who has travelled to Europe, United States of America, Canada, Middle East and many other Asia Pacific countries mostly via luxury cruising is optimistic that their book will be well received not only by ordinary Filipinos but many food lovers!

Mr. Canoy has also worked as chef for the famed Sofitel Hotel group of companies with one of its restaurants being given the coveted two Michelin stars. He also serves as Events Chef at ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and accepts catering jobs for private parties.

For more details and how to be a part of this exciting project, please contact marierea@tpg.com.au

Ang Kalatas Australia headed by Millie Phillips has promised to support this exciting and valuable project.