It almost feels as if the country’s faith is being tested, with a supertyphoon immediately following a super earthquake, and the casualty statistics hitting not only hundreds but the tens of thousands.
But out of these tests of faith come a generosity of spirit that brings the nation together and makes us stronger. In helping Cebu and Bohol rise from the effects of the earthquake; and Tacloban, Ormoc, Aklan, Mindoro and all other affected provinces and cities rise from the aftermath of the wrath of “Yolanda,” there is no divide between government and private citizen, among religions, or people of different social standing. We come together as a people to help.
Culture for a cause
The foodie world has also come together to contribute its share. Here are a few culinary causes to take note of for the benefit of victims of Yolanda, in case you would like to participate:
1. Adarna Food and Culture Restaurant will be hosting “Kundiman,” a cultural night and dinner with an all-Visayan menu by chef Giney Villar, for the benefit of earthquake and Yolanda victims on Nov. 29, Friday.
Kundiman songs, especially Visayan classics like “Usahay” and “Matud Nila,” will be sung live by a coloratura soprano during dinner. Details will be posted on the resto’s Facebook page (search Adarna Food and Culture Restaurant). Adarna is on Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City. Call tel. nos. 9268712 or 0917-9618113 for reservations.
2. Burgers & Brewskies at Burgos Circle, BGC donated 100 percent of its proceeds last Nov. 11. Sarsa, a new Ilonggo restaurant also at BGC, donated its entire proceeds last Nov. 12. Yabu and Pino Restaurant did the same yesterday, Nov. 13. Hope other restaurants follow suit!
3. In the United States, master bartender Francis Balbarin donated 100 percent of his income last Nov. 11 from NYC’s Dave & Busters in Times Square to add to the donation from Burgers & Brewskies, showing that everyone can help in their own small way.
Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan’s Purple Yam in Brooklyn is hosting a fundraising brunch from Nov. 17 to 24 for $40 per plate. If you will be in New York or are already there, make your way to Brooklyn. Call Purple Yam at 718-9408188 to reserve.
4. Various restaurateurs, food vendors, entrepreneurs and micropreneurs have joined the unified effort from the food community to help the Red Cross. The participating establishments have pledged 20 percent of their sales on Nov. 16-17 to be donated directly to the Red Cross.
Among the participating restaurants are Burger Bar, Carmen’s Best Ice Cream, Chez Karine, Cue, Everybody’s Café, Kasbah Restaurant, Mr. Delicious (which organized this particular campaign), My Big Fat Greek Kouzina, Nomama Artisanal Ramen, Old Swiss Inn and Pino Restobar. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit margauxlicious.com.
Benefit dinners
5. Benefit dinners are being organized by some members of the food community. Enjoy a four-course dinner (depending on the night) for P1,500 at the venues listed below (note that the events will start at 6 p.m. because the organizers will also have speakers on climate change). Mark your calendars:
Nov. 17 at Gustare (W Tower, 39th St., BGC) with lovely pastry chef Ginny Roces de Guzman and Wildflour Cafe + Bakery chef Allen Juico Buhay.
Nov. 18 at The Visayan Room (Valero Street, beside XO46 Heritage Bistro) with Sandee Masigan and chef Ramon Antonio. Call 5536635 to 32 for reservations.
Nov. 20 at the private residence of the Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber (11 Pili Road, Forbes Park, Makati City). E-mail [email protected] or [email protected].
7. SM Foundation has donated 4,000 food packs for Ormoc victims and is also launching a relief drive for Ormoc, Cebu and other affected areas. The public can help sustain this effort by donating food packs worth P150 at any SM Supermarket nationwide or by donating P10 for bottled water at any Tulong Express Booth in all SM malls nationwide.
The great thing about this effort is, you can specify to SM which city you want your packed food to go. If you want to donate to Ormoc and Northern Cebu, for example, you can tell the cashier and SM will ensure that the goods reach the victims in these areas.
8. Friday is a good day to eat! On Nov. 15, Friday, chef Robby Goco’s Green Pastures (4/F East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza mall), will donate all its sales proceeds to Yolanda victims. Cyma, another Goco creation with branches in Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood Mall, Greenbelt, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center, will also donate all proceeds on this day to typhoon victims.
9. Coffee and dessert for a cause. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is donating 100 percent of proceeds from its newly opened SM Jazz Residences branch from Nov. 11 to 17 to typhoon victims. GoNuts Donuts is donating all sales proceeds on Nov. 18, Monday.
10. Last year, the Lifestyle Network hosted the hit food festival Around the World in 80 Plates. This year, the project returns, but this time, it’s Around the Philippines in Small Plates. This will be on Nov. 22, Friday, 7 p.m at the NBC Tent. Tickets sell for P1,500, and the chefs participating include the best of the best: the Inquirer’s Sandy Daza, Margarita Fores, chef Hylton le Roux of “Market to Master,” chef Jessie Sincioco, among others.
The beneficiary of this project is the I Can Serve Foundation founded by Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala and Bettina Osmeña, but event curator Cyrene dela Rosa said they will also be accepting donations specifically for Yolanda victims. Tickets for this event are usually sold out within a day, but if by chance some back out, call the I Can Serve hotline 6355578 to secure slots.
Don’t let your calories go to waste. If you will be eating out anyway, go to these places that will also lend a helping hand. Now that’s pleasure without the guilt.
