WRITTEN BY FRANCESA JANA SANTIAGO

When there is rice, there is life.

For Asians, this is a mantra to live by. Other than possessing multiple health benefits, rice is a deliciously versatile food that’s present and varies throughout a hundred cultures. You’re sure to find it in sushi, congees, puddings and risottos—and in Filipino cuisine, it is served from breakfast, lunch to dinner as either sour, sweet, bitter or savory. Even in the country’s pre-colonial times, rice was such a vital commodity that it has inspired traditions that are sometimes steeped with mysticism. This is what prompted Chef Earl Briones to host his dinner series Rice & Mysticism, which dives deeper into the various histories and cultures all of which is brought together by rice.

For nearly 20 years, he has worked hard in the hospitality sector, from food trucks to gourmet dining, gaining awards and sharing his methods of combining history and food together. He was recently a Featured Creator in The Filipino in Me - Insights into Living Heritage Gallery and prior to that, he appeared on Food Network’s Fire Masters Season 3. Additionally, he works with Make-A-Wish Canada in assisting youths with cooking-related interests. As both a Kapampangan and a former anthropology student, Chef Earl was able to find a balance between tradition and creativity; with Rice & Mysticism he hopes to inspire people to look further into Philippine culture and present Filipinx food using alternative techniques from the originals.

What many do not know is that in Filipino culture, most ingredients are versatile. Rice alone can come in the form of side dishes in meals like the silogs or sweetened snacks such as kakainin (sticky rice cakes) or ampaw (puffed rice). Taking this as inspiration, casual dining restaurant Filistix Downtown and Chef Earl have partnered up on this six-course dinner that will showcase this flexibility, with rice as their unifying element. The three-week restaurant takeover will explore the traditions and flavors of pre-colonial Philippines through a crafted menu by Chef Earl himself. Learn more about Rice and Mysticism below:

Show dates: January 11-14, 18-21, 25-29
Show schedules: 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM

Pricing: 

• $85 / Person

• $160 / 2 People

• $300 / 4 People

There are a limited number of tickets available each night. Book your seats now at the official Filistix website.