Filipino Test Kitchen Dinner Series

Maharlika in New York

This test kitchen series was a total blast! Co-owners Chef Miguel Trinidad and Nicole Poseca welcomed us with open arms and an incredible music playlist that made these events feel incredibly warm and comfortable. Chef Miguel and Nicole shared so many stories with us, but we particularly enjoyed learning about the restaurant's inception. Somehow they were able to build NYC's preeminent Filipino culinary empire with just $10,000 and a Dominican chef who had zero experience cooking Filipino food. With respect to the food, we really enjoyed being Chef Miguel's guinea pigs, and giving him feedback on the new recipes he picked up on their recent trip to Manila. Not every course was a winner, but the ones that were successful were majorly so. That's what this event was all about; letting Chef Miguel know which of his new dishes we think he should put on the menus of Maharlika and Jeepney, and which ones he shouldn't. Below are the top 3 courses of each event as rated by attendees on their feedback cards:

 

DAY 1

1st Place: Itlog - deviled egg with smoked milkfish and tobiko 

2nd Place: Pancit Bihon Negra - squid ink noodles with crab, kalamansi, and tarragon cream

3rd Place: Suman - twice cooked rice balls with guava

 

DAY 2

1st Place: Suman - twice cooked rice balls with guava

2nd Place: Itlog - deviled egg with smoked milkfish and tobiko 

3rd Place: Pancit Bihon Negra - squid ink noodles with crab,  kalamansi, and tarragon cream