Anthology on food launched over delicious food

Anthology on food launched over delicious food

Nastasha Ali

Toronto Book launch of The New Filipino Kitchen

It was supposed to be a dinner and book signing in a restaurant that Natasha Ali had hoped for the Toronto launching of the anthology, The New Filipino Kitchen, Stories and Recipes from Around the Globe, of which she is one of the contributing authors.

However, as soon as the event was announced, interested book and food lovers signified attending, easily resulting in a Sold Out announcement in the digital invite circulated in social media. Two dinners and book signing events were thus organized that night, one after the other, by Islas Filipino BBQ and Bar on Queen St. West to accommodate the interested guests.

Filipino-Canadian Writers and Journalists Network (FC-WJNet) and guests

It was a successful launch, by all indications, with a program where Nastasha read from her contributed piece, Every Sunset, where she gets to share her special recipe for pancit palabok.

The anthology, edited by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, with impressive photography by Rowena Dumlao-Guardina, features stories that share “memories and epiphanies accessed through Filipino food,” in the words of the editor. It includes contributions from around the world, including that of Cristeta “Chris” Comerford, the White House executive chef.
Then there was a panel discussion on Filipino food and culture, as guests enjoyed their dinner, especially prepared by Islas owners and chef Marc and Mariel Buenaventura.

Book signing and socializing among guests and catching conversations with Ali and the panelists followed, with some pictorials to capture the joyous occasion.

Asked to comment on the launch, Ali says: “I’m happy with how the launch went and glad for the opportunity to celebrate Fiipino Heritage Month with an incredibly supportive community. Over delicious Filipino food, of course.”– M.A.G.

Book launch panelists with Nastasha Ali (right).
(2 Photos: HG)