Cover Photo: Instagram / Sava Beach Bar
Photo: Instagram / Sava Beach Bar
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Read on to find out where this writer and editor loves to eat, and what she misses about the Philippine culinary scene
Meet Vicki Abary-Farol. She used to in fact be a part of the Tatler family back in the day. As of late, she is a freelance writer and editor who dabbles in passion projects to do with culture, art and promoting the Philippines in her new home, San Francisco.
"I recently flew to Los Angeles to assist stylist Lorence Manansala with his first editorial photoshoot with photographer Kit Tran. I am also selling 100 per cent cotton, natural-dyed, hand-woven, and hand-embroidered scarves and masks made by the Tinguian tribespeople from Abra to not only support their livelihood but also to promote Philippine culture here in the US," she shares.
Vicki who has lived in the Philippines for most of her life went through a big change by relocating to LA with her husband and children; she has been there for around 13 months now. These days she is far from home, so we wondered what she missed most about the Philippines on the F&B front. Especially with the pandemic making travel much more challenging, we wanted to know what flavours of home Vicki was craving for and where she can't wait to visit when back on home turf.
What do you miss most on the food/drink front when you are away from The Philippines or haven’t been back for a while?
Restaurants in Manila are so used to having big groups dine in. What I miss the most is sharing a long meal with family or friends, one where we are the last people in the whole place and the staff has to ask us to leave!
What is the first dish you want to eat when you return, and where do you go for it?
When I get back to Manila, I cannot wait to eat Cirkulo’s sisig with garlic rice. It’s the best in town.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in the Philippines? For fine dining and for more casual experiences?
Fine dining: Antonio’s; Casual restaurants: Cirkulo.
See more: A Taste of Home: Designer James JJ Acuna Shares His Love For Filipino Food
If you have visitors/guests with you, where do you take them to ensure you give them a real taste of what the Philippines has to offer?
I bring visitors to enjoy amazing Filipino food! Manam for the sisig, palabok, and shakes; Milky Way Café for the fresh lumpiang ubod, sinigang, and halo-halo; Aristrocrat for the chicken or pork barbecue with java rice; or Via Mare for the pancit luglug, palitaw, and guinumis.
Where do you like to meet up with old friends for food/drinks?
In Manila, I meet up with old friends at Cirkulo, Wildflour, Brasserie Sagana, Mamou, Peking Garden, Harlan + Holden Glasshouse Café (which has since closed), or Rambla.
See more: A Taste Of Home: Yannick Crespo Co-Founder Of Pot d’Huile's Favourite Eats In The Philippines
Do you have a favourite bar and/or café in the Philippines?
I miss visiting SAVA Beach Bar in El Nido, Palawan, which has been temporarily closed since the start of the pandemic.
Any other must-visit food/drink spots when you are back?
Apt. 1B, Sala Bistro, People’s Palace, Kimpura, Cyma, Choi’s Garden, Tim Ho Wan, and Din Tai Fung. I especially miss my brother-in-law Jack’s home cooking, so a gourmet meal prepared by him at his and my sister is always top of the list.
Do you take any food or treats back home with you from the Philippines?
I take home cans and cans of Delimondo Corned Beef.
See more: A Taste Of Home: Australian-Filipino Food Writer Yasmin Newman's Top Dining Spots In The Philippines
Where do you go to find authentic flavours of home where you live?
I am lucky enough to live in a city that offers all kinds Filipino food. We order from Manila Express, Fil-Am Cuisine, Jeepsilog, or even visit Via Mare, or Jollibee.
See more: A Taste Of Home: Cheryl Tiu-Snyder’s Favourite Places To Eat In The Philippines
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About
Isabel loves to learn, and see things from different perspectives. Connecting with people and engaging in new experiences to broaden her horizons is what inspires this storyteller, keeping her constantly curious, and excited for what's to come. An absolute love for all things F&B ignited a hunger to devour content from this world and keeps her jumping into tasty adventures around the globe. From the beauty of simple bites, to nuanced fine dining tasting menus, street food, and the art of entertaining, the multi-faceted nature of the dining experience is something she can't get enough of. A good cup of coffee or a glass of wine paired with a dash of witty conversation is a quick way to win her over. This editor loves travelling, food, music, skincare, fitness, and is only friends with people who love dogs. Guilty pleasure?: Binge-watching TV shows and movies she has already seen.
Work
Concept creation is the name of the game and branding takes centre stage in Isabel's day-to-day schedule. From producing shoots, conceptualising bespoke projects for our partners, relationship management, to cooking up features and events for Tatler Dining, this editor is a tried and tested foodie at heart. She mainly writes content for Tatler Dining, engaging in captivating discussions with restaurateurs, chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts to tell must-know stories. Aside from that Isabel manages Tatler Dining's flagship events like Off Menu, or Cocktail Festival and puts together the Tatler Dining Guide, our annual listing of the best eats around town.
Follow her on Instagram @isabelvmf.
