Cultural Cuisine at Cosmo FILIPINO TAIL-TO-SNOUT TAKES. BY JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON
H
ot dogs? Brats? We love ‘em. Your kids love them. They’re the stars of the backyard family barbecue. Just don’t ask what’s in them or watch them being
made. You’ve always heard that. Recently a friend put me to that test. She invited Cheryl and me to her family picnic. Three dozen people gathered at a Cosmo Park pavilion after church, as they do every Sunday. Family members and friends look forward to the camaraderie. And the food. Mama always prepares a lavish feast, crowned by recipes from her native Philippines. I was intrigued and ready for the challenge. On this day a welcome breeze wafted gently through the pavilion, stirring the aromas from a picnic table packed with two dozen dishes, maybe more, lovingly prepared. Some foods were recognizable. Others were a mystery. Cheryl and I each took a plate and started down the line. Every dish looked and smelled wonderful. I spooned a helping of the first dish and asked mama, “I’ll tell you after you eat it.” Next dish. “What’s in it?” “I’ll tell you after you eat it.”
38 INSIDE COLUMBIA SEPTEMBER 2021
PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON
“What’s this?”
