Our Lunch Excursion at FOB Kitchen, 2025

Seven THD Residents along with Ted ( our Host/Organizer) and Sean ( our driver) had   lunch at FOB Kitchen- A well rated Filipino Restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland yesterday. It was a repeat gastronomic delight to some of us who were there last year. However, it was a gastronomic adventure for half of the Diners, since this was their first time to taste Filipino food. The menu at FOB is typical filipino cuisine not upscale compared to the Filipino restaurant in Lafayette ( Tropa).  https://www.tropaeats.com/

We dined Filipino style and shared an appetizer ( lumpia),  three main dishes, Pork adobo, Pancit sotanghon and Pork Sinigang💚. We have mango juice for drinks. At the end we have two desserts, suman( sticky rice) with mango slices and Turon ( banana fritters) with purple yam ice cream. With our dishes we have both garlic and just plain steamed rice. The cost was $40 each including tips. Here are photos of our lunch from FOB website below. 

Veggie Lumpia- Veggie lumpia, or lumpiang gulay, is a Filipino appetizer similar to a spring roll, consisting of julienned or cubed vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, sometimes mixed with other ingredients, and wrapped in a thin wrapper, then deep-fried until crispy. It is a vegetarian version of the more common lumpiang shanghai, which traditionally includes ground meat.

Pancit Sotanghon-Pancit sotanghon is a popular Filipino stir-fried noodle dish made with sotanghon (bean thread or glass noodles), with or without meat, and a variety of vegetables like cabbage and carrots, all seasoned with a savory broth and often finished with a squeeze of calamansi or lemon. The dish features thin, transparent noodles that absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, making it a flavorful and filling meal often served at gatherings or as a main dish.

Pork Adobo- Pork adobo is a classic and popular Filipino dish made by braising pork in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. The slow-cooking process tenderizes the pork, resulting in a tangy, salty, and savory dish with a rich, reduced sauce that is often served over steamed rice.

Pork Sinigang- Sinigang is a popular and iconic Filipino sour soup, traditionally flavored with tamarind and featuring a savory broth with various meats (like pork or shrimp) and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens. Its distinct sour taste is a fundamental characteristic of Filipino cuisine, and the soup is often served with steamed rice. While tamarind is the most common souring agent, other fruits and souring agents like guava, green mango, and calamansi can also be used. 

Suman ( sweet sticky rice) with mango slices- "Suman" is a traditional Filipino sticky rice cake . The Filipino suman is a sweet delicacy made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, then wrapped and steamed in leaves like banana or palm leaves, and is often eaten with sugar or coconut caramel sauce. 

  Turon ( banana fritters) and Ube ( purple yam) ice cream 

Turon is a sweet Filipino snack typically made from ripe saba bananas and/or jackfruit (langka), coated with brown sugar, and then rolled in a spring roll wrapper (lumpia wrapper) before being deep-fried until golden and crispy

The food was great as expected but ambiance was poor as there was a screaming baby near our table.  The background music was loud at first. I requested our Server to lower the back ground music. However, in general we had a grand time. Again, I want to thank Ted Treat (THD Activity Guru) who organized this lunch per my suggestion, several months ago.  I forgot to take pictures during our lunch, as I was busy enjoying my food. However, I took two photos before lunch and Ted took one(promised to send it to me-will add on later) during our lunch.  

The Seven THD Residents are: Jay P, Steve K, Rita R, Lee C, Andi S, and Anne L.and Me. 
  

💚 Sinigang was not voted the "best soup" by TasteAtlas in 2024, but it did rank #41 on their "100 Best Dishes in the World" list with a score of 4.51 out of 5. The Filipino sour soup was previously crowned the best soup in the world by TasteAtlas in 2021, but has not held that specific title since then. 

Details of the 2024 ranking: 

• Rank: Sinigang was ranked #41 out of the 100 best dishes in the world.
• Rating: It received a score of 4.51 out of 5.

Personal Note: I found it amusing and surprising that employees at FOB Kitchen do not speak Filipino ( Tagalog) at all. Our waiter speaks fluent English and Spanish. I am not sure about the Kitchen Crew ( they look more hispanic than Filipino).     

For Details about the Restaurant, visit:

https://www.fobkitchen.com/

Lastly,  Here are some memorable quotes about Filipino food—celebrated for capturing its essence, emotion, and cultural depth—from both iconic figures and cherished authors. Enjoy this flavorful journey through words, whether the creators are alive today or have passed on: Memorable Quotes by Notable Figures Doreen Fernandez (Filipino writer and culinary historian, 1934–2002): “Filipino cuisine is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the Filipino people. It’s about making the most of what’s available and turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.” Another gem from her: “Filipino cuisine is the best-kept secret of Asia.” Great Pinoy EatsBiyo POS Claude Tayag (Filipino chef, artist, and writer): “Each dish in Filipino cuisine is a love letter to our land, our people, and our shared heritage.” Great Pinoy Eats Jessica Soho (renowned Filipino journalist and TV host): “Filipino food is bold, colorful, and complex, just like the Filipino spirit. It’s a culinary journey that captivates the senses.” Great Pinoy Eats Marvin Gapultos (author and food influencer): “To understand the Filipino soul, one must taste the flavors of our cuisine—a blend of passion, tradition, and hospitality.” Great Pinoy Eats Margarita Fores (award-winning Filipino chef): “Filipino food is like a warm embrace, comforting and familiar yet endlessly surprising with its depth of flavor.” Great Pinoy Eats Anthony Bourdain (celebrated chef and global culinary storyteller): “Filipino food is different. It’s unique and entirely its own thing.” Biyo POS April Bloomfield (top U.S. restaurateur and chef): Predicted that Filipino cuisine would become “the next big thing,” praising its balance of flavors during a San Pellegrino event. TIME Carlo Lamagna (chef behind Portland’s Magna Kusina): Celebrates Filipino food through “precise and bold” dishes—honoring rich, sour notes of sinigang and pungent bagoong—and forging a space that feels like "a dinner party at home.” Food & Wine Playful Lines from Chef Boy Logro (Filipino TV chef): Known affectionately for the exclamations “Ping, ping, ping!” and “Yum, yum, yum!” Wikipedia Filipino Proverbs & Sayings That Reflect Culinary Wisdom These timeless proverbs may not be from specific celebrities, but they embody the philosophy of Filipino cooking and life: “Kapag may tinanim, may aanihin.” “If you plant something, you will harvest something.” Chef Earl Briones “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” “He who does not look back to where he came from will never reach his destination.” Chef Earl Briones “Bilog ang mundo, parang kawali.” “The world is round, like a pan.” Chef Earl Briones “Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.” “The fruit does not fall far from the tree.” Chef Earl Briones “Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.” “If you persevere, you will have stew.” Chef Earl Briones “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, masahol pa sa malansang isda.” Literally: “He who does not love his own language is worse than a smelly fish.” A witty reminder of the importance of heritage and identity. Chef Earl Briones From “Arsenic and Adobo” (Mia P. Manansala) Capturing deep emotion and identity through food: “I’ve never met people so enthusiastic about their food before.” Goodreads “In typical Filipino fashion, my aunt expressed her love not through words of encouragement or affectionate embraces, but through food. Food was how she communicated. Food was how she found her place in the world.” Goodreads Summary: Your Flavors, Your Stories Whether through the inspiring words of culinary enthusiasts like Doreen Fernandez or the practical—and deeply emotional—wisdom of Filipino proverbs, these quotes beautifully illustrate how Filipino food is interwoven with identity, heritage, creativity, and community. From the poetic to the playful, each line offers a taste of what makes our cuisine so uniquely resonant.  Here's my previous posting why Filipino Food is not as Popular as other Asian Foods.   https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/04/why-filipino-food-is-not-as-popular-as.html

Filipino Boodle Fight and Lunch Excursion to FOB

Did you know that the famous Filipino boodle fight began as a military tradition during the American colonial period? Soldiers of all ranks would gather around a long table lined with banana leaves, where rice, meats, and seafood were piled high for everyone to eat together kamayan-style (with bare hands).

By removing utensils and rank, the boodle fight became more than just a meal—it was a symbol of equality, camaraderie, and unity that has since become a beloved Filipino way of celebrating.

Meanwhile, here's your chance to enjoy Filipino food in a highly-rated restaurant in Oakland, FOB. Ted has finally scheduled this after my suggestion based on the response from THD Residents at our last year lunch excursion. For Details on last year lunch visit:  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/06/lunch-at-fob-kitchen-gastronomic-delight.html

For FOB Menu : https://www.fobkitchen.com/menu

Filipino Food is Best when Eaten Filipino Style ( Sharing)

If I remember last year: Sharing with 4, Approximate Cost

Appetizer ( 2 orders ) of Vegetable or Shanghai lumpia=26

Sinigang Na Baboy. ( 1 order ). ----------------------25

Pancit Sotanghon ( 2 orders) .................................................30

Dessert Turon and Suman..................................................... 24

Beverage Mango Ice tea ( 5 each)..........................................20

Bowls of Steamed Rices is 2 each ----------------------8

Total Approximate Cost------------------------------133

Plus $20 tip---------------------------------------------153

Divide by 4=$38 each approximately. 

You can order American Style If you wish ( No Sharing):

Finally, here are the top 12 Filipino Dishes

Filipino food is a diverse cuisine that combines indigenous flavors with influences from Spain, China, and America, resulting in a unique blend of salty, sour, sweet, and umami tastes. A staple of most meals is rice, served alongside dishes like Adobo (a vinegar-soy sauce stew), Sinigang (a sour soup), and Lechon (whole roasted pig). The cuisine emphasizes balance through contrasting flavors, textures, and a reliance on local ingredients like coconut, fish sauce, and a variety of tropical fruits.

Personal Note: I just read about the upscale Filipino Restaurant, Tropa Modern Filipino cuisine in Lafayette, CA. I looked at their menu, and I have hunger cravings for oxtail Kare-kare, ribs adobo and tortang talong as well as Turon for dessert. However the restaurant is only opened for dinner and Sunday Brunch only on Wed to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.     

 For Details visit the website: 

 

https://www.tropaeats.com/

Humba- One of My Favorite Pinoy Dish

💚I have Pinoy Food Cravings Today!

Origins: Humba is believed to have originated from the Chinese dish Hongshao Rou, introduced to the Philippines by Hokkien immigrants.

Flavor Profile: It's known for its sweet and savory taste, with a hint of tanginess. &

Key Ingredients: Common ingredients include fatty pork belly, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and fermented black beans (tausi).

Variations: Luzon humba often includes black beans, banana blossoms, or ripe saba bananas, while Visayan humba frequently includes whole peanuts.

Another Pinoy Dish I am craving for is Beef Bone Soup  ( Bulalo) with Vegetables.

💚Filipino cuisine is on the rise—ranked among the top global favorites and seeing a 50% surge in U.S. popularity, especially among Gen Z foodies. #Filipinosinthe6ix

Meanwhile, Did you know that.....

When Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis Omamalin helped create the pistachio-knafeh “Dubai chocolate,” it was TikTok that catapulted it into global fame - millions of views, endless cravings, and long lines just to grab a bite.

The viral buzz sparked countless copycats and remakes, with bakers and brands around the world racing to recreate the magic. Yet behind the trend was the original artistry: a Filipino chef whose creativity proved that one inspired recipe could set off a worldwide wave.

Today, Chef Nouel continues that momentum with his own line of sweets and a new book, showing that what began as a viral moment has left a lasting lesson in innovation, passion, and the power of food to inspire.

Finally, My Word and Quotes of the Day:

“The mind is everything.  What you think you become.”

Buddha

 

“The first wealth is health.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Radioactive Contamination of Imported Shrimps from Indonesia via Walmart

This posting is inspired from the recent news on on the Radioactive Contamination( Cs-137) on Imported Shrimps from Indonesia via Walmart. After reading this news, I immediately inquire from THD management if the Shrimps we consumed here daily at Newston's Restaurant is supplied by Walmart.  The answer is Negative.   In my previous article, I discussed the various sources of shrimps imports. Indonesia only supplies about 15% OF Shrimps consumption in the US. India is the number one supplier ( almost 50%). In the article below, I also wrote that THD ( Newton's  Restaurant) consumed from 50 to 75 lbs per week as estimated by Chef Joel Torres. Personally, I eat shrimps dishes almost every other day here at THD.     

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/04/where-does-us-get-most-of-its-shrimps.html

MySA

'No glow-in-the-dark seafood': San Antonio market laughs off radioactive shrimp

Today

El País

Walmart retira camarones por posible contaminación radiactiva

Today

People.com

Raw Shrimp Sold at Walmart Recalled for Possible Radioactivity

Yesterday

Here’s the latest update (as of August 21, 2025) regarding the possible radioactive contamination of imported breaded shrimp from Indonesia being sold at Walmart:

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What Has Happened So Far

1. Detection of Radioactive Contamination

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected cesium-137 (Cs-137)—a radioactive isotope—in shipping containers of frozen shrimp arriving from Indonesia at multiple ports (Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami) Southern LivingDelishU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationEl País.

• The FDA then tested one sample of breaded shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), confirming the presence of Cs-137 U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPopular MechanicsPeople.com.

2. Recall and Import Alert

• Even though no confirmed contaminated shrimp have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA recommended recallingother shrimp shipments from the same supplier as a precaution El PaísSouthern LivingU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationPeople.com.

• The FDA placed BMS Foods on a "red list", issuing an import alert (Import Alert #99-51 for chemical contamination) to block further imports until safety issues are resolved Southern LivingU.S. Food and Drug Administration.

3. Products and Locations Affected

• The recall includes three lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart, with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all carrying a best-by date of March 15, 2027 El PaísPeople.comU.S. Food and Drug Administration.

• Impacted states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia El PaísPeople.comU.S. Food and Drug Administration.

4. Health Risks

• Detected Cs-137 levels (~68 Bq/kg) were well below the FDA's Derived Intervention Level of 1200 Bq/kg, meaning they do not pose an immediate acute hazard U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPeople.com.

• However, the FDA emphasizes that prolonged, low-dose exposure to Cs-137 can increase the risk of long-term health effects, including cancer, due to cumulative cellular DNA damage U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPeople.com.

5. Walmart’s Actions

• Walmart has removed the affected products from its stores in the impacted regions, offered refunds, and is cooperating with the FDA and supplier to investigate further El PaísNew York PostAxiosMySA.

  
  

6. Ongoing Investigation

• The FDA investigation remains ongoing. The agency is working with CBP and Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to trace the root cause of contamination and ensure no further tainted shipments enter the U.S. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNew York PostSouthern Living.

7. Public Messaging and Responses

• In San Antonio, Groomer's Seafood Market made a lighthearted social media quip: "No glow-in-the-dark seafood here!" to reassure customers about the safety of their locally sourced Gulf shrimp MySA.

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Summary

• Key Concern: Detection of Cs-137 in a shipment of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia triggered a FDA advisory and recall of specific Great Value shrimp lots at Walmart.

• Consumer Alert: If you have Great Value frozen shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, or 8005539-1, best-by March 15, 2027, do not consume it—either dispose of it safely or return it for a refund.

• Current Status: No immediate health threat documented, but potential long-term risks warrant precautionary removal from circulation. Investigations and import bans remain in place.

  Meanwhile, here's a recipe of one of My Favorite Sauce:

  
  
  
  Finally, Did you Know that ........

  

  Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered that the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV)—a harmless virus that infects black-eyed peas can train the human immune system to attack cancer cells.
  When injected into a tumor, CPMV attracts immune cells to destroy the cancer and even creates long-term immune memory, helping the body fight cancer elsewhere.
  Proven in mice and pet dogs with spontaneous cancers. Safe, natural, and low-cost. Could revolutionize cancer treatment. Could this be the future of cancer immunotherapy?