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Vienna, known for its classical music, rich history, and culinary delights, recently witnessed a unique cultural event that added a new flavor to its vibrant tapestry. A Filipino cook team in the heart of Austria’s capital orchestrated the city’s first-ever boodle fight event, bringing the taste and tradition of the Philippines to an enthusiastic audience.
Lorelei’s Pan, a group of five Austro-Filipinos with a Bosnian friend, staged a boodle fight event for the first time in Vienna at “Your Kitchen,” Wipplingerstrasse, 1010 Vienna.
What is a Boodle Fight?
Camille Sable, manager of Lorelei’s Pan and probably the first Austro-Filipino to finish Master Confectioner, explained the origin of Boodle Fight.
“A boodle fight is a Filipino military-style feast where food is served on long tables covered with banana leaves. Diners eat with their hands, and the spread typically includes a variety of Filipino dishes such as grilled fish, pork, chicken, rice, and an array of tropical fruits and vegetables. This communal eating practice symbolizes camaraderie, equality, and shared experiences, reflecting the spirit of Filipino hospitality,” Camille explained.
The Team Behind the Event
The event was organized by Lorelei’s Pan, a dedicated group of Filipino food enthusiasts who have made it their mission to introduce Filipino cuisine to the Viennese culinary scene. With the guidance of chef-cook Paul Joel Pimentel, the team aims to establish itself as an innovative team focusing on traditional Filipino dishes.
“Lorelei’s Pan had been established in 2022. We produced mainly pastries and bakeries, especially the ensamadas and Philippine desserts, which I also combined with Austrian pastries and bakeries. During an event catering last year for small and big companies, we thought to combine pastries and bakeries with culinary foods, but the problem was that we did not have a chef. But at the beginning of May, we found Paul Joel as our head chef,” Camille Sable explained.
The team includes PJ Pimentel as Chef Cook, Lorelei’s Pan Manager, Camille Sable, her husband, Mark Doroteo-Sable, Lester Villanueva (Social Media and Content Creator), Abigael Villanueva, and Klaudia Pendic.
When asked how the team ensures hygiene during a boodle fight, Chef Cook PJ Pimentel maintains that cleanliness is observed in his kitchen and, naturally, in the food they serve.
“I assure you that hygiene is very much observed during the boodle fight. Every guest has a pile of food. I believe that some people are introverted, and they are not that open compared to other people. That is why we try to keep it separate and give gloves to eat, but most people want a real experience. So they ate without gloves or utensils, which made us very happy,” chef PJ Pimentel said.
Event: A Culinary and Cultural Extravaganza
The boodle fight event attracted a diverse crowd of Filipinos and Austrians eager to experience this unique aspect of Filipino culture. The long tables, meticulously lined with banana leaves, were laden with colourful and aromatic dishes. From rice, noodles, and fried fish to lumpia (spring rolls), the spread was a gastronomic delight, showcasing Filipino cuisine’s richness.
An Interactive and Engaging Experience
Mark Doroteo Sable, a team member, contends that the boodle fight reflects a significant Filipino value. “The boodle fight was not just about food; it was an immersive cultural experience. Participants were encouraged to eat with their hands, an integral part of the tradition, fostering a sense of unity and breaking down social barriers,” Doroteo-Sable said.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The success of the Boodle fight has paved the way for more cultural events at Lorelei’s Pan. The team plans to host regular boodle fights and other Filipino-themed events to continue promoting their rich cultural heritage. Chef PJ Pimentel expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
The Filipino cook team’s first boodle fight event in Vienna was a resounding success. It offered a delicious and authentic slice of Filipino culture to the participants. It was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the joyous spirit of the Philippines. As the aroma of Filipino cuisine lingers in Vienna, one can only anticipate more such vibrant cultural exchanges in the future.
- Hector Pascua/picture: Steven Pascua
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