Ambassador MaryKay Carlson joins Culinary Advocates in Reimagining Filipino Heirloom Dishes with California Raisins

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined James Beard Award-winning food content producer Erwan Heussaff and renowned chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano in preparing a four-course menu to showcase traditional Filipino dishes paired with the premium quality and versatility of California raisins.

“Our shared love for food brings Filipinos and Americans closer together. It’s an honor to be among such talented and passionate culinary champions to celebrate the richness and diversity of Philippine cuisine,” said Ambassador Carlson during the media event held on July 8 at Offbeat Bistro, a newly opened modern-retro Filipino restaurant in Makati City. “California raisins provide sweetness, flavor, and texture that perfectly complement traditional Filipino dishes.”

Ambassador Carlson joined Mr. Heussaff in preparing the main dish, “Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce,” pairing the richness of seared steak with a sauce made from talong, or eggplant—a staple in Pinoy households—elevated by the natural sweetness of California raisins. Mr. Heussaff also presented an appetizer featuring malasugi, the local term for swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a California raisins tapenade.

Chef Comsti’s recipe featured bacoco, a local term for sea bream, paired with a kusido-style California raisins sauce inspired by the traditional Filipino stew known for its rich, slow-cooked flavors. For dessert, Chef Baldosano reimagined sorbetes, the iconic Filipino-style ice cream traditionally sold from street carts, using milk and California raisins, accompanied by a crisp milk tuile and bold burnt raisin oil.

The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

California raisins are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. They are a versatile ingredient that enhances savory dishes and adds sweetness to desserts, making them a perfect complement to Filipino cuisine.

In 2024, the Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest global market for California raisin exports, totaling Php522.5 million ($9.5 million). During this year, the United States was the leading exporter of raisins to the Philippines, with an 80 percent market share.