Day 91: Kasama, Chicago, Illinois
📌APIA Every Day (91) - Kasama, located in Chicago, Illinois, stands as the first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the United States. Its name, the Tagalog word meaning "together" or "partner," symbolized the fusion of Filipino culinary traditions and French pastries, and the partnership between owners Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Situated in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood, near where Flores's parents first settled upon arriving in the States, Kasama opened its doors on July 29, 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the restaurant offered a diverse menu featuring Filipino delicacies such as kare-kare and mushroom adobo, alongside delectable pastries like croissants and ube basque cake.
Flores, with roots in Chicago and family ties to Imus, Cavite, Philippines, and Kwon, a Korean native born in New Orleans, met while working at the Bib Gourmand restaurant GT Fish & Oyster in Chicago. Their shared goal in opening Kasama was to make Filipino cuisine more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. Flores aims to elevate Filipino cuisine while staying true to its roots, dispelling stereotypes about it being cheap or overwhelming.
Kasama's recognition as the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant is seen as a significant milestone in the rise of Filipino cuisine globally. Flores and Kwon aspire to popularize Filipino food, emphasizing its ability to bring people together and provide customers with a sense of a home away from home. They hope to inspire more chefs to explore and innovate within Filipino cuisine while maintaining its authenticity. Through their food, Flores and Kwon preserve Filipino heritage which empowers the Filipino community.
For Flores and Kwon, the privilege of cooking for others is a source of joy and fulfillment, especially when they witness the emotional impact their food has on their patrons. They view their work as a way to honor their heritage and give back to their community, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the culinary world. Kasama was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Best New Restaurant in 2022.
LEARN MORE:
Michelin Guide: Together with Kasama, the World's First MICHELIN-Starred Filipino Restaurant
James Beard Foundation: Best New Restaurant (Presented by BentoBox)
Better Magazine: 10 Must-Try Chicago Restaurants That Have Opened in 2020
CHICAGO: The Perfect Order at Kasama
Robb Report: Best Chefs of the Year: Genie Kwon and Tim Flores of Chicago’s Kasama
#apiaeveryday #filipino #filipnoamerican #filipinohistory #filipinofood #chicago #kasama #illinois #michelinrestaurant #aapihistory #filipinobusiness
