Celebrating Filipino-American History Month

An Ube Bakeoff, a lambanog cocktail competition, Filipino Bloody Mary “meal”, a “Filipino Cioppino”, the best of the Bay Area’s Filipino Bands, unique twists to old Filipino food favorites and so much more--are you ready to celebrate Filipino-American History Month in October the 7 Mile House way?

In this Filipino-American establishment that offers food reflecting its influences--from burgers to lumpia and chocolate cake to a calamansi lime pie--October is a time to honor its immigrant roots not just by commemorating a rich history but by also indulging in all of the five senses.

True to its creative and innovative spirit, 7 Mile House has concocted flavorful dishes like the sweet and savory Valerio’s 7 Mile House Ensaymada Burger, a fusion of the signature Filipino brioche made by a famous local bakery Valerio’s with a chicken or pork patty, bacon, cream cheese and lettuce. 

Traditionally made with pork, there’s also the fish lumpia (egg roll) added to the menu, a version Filipinos are not accustomed to but has consistently been a top favorite this time of the year.

Best eaten with a cold San Miguel Red Horse Beer, “balut” or fertilized duck egg is not for the faint of heart but comes with hefty bragging rights if you eat it--a delicacy that Anthony Bourdain once called “crunchy, delicious food.” 

Creative drink specials like “The Bloody Manang,” the Fil-Am version of the bloody mary is made with Infanta Lambanog, an alcohol distilled from all-natural coconut nectar of the Philippine Islands, an alternative to vodka, tequila and rum. It’s garnished with street food and snacks Filipinos love: pandesal (roll), the infamous red hotdog, Eden cheese, longanisa (Filipino sausage), fish ball, quail egg and Skyflakes crackers--a meal in itself. Two other drinks grace the menu also made with Infanta Lambanog: Filipino versions of classic cocktails: the Pinay Colada and the Calamansi Lemon Drop. 

7 Mile House will also host the first “Star of the Bar” cocktail competition where participants can sign up to create and serve their original cocktail concoctions made with Infanta on November 4.

Guest chef events feature Paola Tiano, champion of the 3rd Annual Adobo Cookoff, who will be serving her winning recipe at the restaurant on October 14. On the 28th, we celebrate the return of a dish that always sells out: the“Filipino Cioppino” by beloved guest chef Art Concordia. 

And in true 7 Mile House fashion, all this is paired with live music featuring the best of Bay Area  Filipino bands: Good Reasons (Oct. 19), a soft rock cover that has been playing at the establishment since 2005 and Dakila Band (Oct. 28) the first Filipino American group to sign with Epic/Columbia Records -- a legendary band not to be missed. 

For more information, visit 7milehouse.com and follow on social at @7milehouse. 

* This post was originally published on SF Examiner.