Be More Pacific
5-Course Tribute to Manila Tasting Event
The restaurant world remains perhaps the best arena in which newly-arrived immigrants can seize a piece of the American Dream. Be More Pacific started in 2011 as a food truck whose mission was to make Austinites fall in love with Filipino cooking. They succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. In 2017, with a fiercely loyal client base, they opened their spiffy bricks-and-mortar digs in Austin, and in March 2020, they expanded to Houston! Chef Julio Ortega came on board to handle the cooking end of the new restaurant, and he is having a field day. If Filipino cooking is still new to you, you’ll be discovering a cuisine that is often called the original fusion food, with Malaysian, Chinese, and Spanish flavors. There’s a focus on poultry and pork, and many dishes use vinegars and Spanish spices. Here, you might find Kare Kare, a brisket-based stew served with bok choy, long beans, and eggplant, or SCCLBFR—Spicy Curry Coconut Lime Bacon Fried Rice—which comes with a fried egg and green onion garnish. “A fun and approachable experience for those unfamiliar with the cuisine,” says the Austin Chronicle. We will be taking over the restaurant for this event, and Chef Julio Ortega will be in and out of the kitchen to take your questions and walk you through the splendors of Filipino cuisine.
About the Host:
Julio Ortega
Executive Chef
Hailing from Guerrero, Mexico, Chef Ortega attended culinary school at The Art Institute of Houston, where he honed his craft under renowned Chef Roshni Gurnani. Since then, he has cut his teeth in the kitchens of Guru Burgers, Arco d’oro, and Saltgrass, before recently taking the reigns at Be More Pacific.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated.
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Tapa Tostada
refried lechon beans with thinly sliced marinated ribeye, microgreens, bell peppers, sour cream, and radish
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Cola BBQ Pork Belly
with pickled radish, onions, cherry tomatoes, and thai chilies
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Inihaw Na Pusit
pico de gallo, ginger, and garlic-stuffed jumbo squid with a soy-lemon sauce
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Bistek Tagalog
marinated ribeye with fried garlic, steamed white rice, grilled bok choy, and onions
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Ube Flan
with coconut syrup and crispy coconut flakes
Be More Pacific
506 Yale St, Suite E
Houston, TX 77007
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $80 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What COVID safety precautions will be taken at this event?
- At this event, we will be accommodating all requests for separate tables rather than communal seating. Additionally, all food will be served individually-plated rather than family-style. As per local guidelines, as well as the restaurant’s own policy, attendees will not be required to present proof of vaccination for entry.
