Filipino Food and Art Takes the Stage at KULTURA

Food and art festivals are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but one untouched niche within that arena is a festival geared towards Filipino culture. KULTURA seeks to fill that void when it brings its Filipino-American stylings to Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square on October 4.

KULTURA is the handiwork of the folks behind Filipino Kitchen, a blog and pop-up food series here in Chicago. Inspired to showcase Filipino food and culture on a wider scale, the team conceptualized the festival, bringing together the utmost in dining and art from near and far. It’s an apt opportunity for Filipino newbies to get a thorough taste of the cuisine, and for experienced diners to broaden their perspective with novel takes on the food from a wide array of chefs and vendors.

The festival serves as a kickoff to Filipino American Heritage Month in October. The family-friendly affair runs from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, curated as a walk-around tasting event. Chefs in attendance include Joelen Tan-Kenny, a caterer and pop-up chef at The Living Room; JR Runez, Gilbert Paule, and Kevin O’Connor of Hapa Chicago; Bryan Collante of Untitled; Eui-Jeong “EJ” Kim of E+O Restaurant; Yana Gilbuena of traveling dinner project SALO Series; Kristine Subido of Pecking Order; and Rob Menor of Papa Urb’s. DJs will be in attendance to provide music, along with other performers and artists selling products.

KULTURA
Website