Estrellita

10/27/2026

Cristeta Comerford’s tenure at the White House spanned five presidencies: Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. When she retired in July 2024 after nearly three decades of service, First Lady Jill Biden honored her “barrier-breaking career.” Her influence extended well beyond the title. She built menus around the produce of Michelle Obama’s White House garden, earned a place in the Club des Chefs, an international fellowship of chefs who cook for heads of state, and became one of the most visible Filipino Americans in public life, holding a top post in one of the nation’s most symbolic institutions for nearly two decades.

Her culinary approach was grounded in classic French technique, with her Filipino heritage appearing in subtle seasonings rather than in traditional dishes served outright. The Obama family, however, counted her adobo and lumpia among their favorites. Over her career she planned more than 50 state dinners, beginning with one for Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that featured rack of lamb. Her method was consistent: study each guest’s tastes, then pair the best of American ingredients with a nod to the visitor’s own country.

10/26/2026

It’s Filipino American History Month, a month where we celebrate the change makers in our community.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms. Jane Rolen to discuss the case that spawned the creation of the OFW Georgia Foundation.

Jane is the Founder of FAHM Georgia committee and Chairperson of OFW Georgia Inc. a non-profit dedicated to empowering, protecting and supporting Overseas Filipino Workers. We hope to illuminate their mission and support their efforts to raise funds and provide resources and relief to our kababayan navigating the opportunities here in America.

Full episode YouTube link in Bio. 🔗

10/23/2026

In 1982, Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova and her husband Fred founded the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in Seattle. Growing up, Dorothy was told she wasn’t “really” American because of how she looked. Instead of accepting that, she and Fred spent their lives making sure Filipino American history was documented, preserved, and taught.

Their work grew into the National Pinoy Archives, one of the largest collections of Filipino American history in the world, a national museum in Stockton, California, and 40+ chapters across the country. FANHS is also the organization that began commemorating October as Filipino American History Month.

Dorothy was 50 when she founded FANHS. At 91, “Auntie Dorothy” was still leading it, and received a lifetime achievement award in 2023.

Thank you, Auntie Dorothy and Fred, for making sure our stories were never forgotten. 💛

10/23/2026

My assignment today was to post a pic of our Certified Angus Beef ® short ribs. Wearing ALL the hats as a small business owner, you aren’t always equipped with the perfect pic.

So today we feature our short ribs and it’s best buddy, Lechon Kawali. We promote compatible and nurturing friendships. Get some. Fresh Filipino food.

10/22/2026

Last night in Nashville, our 2026 team earned their stripes once again. We’re honored to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand, and humbled to remain the only Filipino restaurant with this distinction in the American South and on the entire East Coast. Even more meaningful, it happened during Filipino American History Month.

Each year, we’ve learned something new about what this recognition means. In the beginning, some dismissed it as affirmative action. The second year proved it was no fluke. As MICHELIN looked beyond the Georgia state line, the third year made it a more solid truth. Now, in our fourth year since Atlanta’s inaugural ceremony, we are no longer simply validated in our excellence. We are grounded in it.

We do this with a 300-square-foot dining room and a kitchen the size of a food truck. We do this as a fierce family-owned business, built by the community it sustains and with a team that is the soul and light of our little star.

We know what this distinction means to the Filipino community, and we carry it with care. Out of tens of thousands of listings in the Guide, little old us in Atlanta remains one of only 3 Filipino Bib Gourmands in the United States and 1 of 14 in the entire world 🌎.

A little gem, for the world to enjoy. Built by the people for the people.

10/19/2026

It’s Filipino American History Month, a month where we celebrate the change makers in our community.

As Founder of Filipino Food ATL Inc. 501c3 it is important that we give back to the community in significant ways. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms. Jane Rolen Founder of FAHM Georgia committee and Chairperson of OFW Georgia Inc. a non-profit dedicated to empowering, protecting and supporting Overseas Filipino Workers. For obvious reasons we are supporting their efforts to raise funds and provide resources and relief to our kababayan navigating the opportunities here in America.

Full episode YouTube link 🔗
https://youtu.be/p_QElsZS0zQ?feature=shared

10/17/2026

It’s Filipino American History Month, and Estrellita is celebrating with a win.🏆

We just took home “Best Taste” at Taste of Atlanta’s Grand Tasting Midtown, thanks to Chef C and his winning Ube Ensaymada paired with an Ube Affogato. A true celebration of culture, cuisine, and the next generation.

This month we reflect on the colorful history of Filipino Americans and our contributions to this country. We know that tapping the American market begins at the dinner table, and the word “underrepresented” is slowly fading to black because a new generation is carrying the torch.

Chef Walt and I have talked at length with Chef C about his goals. Entering every competition he can was at the top of his list, and this win is proof of his hunger and heart.

It’s also the month MICHELIN recognizes culinary excellence, and the month we earned our Bib Gourmand. Two honors, one team, hailing from one country 🇵🇭 and living the American Dream! 🇺🇸

Congratulations, Chef C! Maraming salamat po, Taste of Atlanta (Translation | Thank you very much Taste of Atlanta, with respect ✊🏽)

10/17/2026

Last night was amazing. More news is soon to follow..

Grand Tasting Midtown wrapped up the Taste of Atlanta season at the Epicurean Atlanta hotel with featured dishes from Estrellita. Chef Hope Webb demonstrated a sweet bread and ube affogato pairing topped with rare Boholano Asin Tibuok salt before discussing the restaurant's planned move to South Dow...

10/15/2026

Mary Magdalene Harrison Lee was born in Manila in 1939. An army chaplain and his wife adopted her when she was 4, and she grew up in places like France, Germany, Kansas, and Texas. At 21, she was a student at Tougaloo College when she was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for joining the Freedom Rides. She helped lead a sit-in at the Trailways bus station and was jailed for it. Historian Raymond Arsenault counted 436 Freedom Riders, only one of them an Asian American, and that was Mary. Her story fits a long Filipino American tradition of showing up for other communities’ fights. Filipino farmworkers like Larry Itliong stood with Mexican American workers in California’s Delano grape strike, and Filipino Americans have since marched with Black, Latino, and immigrant neighbors for civil rights and fair treatment.

10/14/2026

After returning the next week, Marcella gave her 5 star review verbally last night. The Big Beef Nilaga is her favorite soup Certified Angus Beef ®. Shout out to Ivan & Vanessa for their great taste in food! 💙💛♥️

And that is all.