Celebrating Filipino American History Month through Fine Dining
As Filipino American History Month unfolds, two friends are redefining Filipino cuisine through their fine dining restaurant, Sampa, in downtown Los Angeles. Chef Josh Espinosa has a bold vision for Sampa—he dreams of earning a Michelin Star for his innovative approach to Filipino food.
A Culinary Dream Inspired by Filipino Roots
“Sampa is short for Sampaguita, which is the national flower of the Philippines,” explains Espinosa. His journey began after leaving the world of fine dining restaurants to pursue his passion for elevating Filipino cuisine.
“I went to culinary school, and after working in various fine dining spots, I thought, ‘Why can’t Filipino cuisine be like this?’ During the pandemic, when I was stuck in my apartment, I started experimenting with different dishes. I began selling them, and I realized that people really wanted elevated Filipino food,” he said.
A Partnership Built on Friendship and Shared Vision
Espinosa’s longtime friend, Jenny Valles, joined him in this endeavor. Though her family had hoped she would pursue a career in health care, Valles knew that path wasn’t for her.
“I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t in my blood. I always knew I wanted to own my own business, even though I wasn’t sure what it would be,” said Valles.
For Espinosa, Valles’ passion and background were essential to making Sampa a reality. “I knew from the beginning where her heart was, and it was always about helping me out. I couldn’t do this without her, so we became business partners,” he shared.
Showcasing the Diversity of Filipino Flavors
Valles believes that Sampa’s mission is to show the world the rich variety and depth of Filipino cuisine.
“What I think Sampa is doing is showcasing the diverse flavor profiles and beautiful ingredients that Filipino food has to offer. We want to help people understand the breadth of what Filipino food can be,” Valles explained.
A Cultural Fusion in Every Dish
Espinosa adds that Sampa tells the story of two LA natives who grew up immersed in a blend of cultures, which they now express through their dishes.
“We just want to tell our story as kids from LA, growing up with different cultural influences, and portray that in our food,” said Espinosa.
Feeding the Community and Sharing Filipino Culture
For both Espinosa and Valles, the heart of their work lies in serving the community and spreading awareness of Filipino culture.
“Our real happiness comes from serving our community, making sure people are fed, and ensuring that they know more about Filipino culture and food,” Valles concluded.
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