After 17 years in Owensboro, Jerome Hernandez and his wife, Diovy, are bringing the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine to the area with their new food trailer, Mangkok Filipino Cuisine.
Jerome, a heavy equipment operator for Daviess County Fiscal Court, and Diovy, an experienced cook, have always dreamed of sharing their homeland’s traditional dishes. Their venture into the food scene began after a successful showing at the Owensboro Multicultural Festival, where they sold out more than 300 servings in just a few hours.
From Festival Success to Food Trailer Launch
“That experience really pushed us to take this step,” Hernandez said. “People loved the food and kept asking if we had a restaurant. We didn’t at the time, but now we’re making it happen.”
Mangkok Filipino Cuisine will feature a variety of classic Filipino dishes, including lumpia (Filipino-style egg rolls filled with pork, onions, and celery), pancit (a savory noodle dish), and pork adobo (a marinated pork dish). The menu will also include Filipino-style spaghetti, known for its sweet sauce, and a unique take on chicken wings, offering a balance of sweetness and spice.
“Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Spanish and Chinese influences,” Hernandez said. “It’s savory, not too spicy, and of course, rice is a staple.”
Preparing for Launch
After passing all necessary health inspections and securing their operating license, the couple is preparing for an early March launch, pending favorable weather conditions. While they plan to attend local events, they are also searching for a permanent parking location where customers can regularly visit for a taste of Filipino food.
“We just want to share the food we love and bring something new to Owensboro,” Hernandez said. “My wife is the real talent behind the cooking, and we can’t wait for people to try it.”
Upcoming Debut
Mangkok Filipino Cuisine’s food trailer is currently being wrapped with branding and is soon to be ready for its debut. To stay updated on the opening, follow Mangkok on Facebook for the latest news.
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