By Gabriela Baron
A Sta. Mesa-based chef is giving back to frontliners by serving them free vegan food.
(Photo courtesy of The Sexy Kitchen by B)
Chef B Camposano, owner of plant-based kitchen The Sexy Kitchen By B, told Manila Bulletin that it is important to feed "tireless" frontliners immunity-boosting food amid the coronavirus threat.
"It's high time to care about the frontliners' health. Gusto namin ma-serve-an sila ng totoong pagkain. Kailangang palakasin ang katawan (We want to serve them real food because we need to make them strong)," Camposano said.
"We to prepare 100 percent plant-based, immunity boosting food to make their immune system stronger."
The Sexy Kitchen B stopped commercial operations on March 29 and dedicated its facility to providing meals for frontliners in hospitals and checkpoints.
"We cannot be just quiet, doing nothing. Malaki rin ang obligasyon, ang responsibilidad namin sa kapwa. Malaki ang responsibilidad ng kumpanya (Our obligation to other people is big. This company's responsibility to other people is big)," Camposano added.
So far, they have been able to send vegan meals to health workers in Las Piñas Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and Makati Medical Center as well as checkpoints in Bacood, Sta. Mesa and Mandaluyong market.
During the weekend, they were able to feed street dwellers taking shelter at the Malate Catholic School.
"While waiting for the vaccine, eto yung local solution natin, I believe ito yung matutulong natin sa kapwa natin (While waiting for the vaccine, this is our local solution for the meantime, I believe that we are helping other people through this initiative)," Camposano said.
She added that it's all about making sure frontliners get a boost in immunity and in morale during these trying times.
"Pag nalalaman nilang may nagpe-prepare ng pagkain nila tumataas yung morale nila (It boosts their morale when they know someone is preparing food for them)," Camposano said.
Camposano also said that her team's efforts are their ways of showing gratitude to frontliners who are exerting efforts as well.
"Saludo kami sa frontliners. Naiiyak kami sa sobra kaming proud. Frontliners all over the world, nakakaproud sobra (We salute our frontliners. We weep over how proud we are of them. To all the frontliners in the world, we are so proud of you)."
Some of the dishes Camposano and her team prepared for the frontliners include Asian stir-fry vegetables and rice noodles in tomato sauce served with almond turmeric bread; vegetables in pasta, ginger, and fresh herbs in pomodoro sauce; apple and vegetables curry with granola served with naan bread; and tofu and mushroom omelette served in green rice, and oolong and green tea.
Camposano revealed they have a waiting list of other medical teams asking for help, but she said this will depend on more people pitching in to support their effort.
They are open to receiving help in kind such as rice, flour, vegetables, and mushroom.