Nikki’s Note
Dear Readers,
Greetings from NYC (there’s no place like home).
It's true: when one door closes, another opens. I closed Jeepney in September of 2021 confident about my decision but vulnerable to an unknown future. As Reginald Lewis says, “Keep Going. No matter what.”
Well, this month also marks the one year since my business partner and I began testing a pilot program with Goldbelly, offering premium frozen Filipino BBQ and lumpia delivered nationwide. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have ordered and supported us along the way.
Accompanying this message is a map of the United States, showing the incredible reach of Jeepney’s Filipino flavors — from coast to coast, we’ve seen orders from practically every corner of the country. Each dot represents a community that has experienced the Joy of Jeepney.
Some of the orders are intended as birthday gifts or just thoughtful presents sharing nostalgia and culture. It's been wonderful!
I remain committed to my mission: broadening the way we enjoy Filipino food and expanding its accessibility in the 21st century. My hope is to see Filipino flavors in every kitchen, and I believe this is just the beginning.
What do you love about being Filipino? What are your favorite dishes?
Would you like to know more about my projects, as we plan for investment opportunities?
I'd love to know to what you think.
Warmly,
Nicole Ponseca
Photography: Jeepney
MANHATTAN
October 17 - 19
Filipino Comedy Festival
It's October, which means it's Filipino American History Month and the return of the Filipino Comedy Festival! Join some of the best Pinoy comedians you’ve seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, Just For Laughs, Stephen Colbert, and all over social media. Come through and support a first-of-its-kind festival and meet the next generation of Jo Koys.
Comedian Patricia Dinglasan of the Filipino Comedy Festival
Performers include Michael Cruz Kayne (Stephen Colbert), Clare O'Kane (Saturday Night Live), Rina Lina (BBC), Dr. Kevin Nadal (NPR), Kyle Marian (Inside Edition), Josh Ri'Esgo (Funny or Die), Leah Eva (MTV), Christian Escoto (Sirius XM), and more!
PROMO CODE: FILIPINOTIME for $5 off
MIAMI
October 19
Saturday, 11 AM - 9 PM
Banana Catchup: Filipino Block Party
Bienvenida a Miami! Come through and hang at the only Filipino party in Miami at the *only* Asian food hall, 1-800-Lucky. Enjoy modern and traditional cuisine, cultural dances, a karaoke contest and tsismis. Admission is free but registration requested. Hosted by Nicole Ponseca of Jeepney, Darren Mendoza of Lutong Pinoy, and Cheryl Tiu of Cross Cultures in partnership with the Filipino Food Movement and ACE NextGen Miami, with special guests DJ Kuya Trey, Leicel Ros and Nancy Dominguez of Sili Miami, Reiji Yoshizawa and Jason Acoba, and Filipino-Cuban mashups by Masa Craft.
CHICAGO
October 27
Kamayan Dinner
Join us in Chicago for a special dinner featuring James Beard Winner, Kuya Maynard, Best Chef West Coast 2024! Can't make it to Los Angeles to try his food? Now’s your chance.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
This evolution in Manila’s dining scene is perfectly embodied by restaurants like HAPAG, which are taking Filipino cuisine to new heights. My recent trip to its smaller restaurant AYÀ within HAPAG’s second floor reminded me of why I LOVE restaurants in the first place — it's theater.
As a seasoned Filipino food advocate and Food Network judge, I deliver observations with respectful candor and no malice, drawing from years of experience and a critical eye.
My review of AYÀ offers you suggestions on what to order and look out for while opening up the discussion on what will push Filipino cuisine even further.
Photography: Nicole Ponseca
Abbreviated Review
Aesthetic: A space befitting its high-end mall (Power Plant Mall) and luxury condo surroundings, with lacquered textures, native weaves, pop art, and plenty of Filipino references — the visual feast begins the moment you step in. 5 Suns.
Service and Energy: Attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous, with systematic, scripted steps of service that ensure every guest feels the warmth of Filipino hospitality, consistently. 5 Suns.
Cocktail Program: A diverse selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages highlighting Filipino ingredients. Highly recommend the Kamias Margarita — a piquant, refreshing drink destined to become a classic. 5 Suns.
Food Execution: The Warek-Warek was a highlight, nailing the specific umami and offal richness of dinakdakan — A+. Both the Sugpo at Burro and Mushroom Toasts were enjoyable but lacked a distinct Filipino flavor profile. Unfortunately, the Lamb Litson was undercooked, overly fatty, and under-seasoned, and the server handled our concerns gracefully and promptly removed it from the bill. We ordered a total 7 dishes. The presentation throughout was stunning and beautifully executed. 4 Suns.
Overall Impression: 4.75 Suns ☀️.
How I Evaluate Restaurants:
Aesthetic – The environment sets the tone for everything that follows. High or low, details like lighting, colorways and a vibe can be accomplished on any budget.
Service and Energy – Service is not just about efficiency; it’s about fostering connection and care.
Cocktail Program – Beverage program should showcase creativity and balance. A great beverage program shows a deep understanding of how to bring out the best in the cuisine.
Food Execution – I’m always looking at the culinary team's choices, focusing on how well they use ingredients — especially Filipino ones — and whether the dishes reflect authentic regionality and flavor profiles. I evaluate the technical execution, presentation, and the thoughtful use of native elements like vinegar or coconut. Ultimately, the food should represent the soul of the cuisine.
Overall Impression – Finally, it’s about the total experience. Did the restaurant offer something unique? Did it tell a story through its food, service, and ambiance? Does the restaurant tell a story through its food, service, and ambiance, leaving a lasting impact?