June 18, 2019
The cherry to our long day of interesting meetings and visits was a fancy dinner hosted by Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. at the official residence of the Consul General in San Francisco.
We were welcomed by Marissa Bensurto, the gracious wife of Con Gen Henry. She knows Bong and Aileen. Bong pala is a close friend of Henry. They were classmates in San Beda Law.
This beautiful house was purchased by the Philippine government during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos for us as both the consulate and residence. The number of Filipinos coming to the office steadily grew and there were times the line extended to the next building, the neighbors complained so our government bought an office building in downtown San Francisco to house the consular office.
View from the dining room window
According to Marissa the sofa set was made in Pampanga.
The house was almost empty when they moved in. The decors belong to Henry. The antiques are his personal collection.
We have similar tastes.
The only furniture and fixtures there were present was this grand piano and the dining table.
I looked tired and sleepy. I woke up at 6 am. I’ve been out for 13.5 hours when this photo was taken.
I wasn’t hungry yet from our lunch. But soon I would be. It was 8 pm already. My husband had been waiting for me nearby, maybe in Starbucks. He played golf in Presidio.
THe host gives an impromptu welcome remarks and introduction to our fancy dinner.
I like that they showcase our own products, embroidered table napkins, capiz plate charger and napkin ring. And they are lovely too.
That’s my name.
There is no printed menu. Every time a dish is served, the sous chef explains what it is but I couldn’t remember.
Henry invited Chef Dino Severino to create this fancy dinner exclusively for our group. Dino owns a restaurant called Malasa, a Filipino inspired cuisine. The name alone tells us masarap duon.
Nilagang baka, grilled bone marrow, patis kalamansi
Abelardo Ingan, Jr. (pianist, composer, conductor, music teacher), Marie Soleil Tropicales (Tourism Director), Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona
It was late, like past 9 pm. Edmund fell asleep in the car while waiting for me.
Basta inubos ko ‘to.
Despite my tiredness and worrying about my equally tired husband lurking in the dark somewhere in the streets of San Francisco, I truly enjoyed this wonderful dinner. The host, Consul General Henry is a true blue diplomat who knows how to entertain. My sincere thanks to Henry and Marissa.
And by the way, let’s patronize our own:
Malasa Restaurant
A Filipino Inspired Cuisine
1336 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
Tel: (415) 682 9980
www.malasasf.com
