In 2015, when Pope Francis visited the Philippines for five unforgettable days, one name stood out behind the scenes—Chef Jessie Sincioco.
Chef Jessie at that time was tapped as the official caterer for the Holy Father and his entourage. And a decade later, she still holds dear the memories of those historic days, commemorating them in her own unique way.
Speaking to broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano on her vlog, Chef Jessie revealed her heartfelt tribute: serving up the very same menu she prepared for Pope Francis at the Chef Jessie Rockwell Club every January 15 to February 15.
“Those menus, I am serving up to now in Chef Jessie Rockwell from January 15 to February 15 parang to commemorate the visit. Every year yan,” said Chef Jessie.
The menu includes Ciabatta Bread, Media Luna, Rolls and Butter; Beef Consomme with Herbed Dumplings; Roast US Black Angus Beef; Pan Fried Chilean Sea Bass; and Flambeed Mango with Mentecado Ice Cream.
Proceeds from each set meal, priced between Php2,500 to Php3,000 are generously donated to the Tulay ng Kabataan (TNK) Foundation.
“The proceeds, 100 percent, I donate to Tulay ng Kabataan… Yun lang ang dinalaw niya (Pope Francis) na orphanage dito,” said Chef Jessie.
But Chef Jessie originally planned to introduce classic Filipino cuisine like adobo, sinigang, and bulalo to the Pope. “[I had] an intention to introduce Filipino cuisine to the Holy Father and his entourage. Yun ang nanaig sa akin, yung pagiging Filipino,” revealed the veteran chef and restaurateur.
However, the Papal Nuncio politely sought a “more familiar” menu to ensure the Pontiff’s comfort.
“I had to do the menu again. Sabi ko madali na yun kasi yun ginagawa namin sa restaurant e. Next day, I brought a different set of menu. Maganda na smile niya. Sabi niya, ‘this is yes’,” recalled Chef Jessie.
On a more personal note, Chef Jessie said she continues to cherish the time she was able to be in the presence of the Pope. She even put up a mini gallery inside her office in Makati City, proudly displaying mementos from the Papal Visit for all to see.
