DISHING MY LIFE
Stories stirred with memories, flavoured with passion.
In every spice, a memory. From the scent of garlic in a childhood kitchen in Cebu, to the warmth of shared meals in a small restobar in the UK — this is more than just a cookbook. This is a celebration of life, of resilience, of laughter around the table and tears over simmering pots. This is my life, one dish at a time.
Introduction
Dishing My Life is not just a collection of recipes. It's a serving of my past, a taste of my triumphs, and a sprinkle of the struggles that shaped the woman behind the apron. Each dish I share holds more than flavour, It holds memories of my Lola's laughter, my childhood in Cebu, the boldness of migration, and the quiet courage it took to start over in a new land.
From the heat of the stove to the warmth of family gatherings, from chaos of the hospitality industry to the quiet strength of building a life abroad. This book weaves together culture, heritage, and heart. These stories, much like the food, are seasoned with love, resilience, and a deep hunger for meaning.
This is for every dreamer who ever stirred a pot full of hope. For every Filipino who finds comfort in a taste of home. And for every reader who believes that food isn't just sustenance --it's a story waiting to be told.
-Chef Cris
Who is Chef Cris?
Chef Cris is the visionary behind bringing Filipino Home cooking to the Isle of Wight. Combining her background in Business and a deep love of Filipino food to create a dining experience that is both personal and unforgettable.
Chef Cris
Chef Cris of Kusina Restobar is Cristeta Arago Pedley, the chef-owner and heart behind the Isle of Wight's first Filipino Restaurant located in Newport. She first came to the Island from the Philippines in the 90's. She was a Sales & Marketing Manager of a Tourism industry before starting her first restaurant back in Toledo City Philippines in 1997. Now she pours her passion for authentic Filipino flavours into every plate at Kusina Restobar
Kusina Restobar
Her restaurant, nestled at 7-8 Holyrood Street.
Kusina (which means 'KITCHEN' in Filipino) is a Family-run gem on the Island. The space is cosy and inviting -Filipino decor, Filipino music and a blend of locals and visitors enjoying good food in a relaxed setting. It's as much a social hub as it is a restaurant. You'll find people randomly singing on Karaoke. and a quirky cocktail bar serving Filipino-inspired drinks.
Taste the past. Celebrate the present
Woven with Culture, Heritage and Roots. At Kusina, every dish is more that just a recipe. It is a tapestry of our culture, stitched with stories, spices, and soul.
From Highlands of Cebu to the shores of the Isle of Wight, our food carries the essence of Filipino Heritage. Bold, comforting, and proudly rooted tradition.
....serving more that just food -it's about sharing the stories, struggles, and spirit behind every dish. It's a journey from Cebu to the Isle of Wight, from childhood memories to modern-day milestone, from the comfort of a family kitchen to the hustle of running a restaurant abroad.
Each chapter blends flavours with feelings, recipes with reflections. This page is for those who believe that every plate tells a story -and that behind every Chef is a life seasoned by love, sacrifice, resilience, and joy.
The First Filipino Kitchen on the Isle of Wight
A Unique Filipino Dining Experience
You can reach Chef Cris
Telephone: 07769953040
E-mail: metieriow@gmail.com
For Consultancy & Mentoring : www.bellasconsultants.co.uk
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