Food is more than just sustenance; it's a language of love, a bridge between cultures, and a powerful link to our heritage. On a recent episode of Unmasking Humanity , host Joshua T. Berglan took listeners on a delicious journey with the passionate and inspiring Chef Maricel Gentile, a true culinary ambassador dedicated to bringing the vibrant flavors of Filipino and Asian cuisine to the global stage.
From Lola's Kitchen to Culinary Ambassador
Chef Maricel's culinary story began not in a formal school, but in the heart of her home in Manila – her Lola's (grandmother's) kitchen. It was there, surrounded by the bustling energy of daily cooking and trips to vibrant markets, that she learned a profound lesson: cooking is an act of love, a way to connect with family, heritage, and culture. She fondly recalled watching her grandmother transform simple ingredients into "extravagant" meals through intuition and care, experiences that deeply shaped her culinary philosophy.
"Food is simple, but it's the care that you give to it that makes it so special."
A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Her path wasn't a direct line to the chef's coat. Maricel initially studied restaurant management in New York City, gaining valuable experience in the front-of-house operations of top establishments. However, the call of the kitchen and a desire to share her own cultural cuisine grew stronger. At the age of 52, encouraged by her supportive husband, Maricel took a leap of faith, leaving behind a successful corporate career to pursue her true passion.
She founded Maricel's Kitchen, starting humbly in her home, moving to a church kitchen, then a shared space, before finally establishing her own vibrant culinary destination, now located in East Brunswick, New Jersey. This wasn't just about opening a restaurant; it was about creating a community. Maricel's Kitchen offers immersive, hands-on cooking classes, unique Chef's Table dinners (including the traditional Filipino Kamayan or Boodle Fight feast eaten by hand!), and bespoke catering – all designed to share the authentic depth and joy of Filipino and Southeast Asian cooking.
Authenticity Meets Accessibility
While experienced in the broader food industry, Maricel remains deeply committed to authenticity. Her mission began with a desire to see Filipino cuisine recognized alongside other popular Asian options. "When I started my business, my first goal was to share Filipino food," she explained. She focuses on teaching the traditional flavors and methods, ensuring guests experience dishes like lumpia (egg rolls) with their classic vinegar-garlic dip, not a fusion interpretation.
This dedication to authentic yet approachable flavors shines in her cookbook, Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook: A Journey Through Filipino, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean Recipes for Every Day . The book aims to demystify Asian cooking for home cooks, breaking down essential techniques and recipes into simple steps while honoring tradition. "I share them the basic," she noted. "When you go home, you could tweak it, but at least you learn what the basic recipe is all about."
Sharing the Flavor, Sharing the Story
Chef Maricel's passion is infectious, earning her features on major platforms like Food Network, PBS, and Hulu(including competing on Recipe and Rumble with Cake Boss!). She also proudly serves as a Chef Ambassador for K-Seafood, promoting quality Korean seafood. These experiences, she feels, are testaments to being on the right path, sharing her love for food with a wider audience. You can listen to the full inspiring interview on YouTube where she discusses these experiences.
Ultimately, Maricel believes food is a powerful storyteller. She shared a touching example involving a picture of a traditional stone grinder in her studio, an item she used with her Lola. Sharing this memory with her class connects them not just to a technique, but to her personal history and the generational passage of culinary tradition.
"Food is a powerful storyteller, connecting people across cultures and generations."
Her classes are more than just instruction; they are experiences where strangers bond over chopping, frying, and ultimately, sharing a meal they created together, often exchanging numbers by the end.
The Heart of the Matter: Passion and Connection
Throughout the conversation, Maricel's energy and gratitude were palpable, particularly for her supportive family – her husband (a tech-savvy partner who helps integrate technology like induction stoves and cameras into the classes) and her children.
Her final message resonated deeply with the ethos of Unmasking Humanity: "Be true to yourself, follow your passion... you're not going to fail. It will just lead you to better heights of success."
Chef Maricel Gentile embodies this message, pouring her heart, heritage, and passion onto every plate and into every class, reminding us all that the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal holds profound power to connect, nourish, and inspire.
Want to experience Chef Maricel's culinary world?
- Grab a copy of her cookbook: Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook
- Explore classes, events, and more at Maricel's Kitchen
- Listen to the full inspiring interview on the Unmasking Humanity Podcast
