"She likes Pansit"...

The first time I tasted Filipino food, it was without a full set of baby teeth. The samples were given to me by a Filipino woman with whom my mom befriended while working at Letterman Army Medical center. My mother worked for Letterman for over 25 years. We were known as civilians, and the majority of the people she rubbed elbows with were military personnel. I grew up with military friends and spent time in the beautiful homes along the Main post where Sargeants and Colonels lived.

Halloween was a vibe to say the least. We'd go up and down Presidio Boulevard, Simon's Loop and MacArthur. It was safe and the those who put out candy were generous.

We had access to the PX, which was a mini mall that had pizza, hot dogs, clothing. The PX was located where the Presidio Tunnel Tops are now. And if we wanted to go the Commissary then we have to be accompanied by a non-civilian to gain access. Some of my finest memories of the city is when the Army was here, in San Francisco.

To continue, the woman had offered to watch over me on her days off, and one day, when my mother came to pick me up, she exclaimed "she likes Pansit. She likes Lumpia". My mother was shocked, because I had not been introduced to solid foods yet. She insisted it was best to let me try some things, without sticking solely to baby foods. Of course I probably "gummed" it, and I most likely cooed over the taste. They both cracked up over the discovery.

She sent my mother home with a plate of pansit lumpia, and Filipino BBQ chicken. It drove our poodles wild, smelling the bbq. I think my mom let them have a couple pieces. Til this day I can tell you she is most likely the reason I love Filipino food. From Diniguan, to Paksiew lechon, to Tocino and garlic rice. I thank her for putting me on so early.

On the 4th we did BBQ chicken and BBQ pork skewers. All the dogs in the park came by to say hi!