Palm City, a new Filipino restaurant in Winnipeg, is opening in July at 1021 McPhillips St., adding to the growing number of Filipino-owned eateries in the city.
Owner Michelle Raynes said the idea for the restaurant came after her trip home to the Philippines in 2019. She was inspired by the lively atmosphere of traditional Filipino resto-bars, which have live bands, karaoke and a place where her fellow Filipinos gather and eat.
“It’s my dream to have my own restaurant,” said Raynes.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Palm City Winnipeg, a new Filipino restaurant opening in July.
Growing up, Raynes has always been surrounded with Filipino food. Her family has an eatery and bakery business in the Philippines. Raynes fondly recalls being in high school and selling barbecue in the streets while surrounded with the smell of grilled meat.
The 39-year-old moved to Winnipeg in 2013 to work as a child-care provider. Whenever she cooked for her employers, they complimented her dishes — it made her happy, she said.
Raynes explained she’s always loved to cook and feed people.
The restaurant’s interior will feature palm tree installations. She said she loves seeing them in the Philippines — the inspiration of the restaurant’s name. Raynes said the space will not just be a place where the customer will walk in and eat.
Palm City will be serving their signature dishes of pork barbecue, and Davao lechon belly — a rolled boneless pork belly cut with aromatics and herbs.
“You don’t have to go home,” she said, noting it’s an experience she hopes will transport the customer to the Philippines.
Allan Pineda, a Filipino chef and executive director of Kultivation Festival, said each new Filipino business adds to cultural visibility. Kultivation Festival is a non-profit organization that promotes food, art, music, dance, education and culture within the Filipino community.
“It’s awesome to see more Filipino-owned restaurants,” said Pineda.
He believes Filipino cuisine is still underrepresented in the mainstream food scene. Pineda said Filipino restaurants are important not only for introducing others to the culture, but also for Filipinos themselves to have a taste of home.
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Michelle Reynes and Karl Raynes, owners of Palm City.
“It’s comforting,” said Pineda. “It’s the taste of home.”
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There are currently around 21 Filipino restaurants in Winnipeg, according to TripAdvisor.
Pineda explained that food is a glimpse into one’s culture and people, and how restaurants are the final piece to discovering culture.
Palm City is currently offering catering and event services ahead of its full opening. Raynes said she feels both excited and nervous as the official launch approaches.
“I’m taking a risk,” Raynes said, “but my dream is bigger than my fear.”
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca