Bud’s Tavern has hit a sweet note with diners at their Filipino Mondays, featuring a team of Filipino chefs preparing an authentic menu. Owner Scott Mileto shared the dishes for this coming Monday, 24 February, which is their fourth weekly Filo Night. Expect a few more of these special Mondays, but they won’t be on forever! This is an update to our story published on 31 January.
Book a table for dinner from 5.30pm – highly recommended – or take your chances as a walk-in on the night. The team in the kitchen, including sous chef Curth Samson and chef Paolo Protacio have planned a delicious a la carte menu, and you can feast on three courses from $54.
Start with Poque Poque, roast eggplant, cherry tomatoes, annatto oil, furikake spice and sourdough bread. Similar to bruschetta, this Filo version has a lovely kick. Or perhaps a wagyu skewer pares-style (pronounced: PAH-ress). Pares, a type of Filipino braised beef stew, is served here with special sauce, garlic chips and chives.
For mains, seafood lovers should choose the Bicol Express, sweet scallops, shrimp and coconut cream sauce with chillies and herb oil.
Vegetarians are covered with Kaldereta, orzo with capsicum, roast Dutch carrots with green olives and fresh watercress. Orzo is a small rice-shape pasta with a springy, velvety texture, and Kaldereta, named after the Spanish caldera (cauldron), was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish rule. Traditionally a hearty meat stew, we love its creative vegetarian twist for this menu.
Finish with a dessert of Suman, four sweet, sticky rice cubes served on a banana leaf with house-made caramel, strawberry compote, mango puree and purple yam sauce.
There are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.
Bud’s Filo Night is all about celebrating Filipino cuisine with a modern twist. The menu blends traditional flavours with contemporary flair, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. More than just a meal, this event is a cultural experience, inviting locals and visitors to explore the richness of Filipino food and heritage.
During my time in Sydney, I developed a love for Filipino cuisine, especially Halo-Halo. This refreshing dessert consists of layers of shaved ice with tropical fruits, tapioca pearls, gelatine sweets and so much more, all topped with coconut milk or sometimes blended together with sweetened condensed milk perfect for cooling off on a scorching summer day.
Meet the Chefs
This special night is led by Sous Chef Curth Samson, who brings over 10 years of experience from top hotels and restaurants in the US and Sydney. Supporting him is Bud’s Tavern Head Chef Kyle De Moor and talented team from the Mileto family who are the creators of this 80s-inspired bistro-pub.
Chef Paolo Protacio, a seasoned pro from a prestigious 5-star hotel in the Philippines, is also on the pans that night along with culinary students Aileen Alamo and Luis Moscosa, who are thrilled to be gaining hands-on experience at Bud’s.
Filipino Food: A Flavourful Fusion
Filipino cuisine is a vibrant fusion of salty, sweet and sour flavours, creating a delicious balance that’s both bold and comforting. Rooted in a rich history and shaped by Asian, Spanish and Western influences, it offers a diverse and exciting mix of ingredients and traditions unique to the Philippines. Signature ingredients like tamarind, kalamansi, annatto, pandan and bay leaves along with brown sugar create a perfectly balanced taste adventure.
Curious about how this cuisine is eaten? Traditionally called “kamayan”, eating with your hands is the way to go, especially in suburban villages and during lively fiestas. Filipinos also prefer a spoon-and-fork combo instead of knives, a fascinating custom that dates back to Spanish rule where knives were forbidden.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of Filipino cuisine or excited to explore something new, this special event promises a flavour experience for all. Indulge in a five-course Filipino banquet for $65 or order straight from the menu – whichever suits your appetite best. This is not a ticketed event so either rock up or we suggest book online a table as these guys are popular.
See you at Bud’s Tavern this Monday for a delicious adventure!
