He's Filipino, has a Spanish name, speaks English with an American accent, lives in Papamoa and owns an Italian restaurant. Oof!
And despite living in New Zealand for 30 years – with a mix of cultures flying around – it is Mark Lucero's Filipino roots that will triumph this month in his pizza library as he assembles dough to bring a one-night “boodle fight”.
Assets
The traditional poodle fight in the Philippines is where a communal feast is served on banana leaves and eaten without utensils.
Mark says the boodle fight was invented in the Philippine Army around World War II.
“They didn't have any plates, forks, knives or anything to carry.
“So what they had, they spread it on the ground and put all the food they caught there with the rice.
“Usually because they were hunting in the woods, they would barbecue [meat]“And they ate with their hands as a group.”
That's when the “fight” for food begins.
“You've got a whole bunch of food in there and you're hungry, and if you're slow, you're going to lose.”
The camaraderie and the cuisine
As part of the Flavors of Plenty Food Festival, Mark and his wife Cathy will host a Boodle Fight at Mount Maunganui Pizza Library.
“I think there will be a little bit of a culture shock, but I don't want to shock people too much,” Mark says.
“If they want to try eating with their hands, I will provide them with gloves.”
Otherwise people can use spoon, fork and knife.
“What is traditional in a boodle fight is of course rice, grilled chicken, seafood, pork – all kinds!”
Mark Lucero with a delicious plate of food traditionally served at a Boodle Fight. Photo: John Boren.
Marks says the Boodle fight is about sharing food with others and camaraderie.
“Basically what we are trying to do is introduce people to Filipino cooking.”
Asian kai cooking
By sharing his Filipino food, culture and history with people, Mark also wants to introduce people to Asian kai cooking.
“A lot of New Zealanders love Asian food and eat Asian food in restaurants, but they don't know how to cook it themselves.
“And I want to show them how easy you can cook.”
So, Mark will invite people on a field trip to an Asian food store to help them get started.
“I've been all over the world and… [Filipino food] Still the best.
“It's my comfort food.”
And his favorite thing about his Filipino culture?
Mark says it's people's hospitality.
“When you come to someone’s house, we have a greeting called ‘Kumin ka na?’ which literally means ‘Have you eaten?’”
“If you say: No, not yet, we will feed you to death!”
To see what else is on offer at the Flavors of Plenty Festival,
Visit: www.flavoursofplentyfestival.com/