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Behind Rice & Mysticism
A Love Letter to Culture and History
Earl Briones
April 15, 2025
As a chef, I’ve always had an appreciation for food, but over the years, I’ve come to understand that food is more than just sustenance. It's a vehicle for storytelling, a medium for cultural expression, and for me, a bridge to understanding my own roots. That’s how Rice & Mysticism came to life—through a journey of reconnecting with my family's history and sharing that discovery with others.
Tickets now available for the next dinner on April 27
 | At the heart of Rice & Mysticism is the humble grain of rice. We all know rice—it’s a staple in many cuisines around the world—but what many don't know is how rich its history is, especially in Filipino culture. Growing up, I never thought much about rice beyond it being a common feature of every meal. But as I dug deeper into my family's past, I learned that my grandfather came from a rice-farming family, which felt like a beautiful full-circle moment. And that’s when I realized this dinner was more than just a meal. It was an opportunity to explore how rice, as a simple yet essential ingredient, has shaped Filipino culture and my own identity. |
I started with an old Chinese proverb that my grandfather used to share with us:
Every grain of rice is a drop of sweat from a farmer's brow.
This resonated with me more than ever as I worked on creating a dinner series centered around rice, specifically exploring the traditions, myths, and history of rice in the Philippines. My goal for this dinner wasn’t just to create a tasting menu, but to offer a deep dive into the cultural significance of rice, and how it’s been an integral part of Filipino rituals, agriculture, and family life for centuries.
The story of rice in the Philippines is as multifaceted as the country itself. In pre-colonial times, rice was not just a food; it was sacred. It was seen as a life force, connected to spirituality, and even tied to gender roles and agricultural taboos. For example, harvesting rice was an exclusively female task in many areas, with strict taboos surrounding the process. The belief was that the spirits within the rice needed to be respected, as they could bring abundance—or misfortune—based on how they were treated.
These spiritual connections to rice are so deeply woven into Filipino culture that they have transcended time and colonial influence. And so, as I created each course of the Rice & Mysticism dinner, I thought about the rice that my ancestors would have cultivated, the way it would have been harvested, and the myths surrounding its consumption. I wanted to share these experiences not only through the dishes but also through the stories behind them. |  |
The menu itself is a celebration of rice in all its forms, from appetizers to dessert. Each course highlights a different aspect of rice, from the familiar to the unexpected. I’ve deconstructed childhood favorites, like a dish my mom would make often, and presented it in a new, modern way—hopefully, this will make her shake her head in disbelief. But beyond the flavors, each dish is a reflection of my journey to rediscover my cultural identity and share it with others.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this dinner series has been the ability to learn more about my own culture while also sharing it with guests. It’s been a love letter to the Philippines, to my family, and to the rich history that continues to shape me today. For me, this dinner is not just about showcasing Filipino food—it’s about telling the story of how food has shaped my identity and how it continues to do so.
As we move forward with Rice & Mysticism, I hope this will be the first of many dinners that allow chefs to tell their own stories through the food they create. Filipino cuisine, while gaining recognition, has yet to reach the same mainstream spotlight as other Asian cuisines. It’s time to change that. The goal of this series is to not only celebrate Filipino food but to create a network of chefs who can help elevate Filipino cuisine in the global food conversation.
I’m incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to share this dinner with Edmonton’s food community, and I’m excited to continue exploring the stories, the food, and the mysticism of my culture.
So, whether you’re enjoying a spoonful of rice or savoring each bite of a carefully crafted dish, know that you’re part of something much bigger—a celebration of heritage, tradition, and love for the land, the food, and the people who have made it all possible.
This is only the beginning.
Rice & Mysticism Returns
The journey continues with Rice & Mysticism: The Second Wash—a deeper dive into the history, culture, and mythology of rice through a six-course tasting menu.
📅 Date: April 27
⏰ Doors: 6:00 PM | Dinner: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Coterie Restaurant and Bar (10330 80 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6E 1T9)
Seats are limited—reserve yours now and experience the next evolution of this culinary exploration.
