He’s a Filipino, with a Spanish name, who speaks English with an American accent that lives in Pāpāmoa and owns an Italian restaurant. Phew!
And despite living in New Zealand for 30 years – with a mix of cultures flying all about him – it’s Mark Lucero’s Filipino roots that will triumph this month at his Pizza Library as he shelves the dough to bring a ‘Boodle Fight’ for a night.
The origins
A traditional Boodle 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 Military around World War II.
“They didn’t have any plates, forks, knives or whatever to carry around.
"So what they did have, they spread on the ground and put all the food they hunted there with rice.
"Usually because they hunted in the forest, they barbecued [meat], and ate communally with their hands.”
That’s when the ‘fight’ for food would begin.
“You got a whole bunch of food there and you’re hungry, and if you’re slow, you lose out.”
Camaraderie & cuisine
As part of the Flavours of Plenty Food Festival, Mark and wife Cathy will host a Boodle Fight at their Mount Maunganui Pizza Library.
“I think there’ll be a bit of culture shock, but I don’t want to shock people too much,” say Mark.
“If they want to try eating with their hands, I will have gloves available.”
Otherwise people can tuck in with spoon, fork and knife.
“What’s traditionally in a Boodle Fight is of course rice, barbecued chicken, seafood, pork – all sorts!”
Mark Lucero with a tasty platter of food that is traditionally served in a Boodle Fight. Photo: John Borren.
Marks says the Boodle Fight is about sharing food with others and camaraderie.
“Basically what we’re trying to do is to introduce people to Filipino cooking.”
Cook Asian kai
Sharing his food, culture, and Filipino history with people, Mark also wants to introduce people to cooking Asian kai.
“A lot of Kiwis love Asian food and they eat Asian foods in restaurants, but they don’t know how to cook it themselves.
"And I want to show them how you can cook it really easy.”
So Mark will invite people on an Asian food store field trip to get them started.
“I’ve been all over the world and [Filipino food] is still the best.
"It’s my comfort food.”
And his favourite thing about his Filipino culture?
Mark says it’s the people’s hospitality.
“When you come into somebody’s house we have a greeting called ‘Kumain 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 in the Flavours of Plenty Festival,
visit: www.flavoursofplentyfestival.com/