New restaurant opening in downtown Bellingham, serving authentic Filipino food and drinks
Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, a local food truck that’s been cooking up authentic Filipino food since 2019, will soon have a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Bellingham with new food, drinks and events.
Bryan John Matamorosa, owner and chef at Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States when he was 19. Matamorosa then completed the culinary program at Bellingham Technical College in 2017.
“The combination of growing up with the food that I love to make, and the culinary techniques that I learned in school, as well as Chefs I studied under after graduating, provides me with the knowledge and skills to create amazing and authentic Filipino food for all of my guests,” Matamorosa told to The Bellingham Herald. “It is near and dear to my heart to be able to serve things that are not only classic Filipino dishes — like Pork Adobo, Pancit Bihon and Shanghai Lumpia — but more specifically from the Bicol region where I was born and raised,” Matamorosa wrote.
Matamorosa started Bry’s Filipino Cuisine in 2019 with a booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market. He now has a food truck that is regularly at the Lummi Bay Market or at special events around Whatcom County.
The new restaurant has been teased on the business’ Facebook page, as Matamorosa keeps his followers in the loop on construction updates.
But thankfully for Bellingham foodies, the restaurant’s opening isn’t too far away.
“Approximate opening date at this point is probably March 1st as long as we get all of our final approval from the liquor board by then. The Health Department plans have all been approved just waiting on that inspection in person,” Matamorosa wrote.
After that, Matamorosa plans to hire a staff and complete final touches before opening.
Authentic Filipino dishes and treats
The restaurant owner and chef also plans to offer authentic food, cocktails and new dishes that are not available in the food truck.
“There will be classic entrees that people are used to seeing on the food truck, for both lunch and dinner, as well as new options regularly on the menu. ... we will also be offering more vegan and vegetarian options,” Matamorosa wrote.
The menu will also include craft cocktails and drinks with a Filipino twist, like mango martinis and spike ube Long Island iced tea, as well as craft beer.
For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant will also have delectable desserts through a collaboration with local bakery, It’s The Sweet Things, which is owned by Matamorosu’s wife, Jennifer Worthley.
“I have not seen many restaurants put much of a focus on their dessert options. While I understand this, I am looking forward to being able to offer things you won’t see anywhere else, handcrafted by a pastry chef, featuring the flavors I grew up with,” Matamorosu wrote.
As the restaurant is planned to open next month, Matamorosu plans to be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. five days a week, but possibly seven.
Locals looking for events can also expect happy hour, trivia nights and other community events in the future, according to Matamorosu.
The restaurant will be at 1151 N State St. inside the Bellingham Herald Building, and the opening date will be announced on Facebook and in The Bellingham Herald.
