I'm talking about food here. Remember when Thai food had that exotic appeal? You didn't exactly know what the menu entries meant. Your friends hadn't been converted, and were wary of its foreignness.
That's all in the past. Everyone knows and loves Thai food. No one is scared; instead, we've developed a fine taste for the subtleties of the cuisine. Lemongrass, coconut, garlic, basil.
Thai food becoming a comfort-food standby has created a void that must be filled. Filipino food will fill this void. It's readily available and delicious, but most people are still poorly-versed in the styles and flavors of this cuisine. I include myself in the under-educated masses.
Filipino food is a beguiling combination of pan-Asian influences, merged with a Spanish sensibility. What more could you ask for? What could be a more appropriate next step for urban food lovers?
So we agree that Filipino is the new Thai, right? But it doesn't end there. What happened to Thai food? Thai food is the new Chinese food. Reliable comfort food for the whole family and extended social circle.
Sadly, Chinese food has been taken down a notch in this process. Chinese food is the new pizza. Reliable, greasy-but-delicious, and a take-out/delivery stable. Let's remember to notice the Chinese places that deliver a special, high-quality dining experience.
And let's take on the challenge to understand, enjoy and criticize Filipino food! See you at Goldilocks.