From Marine Corps to Purple Patch: Patrice Cleary’s Leap of Faith

<p>What does it mean to rediscover your identity through food?</p><p>In this episode of The Hungry Immigrant, Abang Brian sits down with Chef Patrice Cleary, Filipina-American chef and owner of Purple Patch DC and Joia Burger in Washington, D.C. From serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to building one of the most recognized Filipino restaurants in DC, Patrice shares her journey of finding identity, community, and purpose through Filipino cuisine.</p><p>They discuss the rise of Filipino food in America, authenticity in immigrant cuisine, ingredients like ube and bagoong, and how Purple Patch became a home for the Filipino diaspora.</p><p>If you want to understand Filipino cuisine beyond adobo, the power of food and identity, and the story behind one of DC’s most beloved Filipino restaurants, this episode is for you.</p><p><strong>Follow Patrice Cleary</strong>Instagram: </p><p>@cupcakecleary</p><p>@purplepatchdc<br />@joiaburgerdc</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Follow The Hungry Immigrant Podcast- </strong>A global podcast exploring Asian food culture, identity, and immigrant stories.</p><p>@hungryimmigrantHosted by Abang Brian (MasterChef Malaysia) @abangbrian<br /></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00 The question of authenticity in Filipino food<br />02:05 From U.S. Marine Corps to restaurateur<br />08:10 Childhood memories and Filipino food identity<br />13:20 Opening Purple Patch and taking the leap<br />21:10 Sambal Survey with Abang Brian<br />28:45 Filipino food beyond adobo<br />36:40 Understanding ube and Filipino ingredients<br />43:30 The future of Filipino-American cuisine</p><p><br /></p>