Fate often takes us down unexpected paths, and sometimes those paths lead us to our greatest adventures. For me, it all began with a decision I hadn’t planned on but always desired. I enrolled in a culinary course at Northwestern University in the Philippines—a choice that would ignite my passion for cooking and open doors to a dream I’d held close for years. I’m Quisha Adrienne Tabalbag, and I’m excited to share the story of how my friend Kassandra and I are living our American Dream.
Embarking on a Culinary Adventure
Kassandra and I started this journey with a shared eagerness to explore new cultures and cuisines. Our culinary course was the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of diverse recipes and cooking techniques. When we learned that our internship would take us to California, we were beyond thrilled. But along with our excitement came the inevitable anxiety of being away from our families. It was a significant challenge for both of us, but one we were ready to face.
An Unforgettable Experience at ONE65
Our adventure brought us to the heart of San Francisco, where we found ourselves at ONE65 Restaurant—a multi-level culinary paradise. This unique destination features a café and boutique on the first floor, a patisserie and chocolate room on the second, a bistro and grill on the third, Elements Bar and Lounge on the fourth, and the Michelin-starred O’ by Claude Le Tohic on the fifth and sixth floors. Each level offered us a new experience, a new challenge, and an opportunity to learn.
From the moment we arrived, Chef Claude Le Tohic and his talented culinary team made us feel like part of their family. They were dedicated to ensuring we learned every detail of their craft. At first, we were nervous—worried about making mistakes and the differences in food and techniques between our homeland and here. But with each passing day, we learned to embrace our missteps, seeing them as valuable lessons. As we grew more confident, our roles became second nature, and we found ourselves excited about the new challenges each day would bring.
Experiencing the American Dream
Living in San Francisco has allowed us to experience the American Dream in a way we never imagined. We’ve been privileged to witness and be a part of exemplary practices in the culinary industry. What stands out the most to me is the inclusive environment at ONE65. Everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, nationality, or beliefs. This sense of respect and appreciation has made it so much easier for us to adapt and feel at home, even when we’re so far from our families.
San Francisco is a city that’s bursting with life, culture, and culinary delights. It’s a place where every corner offers something new to explore. From its countless attractions to its diverse array of restaurants, this city has enriched our journey, providing us with inspiration and knowledge that will shape our futures.
A Journey Worth Taking
We can’t recommend this program enough to anyone interested in expanding their horizons. The experience has been life-changing, opening our eyes to a world of possibilities. We are incredibly grateful to our local agency, OBEI, and TranUSA Exchange in San Francisco for their exceptional support in making this journey possible.
To anyone out there who’s considering taking a similar step, we say, “Believe in yourself, embrace new opportunities, and seek God’s guidance.” Kassandra and I are living proof that dreams can come true, and every day feels like we’re on cloud nine!
Final Thoughts
Our journey from the Philippines to San Francisco has been filled with challenges, growth, and joy. We’ve learned that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. We are grateful for the chance to live our American Dream, and we look forward to what the future holds.
Thank you for joining us on our journey. We hope our story inspires you to chase your own dreams, wherever they may lead you.