A new Filipino restaurant called Barkada (instagram) is under development. Chefs Nicole and Ben Bowers and business partners Margaret and Luka Dow hope to launch a Barkada food truck this summer and a Filipino fast casual restaurant with the same name this fall at 25 Pearl Street.
At the restaurant they plan to serve “authentic Filipino cuisine, offering a mix of classic dishes and modern takes” with options like lechon liempo, grilled meats, and wok-cooked specialties. The team shared that their “goal is to provide a welcoming, casual space where customers can enjoy bold, comforting Filipino flavors.” The menu on the food truck will lean into street-style, grab-and-go food like Filipino tacos and nachos which they plan to serve in Dorito bags.
Nicole and Ben Bowers will be the chefs for Barkada. Nicole Bowers is originally from the Philippines. She and Ben Bowers met while attending the Institute of Culinary Education in NY. They’ve worked in Michelin-starred restaurants including for Daniel Boulud. Prior to moving to Maine they worked as private chefs in Florida. The Dows also have a background in the hospitality industry including operating a cafe in Boston and in food distribution.