A staff laying down flowers from Chef Jessie at Pope Francis’ tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore
Chef Jessie Sincioco has been a respected figure in the Philippine culinary scene since the 1980s. Today, she runs her popular restaurants, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club and Chef Jessie’s Place, both in Makati. In the wake of the death of Pope Francis last April 28, memories came flooding back of her having been especially chosen to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the Pontiff at Manila’s Apostolic Nunciature during his four-day visit to the Philippines on Jan. 15-19, 2015. The Diarist.ph asked the renowned chef about the singular honor of a lifetime.
What do you love and remember most about the Pope, including the food he loved? We remember you telling us he loved steak and the wine. Was there any Filipino food he liked?
I remember the Holy Father being so approachable and very simple. He is so natural and spontaneous. He ate whatever was served him, and he really finished his food.
I remember telling the only waiter who was with me at that time to show me the plate of the Holy Father after dishing it out. This was for me to find out if he finished and liked the food that I served him.
He loved the roast beef that was really rare, the flambéed mango with mantecado ice cream, and the beef consommé with herbed dumplings the most. He asked for three more servings of the dumplings.
He only drank one wine: No. O Negro Amaro from Menhir Salento in Puglia, Italy. He had a glass for lunch and another glass for dinner.
Unfortunately, I was not able to serve him any Filipino dish. Then Papal Nuncio Guiseppe Pinto was worried about feeding him with food that was not familiar to him, for fear that it would cause stomach problems. I had to oblige.
Chef Jessie joining the crowd at St. Peter’s Square and being blessed by the Holy Father (Courtesy of FB chefjessierestaurants)
What was it like meeting him the first time?
The feeling was really light and comfortable. He had this fatherly warmth and vibe. My very first encounter with the Holy Father was when I kissed his hand (mano po!) when they were on their way out, going to the University of Santo Tomas.
I kissed his hand, and he blessed me. I still vividly remember that sweet smile on his face.
Did you prepare all his meals at the Nunciature when he was here?
Yes, we prepared everything at the Nunciature, and baked seven different kinds of bread every day at Chef Jessie Rockwell.
How did it feel to be in his presence?
The feeling was really so nice and comforting. He had a very pleasant disposition and you wouldn’t really feel intimidated. He was very loving and very approachable.
What did he call you?
He called me Jessie. I actually have three letters personally written and signed by the Holy Father, displayed in our mini gallery at Chef Jessie’s Place.
Any words from him that you will cherish in life?
I will always remember this request that he whispered to me, “Please pray for me!”, when we said goodbye to him before they flew back to Rome. I could not fathom the Holy Father asking me to pray for him. But because he requested me to do that, I make sure that I really pray for him every day.
Every year after, I would bring mangoes to him every month of May. The last time was last year.
After his death, I was able to attend the praying of the Holy Rosary at St. Peter’s Square, paid my last respects at his wake at the Chapel in Santa Marta, attended his burial and funeral rites at St. Peter’s, and visited his tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore before I flew home. I was super blessed that I was able to serve him, even for just four days, during the visit in 2015.
