By rssfeeds-admin When Carlo Lamagna opened Magna Kusina in Southeast Portland nearly six years ago, it was more than just a business launch. It was the realization of a lifelong dream.
“There weren’t that many Filipino spots… so being the first one, it was daunting, for sure,” Lamagna recalls.
Growing up both in the Philippines and the United States, Lamagna saw an opportunity to represent the flavors and traditions of his heritage in a way that hadn’t been done before by bringing Filipino cuisine into the spotlight of the fine dining world.
At Magna Kusina, Lamagna reimagines classic Filipino dishes like adobo and sisig with modern culinary techniques and thoughtful presentation.
“Our food deserves to be on the same echelon as fine dining French… and you’re seeing that now,” he says.
That philosophy has garnered national acclaim. In 2021, Lamagna was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, and Magna Kusina was crowned Restaurant of the Year by The Oregonian. The following year, he became a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest.
“It did become a beacon of hope and culture and cuisine here in Portland… dare I say, nationally,” Lamagna says.
Lamagna’s love for Filipino culture goes far beyond what’s served on a plate. Every Friday morning at Irving Park, you’ll find him leading a Filipino martial arts class — practicing Arnis, Kali, or Eskrima — depending what island you’re from or style you practice.
“I started practicing here at the park during the pandemic,” he explains. “I started posting a couple of things… and people would just shoot me a message and say, ‘Hey, can I practice with you?’”
The informal meetups have grown into a dedicated community of both Filipinos and non-Filipinos interested in learning the art and connecting with culture in a new way.
“I first came here out of cultural curiosity,” says Aerin DeLeon, a regular attendee.
Another student, Brian Pike, notes, “The biggest part for me is coming here and getting community.”
The class remains free of charge. “He’s never asked for money — just for your time,” DeLeon adds.
Whether in the kitchen or the park, Lamagna’s mission is the same: to honor his heritage, uplift his community, and ensure Filipino traditions continue to thrive.
“As long as I’m spreading the knowledge, and the art, and the culture,” he says, “it’s really awesome for us, because now you see Filipinos on the big stage.”
If you’re interested in tasting Carlo’s award-winning food, he’s being featured as a VIP Chef at the AAPI Food and Wine festival in Dayton on Saturday, May 17th.
On Saturday night, Carlo will appear as the Guest Chef at the Portland Timbers match, serving up some delicious dishes at Tanner Ridge.
If you’re interested in joining Carlo’s martial arts class, it’s free and open to the public every Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Irving Park.
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