Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassaundra Bayot.
Hi Cassaundra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
During Covid, we were inspired by the other popups in the DFW area. We have always wanted to showcase Filipino food in Dallas, and we saw this as a great way to start. We wanted to do something that hasn’t been done and mostly what people don’t usually make at home – Siopao. We started with pre-orders that lead to popping up at local bars, breweries, and events, expanding our menu and experience.
Now, we have moved into private dinner parties where we host 12-16 people at a time with a four-course meal. We really wanted to really put Filipino food in the limelight and show others that it’s so special. We share our stories of the foods we’ve grown up with and a little history behind the dishes. We felt it was important to honor its authenticity, so I take a lot of recipes I’ve learned from my family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our new venture has given us a lot of challenges to grow as a small business. We really had to learn how to market ourselves, organize our own events, and communicate with one another. It’s really made us grow as a business as we have learned how to work together even more. Creating your own event is a beast compared to popping up, but we love the challenge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in Filipino cuisine, from popups to private dinners. We really work through love, and in everything we do, we have love in mind. We love educating others about Filipino cuisine, its influences, and what makes it unique. We’re so proud of the connection we have with those we serve, and it’s been amazing to connect with others who want to celebrate our cuisine.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The person who deserves the most credit is my partner, Alonzo. It’s not easy having a small business, and even more, it’s not easy having to run one with your life partner as well. We have to support one another, and we’ve had to grow in our relationship through Mahal Eating. We have two full-time jobs, so we work around our schedule – crazy, I must add – to curate these events. So, I’m giving a shoutout to him for all he does. He allows me to be creative for Mahal and supports me through whatever I want to do. He’s the genius behind our Youtube and marketing. I really couldn’t have done this without him.
Contact Info:
- Website: mahaleating.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahaleating/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mahal-Eating/100086807224036/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJ3a83ZhksvfXD81k-XARg
Image Credits
Digi Productions
Chris “Mr. Vzn”
Mays-Walker
