From Marine Corps to Purple Patch: Patrice Cleary’s Leap of Faith

What does it mean to rediscover your identity through food?In this episode of The Hungry Immigrant, Abang Brian sits down with Chef Patrice Cleary, Filipina-American chef and owner of Purple Patch DC and Joia Burger in Washington, D.C. From serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to building one of the most recognized Filipino restaurants in DC, Patrice shares her journey of finding identity, community, and purpose through Filipino cuisine.They discuss the rise of Filipino food in America, authenticity in immigrant cuisine, ingredients like ube and bagoong, and how Purple Patch became a home for the Filipino diaspora.If you want to understand Filipino cuisine beyond adobo, the power of food and identity, and the story behind one of DC’s most beloved Filipino restaurants, this episode is for you.Follow Patrice ClearyInstagram: @cupcakecleary@purplepatchdc@joiaburgerdcFollow The Hungry Immigrant Podcast- A global podcast exploring Asian food culture, identity, and immigrant stories.@hungryimmigrantHosted by Abang Brian (MasterChef Malaysia) @abangbrianTimestamps00:00 The question of authenticity in Filipino food02:05 From U.S. Marine Corps to restaurateur08:10 Childhood memories and Filipino food identity13:20 Opening Purple Patch and taking the leap21:10 Sambal Survey with Abang Brian28:45 Filipino food beyond adobo36:40 Understanding ube and Filipino ingredients43:30 The future of Filipino-American cuisine