Krystal & Eric's Baby Shower Fiesta!

I'll never forget that day. I opened the door and there she was... in person! Although we just met, I felt as if I've known her forever. Granted, I've communicated with her for the past few years but it's such a great feeling to actually meet friends behind the computer screen and in the flesh. Who is this I speak of? Krystal of Mrs. Reguiero's Plate! I met Krystal at the FoodBuzz Festival that took place this past November in San Francisco. Ever since that fun weekend surrounded by foodies, new and long time friendships grew stronger and Krystal has been such a sweet and wonderful friend. Krystal and her husband Eric are expecting their first child in early May. To celebrate, I gathered up her favorite food bloggers to host a virtual baby shower, but this is not your typical baby shower... it's a Baby Shower Fiesta!

Instead of the usual baby shower fare, we're having a foodie fiesta in honor of the delicious cuisines that are very near and dear to both Krystal and Eric’s heart. Krystal comes from a Filipino background and if you’re familiar with Filipino culture, Filipinos love food. We’re born foodies and find any reason to celebrate and eat among friends and family. Eric comes from a Cuban background and just like Filipinos, Cubans love to party and can dish up some amazing flavors. Their little one on the way will surely be spoiled with some tasty meals from both sides of the family!

For this virtual baby shower fiesta, Krystal's favorite food bloggers prepared the following dishes inspired by Filipino and Cuban cuisines. I can only imagine how awesome it would be if we all were able to share these dishes and sit around the table to enjoy them together! But instead, here's the delicious round up of this tasty Baby Shower Fiesta... Congratulations Krystal and Eric! You're both going to be wonderful parents and I can't wait for Cookie's arrival. Enjoy...

"Faix"-jito - Jessica @ Sunny Side Up in San Diego

This is the perfect mocktail cocktail for a Cuban inspired party...

Fruit Ponche - Carrie @ Carrie's Sweet Life

Carrie combines pineapple juice, apple cider, fresh fruit and ice for this fruity drink...

Mango Shake - Kelsey @ Apple a Day

Mangoes are everywhere in Philippines and this is a great drink to showcase them...

Cuban Lumpia Rolls - Cara @ he Boys Made Me Do It!

I love how Cara did a little Cuban Filipino fusion in this dish...

Stuffed Peppadew Peppers - Kira @ Cook, Pray, Love

Inspired by the Caribbean, these stuffed peppers pair perfectly with a mojito...

Papas Rellenas - Nikki @ Pennies on a Platter

These lovely pillows of potato are filled with a savory filling. Mmmm...

Cuban Black Bean Hummus - Jessy @ Gourmet Today

I love how Jessy made a hummus out of a popular Cuban side dish...

Tostones with Creamy Garlic Cilantro Dip - Stefany @ Proceed with Caution 

These look amazing and I'm craving a taste in the worst way...

Beef & Potato Empanadas - Joelen @ What's Cookin, Chicago?

A popular treat at any Filipino gathering & common in Latin cuisines too...

Frita Cuban Sliders - Brianna @ Oishii

 Brianna introduces us to a Cuban burger in such a delicious way...

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders - Shawnda @ Confections of a Foodie Bride

A perfect marinade of garlic, sour oranges, lime, and minced onion for pork...

Cuban Black Beans - Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles

It isn't a Cuban party without this favorite side dish...

Cuban Sandwich Eggs Benedict - Jen @ Beantown Baker

I love how Jen fused Cuban flavors into this eggs benedict...

Arroz con Pollo - Nicole @ Prevention RD

One of my favorite dishes of all time, this is perfect any night of the week!...

Cuban Pork Chops - Melissa @ I Was Born to Cook

Garlic, lime & cumin turn pork chops into something wonderful...

Cuban Sandwiches - Sarah @ A Taste of Home Cooking

The traditional Cuban sandwich chockful of pork, ham, swiss & pickles...

Filipino Grilled Chicken - Cathy @ Cathy's Kitchen Journey

A little sweet, a little savory and a whole lot of deliciousness...

Ropa Vieja - Brady @ Branny Boils Over

A traditional dish that's memorable and worth making for someone you love...

Mojito Cookies - Jessica @ The Jey of Cooking

Cookies for "Cookie"!, Krystal's nickname for her growing baby...

Champorado (Chocolate Rice Pudding) - Jessica @ My Baking Heart

This is a popular Filipino dish loved by kids and anyone who adores chocolate...

Cupcakes with Mango Buttercream - Cate @ Cate's World Kitchen

Mango buttercream is a delicious way to get a taste of the tropics...

Tres Leches Cupcakes - Stephanie @ Macaroni & Cheesecake

These mini versions of the traditional Tres Leches cake are adorable...

Cuban Mojito Cake - Becky @ Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant

All the delicious flavors of a mojito in cake form...

Pastelitos de Guayaba & Queso - Melissa @ Delicious Melicious

These pastries combine guava and cream cheese - a popular Cuban combo!...