My Top Picks at The Ultimate Taste Test 2019 #UTT2019

We've been attending The Ultimate Taste Test since its early days. We've enjoyed a lot of new food finds and have met a lot of likeminded individuals who like us, believe in the transformative power of good food. This year is their 10th year. Yes, it's a decade of helping out food merchants introduced their creations to the public and helping consumer find food products well-worth the calories and money. 

I started working in corporate set up months ago so I wasn't really expecting that I'll make it to this year's UTT. Luckily, my friends - the very same peeps who I've gone with to the previous years of UTT with - Rina (@rinasrainbow) a.k.a. Mrs. Pickiest Eater and Glenn (@i_am_glenn_daniel) a.k.a. The Strolling Spoon were there to drag my sleepy self out and enjoy the event. I may lack sleep but no regrets, I tell you.

My Top Picks at The Ultimate Taste Test PRO Edition 2017

I am going to say this right off the bat, Ultimate Taste Test Pro Edition 2017 is by far my favorite among Ultimate Taste Tests which I have attended since 2011. While previous Our Awesome Planet’s UTTs were special and undeniably enjoyable, the UTT Pro Edition this year shoot up to several notches higher in terms of serving people the best of the best food that merchants can offer.

Anton himself mentioned that the vendors this year were carefully picked through the Ultimate Taste Test Audition hence, the lineup comprised of the best ones they have chosen. It was after all Pro Edition. 

Ultimate Taste Test Pro Edition 2017 happened last September 2-3, 2017 at Glorietta Activity Center. The two-day food festival gave chance to the vendors to showcase their products to the foodies who stood as food critics for the day, and to sell their products to the public. The event was concluded last Sunday and winners were announced.

The Choice 2016: Vote For Your Favorite Restaurants in Manila and Beyond!

Hello fellow food enthusiasts! That's right, The Choice 2016 is upon us and all of us will once again have the chance to vote for our favorite restaurants in Manila and beyond. We have written about the previous year's The Choice Award, also known as The People's Choice Restaurant Awards and we couldn't thank enough those who have taken a slice of their precious time to vote.

This year, we are again encouraging you to cast your vote and show some love to the restaurants, bars, cafes, and even chefs which makes your gastronomical journeys this year a whole lot fun.

There's a lot of food businesses that opened in the recent months and I am sure that just like me, you are all itching to show your support for them. So there couldn't be more apt time than now. 

Of Great Food, Good Company, and Gratitude: The KTG Christmas Party 2014

Truth be told, given the reserved personality that I have, you can rarely find me associated with big groups. Quality over quantity, that has always been a mantra of sort that I always live by. Sounds like a pesky little unfriendly snob? Nah, it's just that only few people can dig my unconventional approach to life and my f*cker may-care-kind-of-attitude. So, choosing to just peacefully co-exist with the rest of the humanity is just the best bet.

That is why it came as a surprise, even for me that five years into food blogging, I am suddenly surrounded with people that renders my hand fingers not enough to count. Yet, given that these people are some of the nicest I have come across with, I feel grateful. We call our group the KTG Family.

K.T.G. stands for Kain Tulog Gang. People sometimes cringe for what the name of our group stands for whenever I am asked about it. And I understand such reaction. Not to offend anyone but I, myself wasn't a big fan of the name at first - it sounds too pedestrian. Until it grew on me. To this day, I am loving the beautiful irony.

Bhe'st Lasagna, It's Nice to Finally Meet You.

Lately I have been talking about Bhe'st Lasagna, one of the best lasagnas I have tried here in Manila. One reason is that with the Christmas season unfolding before us, I deem it can be the best option for an edible gift and potluck share during parties. 

Another reason is that Bhe'st Lasagna and I, we kinda have a history together. Well, sort of.

Before diving ahead on the story telling, let me just give credit where it is due. I was not in Manila when the awesome package from Bhe'st Lasagna arrived home, so I had my sister took these photos for me. Merci beaucoup!

Going back to the story, to the day I almost met Bhe'st Lasagna for the first time. Almost, being the operative word, we never crossed path the day we intended to. But as with all things in life, if it is destiny, ways will unfold itself no matter what. 

Best Food Forward 2014: Come and Join the Most Awaited Benefit Food Fair in Manila!

If you have been reading my blog, you know by now that one of the food fairs in Manila that I have always been supporting is Best Food Forward. Who could ever blame me? It's a benefit food fair, nothing beats the nice feeling of feasting on great food for a cause. That's always been Best Food Forward's goal from the get go, so, I am all for it. Now the good news is they are back this year, celebrating their 4th year in making food enthusiasts in Manila happy and helping our fellow countrymen in need while in the process.

This coming October 11 to 12, 2014, from 10am to 8pm, The Most Awaited Benefit Food Fair, Best Food Forward will be staging their two-day food fair event at The Rockwell Tent in Makati, City. Since there have been a lot of flood victims in the past year up to now, Best Food Forward beneficiaries will be the flood victims and survivors.

I remember the very first time I attended Best Food Forward way back in 2011 with some of my friends. It was one of those days when I have met the most talented home bakers and food business owners which up to now I still look up to. I also remember enjoying every minute of it since I was exposed to a lot of new food finds which ended up as my favorites up to this day. Now that Best Food Forward is on its fourth year, I know that there are a lot of great things to expect.

The Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014: Join the Gastronomic Funfare!

Hey foodies! It’s the time of the year once again to put on your food critic hat and enjoy variety of food samples as Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews presents Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014. This food tasting event will feature 50+ home-based food businesses alongside some food establishments under Power Plant Mall’s umbrella. Needless to say, it is going to be a day filled with gastronomic funfare.

I have been supporting Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test since 2011 and until now, theirs is definitely one of my favorite food fairs that I love to attend.  While I have been a fan of the entire Ultimate Taste Test series, the experiences and the food finds I encountered at their Rockwell UTT proved to be incomparable ( Thanks to nice location and comfortable tent set up).

So, if you are as excited as I am to be a food critic at Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014, here are the details.

Dulcelin Gourmet at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave.

When talking about Dulcelin Gourmet the very first thing that comes to my mind is their famous and downright impressive Mango Torte. Now that they have opened their very first restaurant which is located at U.P. Town Center in Katipunan, Dulcelin Gourmet proved that they are more than just that famous dessert. Their take on different dishes could also be mind blowingly good, and I agree.

 

While I have tried some of their savory dishes offerings during food fairs and events such as The Ultimate Taste Test, Dessert Comes First Anniversary Party, and some occasions, it was still their Mango Torte which was almost always present in our family gatherings that left a strong impression on me. With the opening of their new restaurant, I am glad that other dishes at Dulcelin Gourmet are now more accessible than ever.

Top Picks at the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test 2013

One Saturday of September, 1000 foodies gathered to partake in the festive event that was the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test. It was the 11th servings of Manila's most anticipated food event, The Ultimate Taste Test headed by one of the famous food bloggers in Manila, Our Awesome Planet in cooperation with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews.

Ultimate Taste Test food event aims to showcase up and coming food businesses in Manila by sampling their products to a thousand of foodies playing as food critics for the day. 

Just like the previous UTT events, the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test follows the same drill. Food critics were given a passport where they could write down their score and feedback for the food businesses participating the event. I was able to drop by at the Rockwell Tent to wear my food critic hat, and although it was a quick visit, I was able to enjoy remarkable food and was able to collate my top picks as well.

The Ultimate Taste Test 2013 at Rockwell

The time has come to once again enjoy the fun of being a food critic for a day through Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews’ The Ultimate Taste Test 2013.

Now on its 11th roll and the 3rd time in partnership with Rockwell, The Ultimate Taste Test 2013 will once again rock the foodie world on September 14, 2013 from 11am to 9pm at The Rockwell Tent, Powerplant Mall.

I have always been a fan of food feasts such as The Ultimate Taste Test and based on my previous UTT experiences, I am confident that this 11th installment will be equally delightful.

Books For Foodies: Northern Eats and Southern Eats by Anton Diaz

As a food blogger who is in constant search for restaurants in Manila to try, discover, and re-discover, I would have to say that I am a sucker for restaurant guides.  It's just too bad that such guides are rather limited here in our country.  While food blogs, websites, and social networking sites plays a big role in dishing out recommendations on where and what to eat, it is comforting to know that we still have books to turn to when technology fails.

That is why when friends at Hinge Inquirer informed me late last year that famous blogger Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet will be having book launching I couldn't help but to get excited about it.  Knowing the man behind series of foodie fairs called The Ultimate Taste Test and food markets such as Mercato Centrale, Soderno Molito, Manda Centrale, and Cucina Andare, I know the book is going to be a restaurant guide. I was right. The bonus is, it's not just one book, but two.

Presented by Northern Living and Southern Living, and co-presented by Avida, Mr. Our Awesome Planet Anton Diaz dished out his restaurant recommendations in a form of books published by Hinge Inquirer.  Aptly titled Northern Eats and Southern Eats. These two books boasts of 50 restaurants to discover in the north and 50 restaurants to discover in the south recommended by Anton.

My Top Picks at The Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 Mercato Centrale

Last November 17, 2011 Mercato Centrale at Bonifacio Global City, has once again proved that it is the mecca of anything good, delicious, and awesome when the seventh serving of Our Awesome Planet’s The Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 was held at the venue.

Having attended the Ultimate Taste Test 6.0 at Rockwell, I thought that I’ll be ready to face yet another ultimate food tasting, but Ultimate Taste Test never fails to overwhelm me.  Yes, food were given on food taste portion, but if you sum up everything that the merchants fed the foodies, it was indeed hefty.  I was able to try all the food that the 50+ merchants served during the UTT 6, and I was able to do the same during the UTT 7.  I am hardcore that way.

According to Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet who’s the genius behind Ultimate Taste Test Events, the recent UTT was conducted especially for the Christmas season.  Food merchants offered their food which can be served during the holiday and/or can be purchased for gift giving purposes.  True enough, there are some food that I am keeping an eye on because I know it’ll be perfect for my Christmas gift list.

Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 at Mercato Centrale

It wasn’t long ago when 1000 foodies gathered and feasted on food offered by 50+ food merchants during the Ultimate Taste Test 6.0 at Rockwell.  It was one awesome foodie event of this year, and now, Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews are ready to rock our world again with…

The Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 

The Ultimate Taste Test 6.0 PART 3 : My Top Picks

Presented with different scrumptious food by 50+ hardworking food vendors at the Ultimate Taste Test 6.0, one of the hardest things to come up with was a list of top picks.  I have mentioned in my previous post that some food were really good while some were just okay.  One thing for sure though, was that no single food served that I didn’t like.


Every food vendors who participated at the Ultimate Taste Test 6.0 are all winners in my book in terms of courage and hard work to get through the day feeding 1000 foodies or more.  My family is also into food business that is why I can imagine how hard it is to come up with an ideas and strategies just to please customers, aside from providing them with good food products.  

I salute each and every food vendors at the UTT 6.0.  You all did a great job.

Now, in order for me to come up with my own list of top picks, I stick to those food which taste lingers in my memory days after the event.  Those food which up to now, I crave. 



Cupcake Boutique by Klar Joseph


I have tasted some of their cupcakes during the Best Food Forward Food Fair early this year.  I fell in love with their Diplomat Cupcake.  While I enjoyed the Red Velvet and The Green Tea cupcakes nothing compares to the ultimate satisfaction that the Diplomat gave me.  It was the best tasting chocolate cupcake I ever had.  This rich chocolate cupcake was so sinful, and I wouldn’t mind repenting a million times over just to have a bite of this. 

Luigi's


This was the first stall we visited and upon my first bite of their Philllychangga, I know I am really up for a mean food tripping.  Philly Cheese steak wrapped in what looked like to me a spring roll wrapper and Chicken Cordon Bleu with a choice of aligue mayo, cream cheese or wasabi sauce were the food that they served.  Both were extremely good, but it was the Phillychangga I was crazy about.

Tina's Pie Outlet


I have always been a fan, and will always be a fan of Tina’s Pie.  During the UTT, I tried their Callos and Prawns In Aligue Tart and it has the same effect on me during the first time I got crazy over their savory pies!  Tina’s Pie Outlet is definitely one of those I highly recommend.  If you have not tried her savory pies yet, you prolly missed half of your life.

Purple Mustard


They are one of the food vendors I know who sells the best tasting ravioli in town.  I’ve tried some of their raviolis in Mercato Centrale, and loved it.  When I learned that they will be serving Fried Ravioli with Rosemary Honey, I was a little apprehensive.  I am cool with rosemary but not on my food.  Purple Mustard made me look at it in a different light.  

Mochiko


They launched their new flavor Cookie Dough & Cream Mochi at the UTT and I am lucky to be among the first foodies who tried it.  Cookie Dough  Cream Mochi. Who could have said NO to that? Definitely not I.  I loved their Azuki, Caramel, and Choc-Nut flavors and now I have a new favorite!

Sweet Life by Ange


They had me at their Angelina Cake.  A combination of cheesecake, red velvet cake, and sour cream frosting.  It was so good I am planning to serve it on my birthday next month.

Carmen’s Best Ice Cream


I’ve been hearing a lot of raves about this ice cream and I’ll definitely write a separate post about this in the coming days because I went gaga over their Malted Milk Ice Cream!  I can’t wait to try all the other flavors!

Concept Specialist Inc


I am a caffeine lover and honestly I am a bit choosy when it comes to my coffee.  Rarely do I encounter coffee vendors which can satisfy my palate.  Surprisingly, Concept Specialist Inc. was able to do just that with their Hazelnut flavored coffee.

Pink Wasabi


I’ve written about My Pink Wasabi before  It was aesthetically pleasing to the eye and to the palate in my opinion.  What can I say? despite the size, the quality of taste wasn’t compromised.

Eat My GF


Okay, I am proud to say that during the UTT, I ate someone else’s GF, and I loved it!  Well, I used to make my own fries when ill bouts of cravings hit me, but now, I’ll be craving for someone else’s GF for sure.

The Fruit Garden


They introduced three new flavors: Fruit Cocktail, Lychee Berry Rose, Winter Season during the UTT.  It was their Winter Season that got me raving. For some reason, it’s like tasting childhood memories.  Now I have new addition to my list of their jams.

Almost Gourmet


First thing I blurted when I tasted their parmesan chicken sticks was  “Oh my gosh! This is so good!”.  I probably said those words 20 times during the course of eating my share of that awesome heavenly delight! It was that good.

Dek A Authentic Thai


I’m not a big fan of spicy food, but their papaya salad and spring roll has just the right amount of spiciness.  But it was their Milk Tea that I enjoyed immensely. 

Joy's Fuzion Kitchen


Their fried chicken wings remind me of bonchon chicken.  I love that it was a little sweet and crispy.  I could eat it non-stop! I also loved the pianono that was served with it.

Gourmet Keso


Between their Chevre (Goat Cheese) w/ garlic & herbs and Chevre w/ cashews & truffled salt, it was the latter which favors my palate.  But the most interesting about it was that it was made by Gawad Kalinga, a community group which aims to end poverty. 

Yoh-Gee Frozen Kefir


Frozen Kefir which has a gelato-like consistency is now my favorite alternative to the usual froyo.  The flavored ones were good, but I liked the original flavor more since it’s not too sour to my taste. 

Big Daddy Jay's All American BBQ


Their smoked pork ribs rocked my world.  Seriously.  The first thing that comes to mind was I want some rice with it! The pork was so tender and moist, plus the sweet smoky flavor of it lingers, making you crave for more.

Symphony of Flavors


Their Leche Flan Cheesecake doesn’t look like pure cheese cake to me.  I think it’s a combination of sponge and cheesecake with Leche flan on top.  Despite that, I still loved it. 

Farm n' Deli


I have tried their Barang’s Tinapa during Yummy Eats, and I still loved it during the UTT.  I think it can be used as a pasta sauce aside from having it with crackers.

5 Loaves and 2 Fish


They served vegetable chips with different dips.  Among the tablea, chicken pate, and pesto dip, It was their pesto dip that I enjoyed more with the chips.  I love that the pesto was a bit sweet and it does not overpowers the taste of the vegetable chips.

Yummy.Aco


I love their Banana loaf with walnuts and choco chips!  Banana Cake reminds me of my childhood and I am very particular when it comes to choosing my banana cake, but this one passed my standards on so many different levels.

Okay, that was a long list I know, but I can’t help it!  Everything was so good I cannot settle choosing just 10 of them.  In the coming days I’ll probably give myself a shot at trying everything on this list again and write a separate post each if situation permits.  I have my fingers crossed for that, but meanwhile, I would like to commend these wonderful vendors for pleasing my palate and rocking my cravings.  I’ll see you again soon, I guess.


I know everyone is waiting for the result of Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test Winner, and I am one of those who are really excited.  On that note, I suggest you to visit and like The Ultimate Taste Test Facebook Page and check out Anton’s Our Awesome Planet website because they will be posting the results there.


Congratulations to Anton and his team for this Awesome and Rocking Event.  It was indeed a success and I am sure that foodies will be waiting for more Ultimate Taste Test in the future.