Day 1 at Mercato Favorites Weekend Treat

After spending weeks gorging on the blandest food known to mankind due to my allergy, I was finally on a roll when my physician gave me a green light to enjoy again eating real food. It calls for a celebration and just in time for that, Mercato Centrale announced that they are going to have their Favorites Weekend Treat wherein everyone can enjoy great deals and discounts from 15 of the most celebrated food stalls in Mercato.

I guess it’s just the sheer excitement of visiting the foodie heaven again, but boy did I take the invite seriously. For my celebratory come back of being a true blooded food lover, I vowed to visit Mercato Centrale and try out all the food that the 15 Food Stalls offer. For some, it was a shallow pursuit, for others, it was a challenge. For me, it was a celebration.

15 Mercato Favorites Food Stalls and then some great foodie find, 2 delightful days of glorious food festivity, 1 curious foodie.

This is a two part blog post. I’ll let you take a peek on what I have enjoyed during my two day weekend visit at Mercato. Let me tell you though ahead of time that each of the food stalls, and not just those who gave away deals and discounts but other merchants as well are worthy to have their own blog post here. So, what you are about to read are just snippets stories and photos because in the coming days, I will be writing about each of them.

For now, join me as I remember how good those foods are, and how fantastic my Mercato experience was.

DAY ONE

SIMPLY PIE

First time I got a chance to taste these cute mini quiches at The Best Food Forward Food Fair, I instantly fell in love with it. When I attended Dessert Comes First 6th Anniversary Party, I am already a fan, and when I bought a box of nine at Mercato, it only steeled my resolved that these mini pieces of heaven can really melt my heart!

I have enjoyed their Spinach, Feta, Sundried Tomatoes Mini Quiche and Mushroom & Sour Cream Mini Quiche before and loved it immensely, and when I tasted their Bacon and Gruyere Mini Quiche, it’s like finding my soul mate. I also bought Chicken Dijon Baby Pie, equally awesome!

Simply Pie!
Baby Pies, Puff Pies, Muffins, Healthy Cakes
For Orders or Inquiries:
Contact Person: Gail Ang
Tel. No.: 4123677
Mobile No.: 0922-8822194
Email: gailgenevieve@yahoo.com
Website: www.simplypie.multiply.com
Facebook: www.facebbok.com/simplypie

Spinach, Feta, Sundried Tomatoes Mini Quiche, Mushroom & Sour Cream Mini Quiche, Bacon and Gruyere Mini Quiche

Chicken Dijon Baby!

Gail Ang, home baker at Simply Pie! She's as lovely and as cute as her mini quiches!

MOCHIKO MOCHI ICE CREAM

I am not big when it comes to glutinous rice and Mochis are made of them. When I tasted Mochiko’s Mochi filled Ice cream, particularly the caramel flavor, I went back the next day to try their Green Tea and Coffee variants. Yes, you know the score. I love it and I would probably be haunted not just by pits of cravings but curiosity as well as to what do the other flavors taste like.

Mochiko
Visit their stores at:
Unit 3 The Cliffhouse, Maharlika East, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
FIC Summer Cafe, Alabang Town Center
Boracay
BF Paranaque
Marquee Mall Angeles City
Subic
Mobile Number: +639228118771
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mochikomochi

Green Tea and Coffee Mochis

Mochiko Mochi Ice Cream

Genius People behind Mochiko

MERRY MOO ICE CREAM

I’ve already heard people rave about their Ice Cream and I was dead set on getting the Candied Bacon Flavor Ice Cream but little did I know that they change their flavors every week. I am impressed when I was told that, and I was further impressed when I get to try their Sea Salt Caramel Flavor and the Coffee Kahlua Flavor. Even my mother was so happy with her share of refreshingly delightful cup of ice cream. No wonder that it was one of the stalls that’s always surrounded by people wanting to beat the heat of the summer afternoon. It is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever tasted!

Merry Moo Ice Cream
Contact Person: Kelvin Ngo
Email: merrymoo@ymail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Merry-Moo-Ice-Cream

Sea Salt Caramel and Coffee Kahlua Ice Cream

Kelvin Ngo, friendly and bubbly owner of Merry Moo

CHUCK’S GRUBBERIE

Chuck’s beer-battered fish and chips are definitely a stellar. It has enough crunch on the outside, and a tasty fillet of fish inside. They offer Dory, Snapper, and Mahi-Mahi, and everything was really delicious. For the sauce, you have an option such as Tartare Sauce, Garlic Mayo, and Good Old Vinegar. Their potato wedges with skin was equally tasty and worth craving for.

Chuck’s Grubberie
Mercato Centrale @BGC,
every Saturday & Sunday from 6am to 2pm
website: http://twodirtyaprons.wordpress.com

Beer-Battered Fish and Chips

BAKED BY ANITA

These cute mini cupcakes are simply adorable. Varieties of tempting flavors are available such as Apple Caramel, Peanut Butter Truffle, and Red Velvet which I have all tried. Others are Pink Coconut, Cookies and Cream, Mango tamarind, Orange Cranberry and more.

Baked By Anita
Contact Nos.: 0917-525-9740, 0917-844-1403, 0917-827-9311
736-2877 and 361-7992
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BakedbyAnita
website: http://www.bakedbyanita.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BakedbyAnita

Peanut Butter Truffle, Apple caramel, and Red Velvet Mini cupcakes

Mini Cupcakes Baked by Anita

The Lovely Anita

RISA CHOCOLATES

Risa’s melt in your mouth chocolate truffles are simply to die for. I bought a box of six which has variants of flavor such as Orange, Cerveza Negra, Classic Chocolate, Dark Rum, and Cookie Dough. They also sell Cuadro Chocolate Bar which I will be writing more about on its own post.

Risa Chocolates
For orders and inquiries:
Mobile Number: +63918-9424573
Look for Risa
Email: risachocolates@yahoo.com
Website: www.risachocolates.wordpress.com

Chocolate Truffles by Risa

Risa's Chocolates

THE CLASSIC ROAST

The Classic Roast’s Roast Duck wrap is indeed one healthy way to eat duck. Roasted duck wrapped in steamed pecking pancakes, loaded with vegetables and comes with choice of plum or hoisin sauce. For their weekend deal, I was able to get a free cocktail size Duck Siopao. Yum!

The Classic Roast
Website: http://www.theclassicroast.com
Contact Numbers: 911-5795, 911-5718, 09178226400 or 09175285838
Email Add.: contactus@theclassicroast.com

Roast Duck Wrap by The Classic Roast

Aside from the delectable food everyone can enjoy at Mercato, other activities were lined up as well for an ultimate fun foodie experience.

RJ Ledesma, one of Mercato Centrale's owner

Cooking Demo

Hamson Band

Free sketches from Metro Comic Con

Photobooth

I was a happy camper with my box of Simply Pie's Mini Quiches, my cousin Rachel was so into her Chuck's Fish and Chips, and my Mom enjoyed the morning at Mercato.

These are the first 7 of the 15 food stalls included in Mercato’s Favorites which I have tried. I will continue with the next 8 on my next blog post. Stay tuned! :)



Mercato Centrale
Location:34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot)
Fri: 10:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sat: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
10:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sun: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
www.mercatocentrale.ph
admin@mercatocentrale.ph
+63917 5318949
On Facebook
On Twitter

Mercato Favorites Weekend Treat, A Special Weekend All Foodies Should Look Forward To

A couple of weeks before the Lent, I was able to experience the wonder of a foodie heaven that is Mercato Centrale. Despite the scorching heat of the sun that day, the countless number of food from different merchants that lies before me serves as an oasis of hope that it is going to be one hardcore food tripping. Nothing beats the feeling of feasting on good food and being acquainted with people who have as much love and respect for food like you do. I promised myself that I would definitely go back to Mercato Centrale and experience Midnight Mercato as well.

Mercato Centrale

Although it has always been a practice to avoid meat during Lenten Season, the recent holy week was indeed a sacrifice for me. I was diagnosed with a rare kind of allergy which obliges me to forgo eating some food that I would normally take during Lent. I was rather forced to take fasting seriously because of my allergy and I have never felt so deprived of food until that time. During those time, I cannot help but remember all the good food I have enjoyed at Mercato.

Rodrigo's Roast

Bagwang of ManilaQ

Grilled Seafood and Meats by Oysters Seafood Grill

Lasagna of Mad About Spuds by Juana's Kitchen

Cheezy Potato of Mad About Spuds by Juana's Kitchen

Desserts by Madonna's Cuisine

Now, after days of medication and rest, the allergy somehow subside and I was advised that I can already go back enjoying the food I love without the fear of being hospitalized again. Fasting days are over as well. I am thankful of the favorable medical result and another thing that I am thankful for is the Mercato Favorites Weekend Treat that will happen on April 30 and May 1, 2011. This special weekend will happen just in time for me to pick up my pacing of being a foodie that I am.



It is not as if the idea of food tripping isn’t exciting enough, but the great deals and discounts that Mercato Central Merchants have for foodies are all amazingly irresistible. This weekend is going to be really special.
Baked By Anita (Buy 3 cupcakes and get 3 more for free)Bale Dutung (Get 1 Lechon Tortilla for every 3 Tortillas purchased)Big Bob’s Charcoal Grilled Burgers (Buy 2 Big Bob’s Burgers and get a third at 50% off)The Classic Roast (Purchase any item on the menu and get a cocktail-size duck siopao for free)Chucks’s Grubberie ( Chuck’s Triple Grub: Buy 2 orders of any regular fish , and get a third order for free)Homemade Ravioli ( Buy 1 box of frozen ravioli (any flavor) and get a sampler plate of ALL the ravioli flavors, including the all new Spinach and Mushroon cannelloni)Jam Foods & Co. (Buy 2 and get the 3rd at 50% off)Little Miss O.C.'s Kitchen ( Buy 4 Terra Chips and get 1 Free, Buy 4 3D Cupcakes and get 1 Free)Manang's Chicken (50% off on Set Meal of 1 pc. chicken with rice and drink)Merry Moo (Buy one scoop and get P20 off on the second scoop)Mochiko (Buy 5 mochi ice creams and get another one for free)Off Beat (Buy 2 Offbeat Glazed Donut Bun Burgers and get 50% off the Enzo Ensaymada Chorizo Burger)Tina's Pie (P20 off on all chicken pies, chicken with chorizo and chicken cordon bleu)Risa (For every 700php purchase, get a free 6-pc assorted trufles set or 1 Cuadro Chocolate Bar)Simply Pie! (P50 off on every box of mini-quiches)


People can’t help falling in love with Mercato Central. I, myself have already taken the plunge in this delightful love affair with this foodie paradise. If you haven’t been to Mercato, this weekend is the right time to pay a visit and feast on delectable food with your loved ones. See you there!


Mercato Central
Location:34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot)
Fri: 10:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sat: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
10:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sun: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
www.mercatocentrale.ph

admin@mercatocentrale.ph

+63917 5318949

On Facebook
On Twitter

Chicken Charlie's Soul-Satisfying Bonchon Crispy Chicken

When I received an invite from juice.ph’s resident blogger, Manila Boy Spanky Enriquez to try the best chicken bonchon in town with some foodie friends, I knew instantly that he’s referring to Chicken Charlie. I was right.

I’ve already visited Chicken Charlie’s San Juan branch number of times and before making a blog post about it, came Spank’s irresistible invite since another branch in Malate, Manila has already opened. I’ve tried similar restaurants which offer chicken bonchon but Chicken Charlie still remains on top of my list. Even my family has gone loco over their chicken.



True to its promise of giving their customers a “Perfectly Non-Greasy with a Soul-Satisfying Crunch" bonchon chicken, Ifore Yu, owner of Chicken Charlie obviously mastered the recipe and the double-frying technique. The process of frying chicken twice to give it a crunchiness that can rock your world is a welcome change to the usual fried chicken.

What I love about Chicken Charlie is that the flavor does not just tease your palate as you bite on the crispy skin with all its crunch and glory, but it also plays well in every fiber of every shred of the chicken. The flavor, be it soy garlic or sweet chili flirts to your senses, making you crave for more.


Another offering one can enjoy is their Charlie’s Bowl. Steamy soft rice topped with crispy strips of chicken in soy garlic sauce. Although Chicken Charlie’s bonchon chicken is not really messy to eat because it has less grease and less sticky compare to others, if you are on the go, you can still experience the taste of their delightful chicken without fuss with their Charlie’s Bowl.



Aside from Chicken, they also have Potato Wedges and Cheesestick Dynamite. Potato wedges are big, crunchy European potatoes cooked with the skin on using unhydrogenerated oil (read: zero trans fat!). Cheesestick Dynamites are spanking big green chilis with cheese inside wrapped in crunchy wonton wrapper. Both are good combination to chicken, both are equally addictive.




For drinks aside from the usual iced tea and soft drinks, they offer Bundaberg Sarsa Parilla and Ginger Beer. Sarsa Parilla is already known to most of us as it taste just like root beer. Although it is best paired with chicken bonchon, personally, I prefer Ginger Beer because of its refreshing taste.



Note that chickens are cooked as you order, therefore there’s a little waiting time. If you are up for something really soul satisfying chicken, then it wouldn’t bother you because it is worth the wait. Some says that the crispiness of the chicken cold last for good 20 to 30 minutes, but when I brought home some, the chicken is still crispy after an hour travel time.

Young Entrepreneur, Owner of Chicken Charlie, Ifore Yu

Chicken Charlie has branches at Banawe, San Juan, and Malate. Expect for more store opening in the future because they are now open for franchising.


For franchising inquiries you can contact them through the following info details.

Chicken Charlie

Branches:
Banawe - 808 Banawe St. Barangay sienna (near SOGO hotel)
San Juan - 15 J. Abad Santos St. Little Baguio SanJuan.
Malate - 1635 Adriatico St, Malate Manila (Rothman Inn Hotel),

Telephone Numbers:
Banawe: 742-3333, 475-3781, 0932-2519475
SanJuan: 477-7422, 736-9315, 0932-3125854

Email address: chickencharlieph@yahoo.com
Website: ChickenCharlie.net
Facebook: Chicken Charlie FB Fan Page

Max's Restaurant Coffee Table Book ‘The House That Fried Chicken Built’

After 66 years of serving the Filipinos with their famous Sarap to the Bones Fried Chicken, Max’s Restaurant launched their first coffee table book, aptly titled “The House That Fried Chicken Built” last April 12, 2011 in their first restaurant branch at Scout Tuason, Quezon City.



The 196-page narrative was written by celebrated writers Robert JA Basilio and Sonia Pinto Ner, niece of Max Founder Maximo Gimenez. It recounts the humble beginning of Max’s Restaurant and its transition into being part of Filipino Tradition, as it passed on from generation to generation.

In the book, passionate individuals behind the brand such as the family that started the tradition, employees, stakeholders, and even their patrons shared compelling stories about the restaurant which we Filipinos grew up with. Vibrantly memorable photos from Max’s Restaurant in Scout Tuason Quezon City circa 1945 and sumptuous snapshots of Max’s traditionally home-cooked dishes adds charm to the pages of the book.

'The House That Fried Chicken Built' Coffee Table Book

Book Authors Sonia Ner and Robert Basilio

Co-Author Sonia Ner Signs Books During the Launch

Max’s core value such as hard-work, hospitality, and love for family were also discussed in the book as one of the writer, Ner recounts how the first-generation family member, and restaurant’s first cook, Ruby Trota intricately prepared meals with such love and passion.

Max's Classic Favorites

“Max’s coffee table book is a celebration of the Filipino’s love not only for fried chicken, but for family, celebration and tradition. Max’s enduring legacy is encapsulated in the book as the ‘House That Fried Chicken Built’ continues to capture the hearts of Filipinos worldwide, generation after generation,” said Jim Fuentebella, Max’s Vice President for Corporate Marketing.

Max's Marketing Team with Max's Jim Fuentebella

Max’s coffee table book will be initially sold at Max’s Restaurant Scout Tuason Branch at PhP2,500. Part of the proceeds will be utilized for Max’s corporate social responsibility programs.




Max's Restaurant
21 Scout Tuazon,
Brgy.Laging Handa,
Quezon City

www.maxschicken.com
http://twitter.com/maxsrestaurant
http://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant




*photos without the author's mark credits to Bright Idea Events Management

Hyphy's by Chef Bruce Lim

Weeks ago, when I received an invite from Robinsons Galleria and Mr. Ivan Henares for a food tour in Robinsons The Veranda, I was so excited I almost forgot that I have prior commitment to attend to. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, much to my dismay, I wasn’t able to attend the event. What a bummer. Good thing that the favorable proximity of Robinson’s Galleria to my place allows me to drop by to try new restaurants at The Veranda. First stop, Hyphy’s.


My friend Glenn and I were again, on our way to a food event when we decided to drop by at Hyphy’s first instead of just grabbing our usual coffees before heading to the event. Yes, an afternoon snack at Hyphy’s before attending a food event, we are hardcore that way. I guess you cannot blame us because just the sight of this gorgeously decorated restaurant by well-known Chef Bruce Lim is enough for one to just grab a sit and bury oneself on its menu and feast on the food.

Raised in San Francisco but rooted in the Philippines, Chef Bruce Lim is kind enough to share his San Francisco culinary knowledge and incorporate it to the usual Filipino comfort food to give it a delectable kick which we can all enjoy. I appreciate that he took time to visit us at our table to introduce himself and welcome us.

Hyphy’s exudes sophisticated aura so, imagine how surprised I was when I saw that the prices on their menu was very affordable. Although they could have added more choices of food, the line up in the menu were enough to pique one’s searching palate. We decided to stay away from heavy meal because of the dinner we have to attend to but little did we know that the food we ordered for snack comes in huge servings. Huge servings, affordable price, lovely isn’t it?



Baked Macaroni (150php)

Baked Macaroni has always been one of ultimate comfort food. I love how Hyphy’s serve it in such a way that it pleases Filipino palate with its slightly sweet and savory taste. The pasta was cooked perfectly while the generous amount of melted cheese on top was both pleasing to the eye and to the palate. For the price of 150php, a serving is enough for sharing.



Malunggay Pesto (150php)

This dish really impressed me. Malunggay and basil leaves tossed in pasta and topped with perfectly grilled chicken sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The generous serving of grilled chicken on top really makes it more enticing and appetite busting. This is a kind of dish that will definitely satiate ones hunger for a good meal. Just like Baked Macaroni, a serving is good for sharing.



Garlic Fries (120php)

Thick cut fries tossed in garlic and parsley. I am not a french fries person but when I tried Hyphy’s version of it, I am instantly a convert.



Hyphy’s House Iced Tea and Dayap Iced Tea (80php each)

One of those kick-ass drinks that wouldn’t taste bland even if the ice on it already melts. Both drinks were very refreshing but their Dayap Iced Tea was the one that impressed me most. The taste of dayap is very prominent but not overwhelming, perfect drink this hot summer days in replacement to the usual soda.



With all the familiar restaurants in Robinsons Galleria, Hyphy’s is definitely a welcome change. An addition to every good restaurant in that place, Hyphy’s instantly becomes one of my favorite. During our visit, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They visit us on our table and introduce themselves just to check if we need something or if we are enjoying our meal. Little kind gestures like that are too hard not to notice. I always believe that nice ambiance and good food just make up 70% of a good dining experience and the rest relies on how the food attendants treat you. Hyphy’s just scored a hundred percent in my book.



This is one of the restaurants I would definitely go back to and recommend to anyone I know who loves good food, nice ambiance, and superb service.




Hyphy's by Chef Bruce Lim
The Veranda, Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 477-7611
Facebook: Hyphy's