8th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2011

Last Saturday, I was able to attend the 3rd and the last day of IFEX 2011 at SMX Convention Center, Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. It was indeed a celebration of flavors as we get to experience different array of food finds suited for global palate. Since our family has always been into food business, it was a big help on our part that we get to meet importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers in local and international food industry.


Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an exports promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, IFEX’s inception in 2003 paved way for Philippine food companies to introduce their products, meet new markets, and do business with interested clients from around the world.



Tons of food finds were presented with free taste tests and exciting activities were held on different halls. I couldn’t count how many foods I have tried, and I wouldn’t dare try, but let me just give you glimpse of some of my favorite food finds in IFEX 2011.

Mushroon Tempura and Mushroom Sisig

Mushroom Tempura and Mushroom Sisig are both good but I like Tempura more. I love mushroom and this one is just perfect as an alternative to potato chips because you can have it as a snack other than a viand.

Binggrae Korean Ice Cream

I admit I am not big when it comes to ice cream unless it has a flavor which piques my elusive interest. Variations of Binggrae Korean Ice Creams does have the usual flavors such as Melon, Mango, Cheese Cake, Cookies and Cream, but the taste was so good, I spent most of my time at their stall. It's crazy!

Bis Traditional Brunei Snack

I am munching on the biscuits coated with chocolate while writing this post and I must say that it is quite addicting. Not too sweet and the biscuit itself has the right amount of crunchiness.

Adobong Tahong (mussel)

It's seafood, and having experienced an allergy for a while I missed munching on whatever seafood I can get. My sister got Tahong Crackers, but then again, I am not really into crispy food unless it's chicken joy from Jollibee, so I contented my self with this one, and I've got no regrets.

VjAndep Pastel Bread

This bread I consider a true manna from heaven. I have written about this wonder bread a couple of times, and up to know, I still adore it to the core up to now. It is still my own bread of life.

House of Polvoron

Who doesn't love polvoron? Everyone grew up with it. Thanks to people creative enough to think of ways to further illuminate how delicious of a food this is. Now, we can enjoy it with different flavors!

RPM Pilinut Candies and Sweets

My father was the one who got me into liking Pili Tarts, so when we saw this stall, we immediately purchase Pili Tarts and other sweets.

Barrio Fiesta Food Products

I am always in love with Barrio Fiesta Restaurant and I adore their food products, especially their Bagoong (Shrimp Paste) Yummy!!!

It was my first time to attend IFEX and I enjoy it immensely. Since my mother is dead set into convincing me to get into my own food business, I'll probably attending more of events like this soon.



Organizers and advertisements says that IFEX 2012 is now cooking, so I guess see you next year at the 9th International Food Exhibition Philippines!





International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX)
CITEM
Golden Shell Pavilion, International Trade Center Complex, Roxas Boulevard cor.
Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Pasay City
Web: www.ifexphilippines.com

Agrimarine Division, CITEM’S Service Business Department
Tel. no.: (632) 831-1282 / 831-2201 loc. 204/238
Fax no.: (632) 832-3965 / 834-0177
Email : agrimarine@citem.com.ph

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Download it at my Nokia Ovi Store page and view YedyLicious Food Blog anytime, anywhere using your mobile phone.


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Enzo's Shawarma

First time I encountered Enzo's Shawarma was at The Best Food Forward Food Fair. Armed with so many foods I purchased at the event inside the NBC Tent even before I went outside to the grilling section, I was only able to buy drinks from their stall. Little did I know I was missing on something really great. Luckily, I was informed that they’re going to be at various bazaars come this month. So last week, I visited their food stall at the NBC Tent again, but this time, it’s for Ateneo’s Big Bang Bazaar.

At the Bazaar I met Enzo's Shawarma’s owner Mary Joy Lim-Astilla, a BSPT graduate from University of Sto. Tomas, a young entrepreneur and a mother of two. Although the business was registered under her name, she never discounted the fact that it was her mother, Marlyn Lim who is the genius behind the recipes of their shawarma and other products. Their business was named after Mary Joy’s eldest son Enzo, and they are still coming up with another business in the future to be named after her youngest son, Marko. Ever since, their family has always into food business, therefore the expertise is already there. No wonder their Shawarma is one of the best tasting I ever had.


I was able to try their Shawarma, Open Turkish Sandwich, and the Shawarma Rice and loved everything immensely. My sister, who happens to be a shawarma enthusiast, gave me thumbs up while gorging on these goodies. Even my cousin who can be considered the pickiest eater in the world cannot stop from taking spoonful of the Shawarma Rice. It was that good.

Open Turkish Sandwich and Shawarma Rice

I love the fact that the taste of the onions nor the garlic sauce and everything else does not overpower the taste of the beef. Those generous pieces of beef are so tender and savory it goes well both with the pita bread and the rice.

Shawarma 80php

The Open Turkish Sandwich was basically the same as their Shawarma, only it was jam packed with more beef, cheese, onions, cucumber, and tomatoes. It was very convenient to eat because it was not messy.

Open Turkish Sandwich 120php

Their Shawarma Rice was really good. The garlic sauce and the savory tender pieces of beef go well with the soft hot rice. I could eat this flavorful dish every day.

Shawarma Rice 120php

In addition to their food products, they have recently introduced their Enzo’s Bagoong Hamonado, and this time, it was Mary Joy’s father who thought of the wonderful idea. And that, I am excited to try next time.


Enzo Shawarma has been around for 3 years now with their main branch at the University Belt. As of the moment, they are actively participating to some food bazaars and expos. They also provide catering services to parties and other special occasions.


You can catch Enzo's Shawarma at the following bazaars, and should there be any changes and/or addition to the schedule, you can check out their website.

Mommy Diaries (food concessionaire) May 28-29, 2011 at The NBC Tent
I'm Shoe In Love (food concessionaire) June 25-26, 2011 at The NBC Tent
Summer Soltice (food concessionaire) June 3-5, 2011 at The Megatent
Noel bazaar (food concessionaire) November 2011



Enzo's Shawarma
For Catering, Franchising, and other inquiries you can call or text:
+63922-9905264
+63927-2744857
email: enzoshawarma@yahoo.com.ph
website: www.enzoshawarma.com

Allies Dry Toasted Wonder Nuts

Truth be told, I wasn’t really fond of eating peanuts. I used to love it but I despised how it can cause skin break outs which have always been a nightmare to deal with. So, instead of being a worry wart, I avoided eating it altogether. Although there are times when bouts of cravings would kick in, I always have it in moderation. But when it’s peanuts that we are talking about, the word moderation doesn’t really help because it can be very addicting once you start popping it into your mouth.

Good thing that during one of my Mercato Centrale’s food trips, I bump into a fellow blogger Fran of Frannywanny who happen to be the Manila distributor of Allies Wonder Peanuts together with her husband Paul, and they do sell it in their food stall Just Craving at Mercato. I’ve been hearing about the wonders of Allies Peanuts but I haven’t got a chance to try it before. I immediately purchased 1 tub so that I could give it a try.

The Wonder Peanuts

When I got home, I immediately munch on it and days after, there are no usual skin break outs that I would normally have to deal with have I eaten different brand of peanuts. Now for me, that’s the wonder that happened right before my eyes.

Allies Dry Toasted Wonder Peanuts

Addicting Wonder Peanuts and Garlic Chips!

Allies Wonder Peanuts is Pampanga's well-known and well-loved snack. It is greaseless therefore you need not to worry about skin break outs and the icky feeling of having greasy fingers after eating it. Not only that it’s greaseless, it has less calories too. Munch as much as you desire without the guilt feeling! In addition to the already awesome peanuts, it also has garlic chips that are equally addicting.

Fran (Visit her Blog and her food stall at Mercato)

It is indeed one of the best food find I found in Mercato, and good thing that it is also available at Ya Kun Kaya Toast in Ortigas. Now I can munch on peanuts to my heart’s delight!


You can find Allies Wonder Nuts at their food stall 'Just Craving' at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City and at Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas, G/F FERN Bldg., Escriva Drive (for. Amber Ave.) corner Gen. Araneta, Ortigas, Pasig. Or contact Paul at (0917) 538-8125.

Italian Spiced Honey Bacon

If there is one sin in this lifetime that I am willing to commit, that would be eating bacon everyday. It is not really healthy but who are we kidding here? Bacon is the sole reason why I can never be a vegan. Bacon is the sole reason why I am investing on good treadmills. My love for it steeled my resolved that it is one of the few items of food that come with their own religion. Crazy? Yes. Over bacon.

My deep rooted liking for bacon made me come up with my own list of “ten thousand things I can cook using bacon”. Yet, despite numbers of recipes, on a lazy day like today, and yesterday, and probably the next day, and the day after the next day, I know, I would always go back to one simple recipe I made up.

Italian Spiced Honey Bacon

This is supposed to be a recipe entry, but we are talking about bacon here. With that, I don’t feel the need to provide all measurement for the ingredients so as not to make you feel deprived as to how much you can have. Indulge. It’s bacon for bacon’s sake ;)

Not a lot of ingredients are needed. The title of the post is a dead give away. You just need to have a pack or two of your favorite bacon. For me, the fatter the better. I am hard core that way. I respect people who need lean bacon in their life, but I always deemed those two words combined as an irony. Well, to each his own.

Fry the bacon to the degree of crisp based on your preference. I am not really into crispy kind of bacon. I want mine soft and tender. I want to chew it in all its glory and not bite into it with crackling sound. While frying, pour some good quality honey. Again, the amount of honey depends on your preference. I want my babe, soaked in the heavenly goodness of honey that would put Winnie The Pooh into shame.




A minute before turning off the flame, throw in some Italian Spices/Seasoning to the bacon for a good measure, then mix, until the aroma of the spices is enough to make you crazy. Italian spices are available in the grocery store, the kind you see in those cute little bottles alongside other spices.

Serve and be amazed by the awesomeness of living life with bacon :)

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Day 2 at Mercato Centrale's Favorites Weekend Treat

My first day at Mercato Centrale was really enjoyable. I was able to visit and taste the food offered by 7 of the 15 Mercato’s Favorite Food Stalls. On the second day, I was dead set on completing the remaining 8.

I brought my cousin who was with me during the first day, and since my mom has things to attend to, my sister joined us instead. It was her first time, and she loved it. Here are the remaining food stalls I visited last Sunday at Mercato’s favorite Weekend Treat.
Little Miss O.C.'s Kitchen
First thing that you'll notice in this food stall is the Mercato Favorites Weekend Treat Cake. Next are the cute little cupcakes. It is probably one of the cutest stalls in the place, and one of the best tasting cupcakes I ever had. Children will surely enjoy this wonderful treats from Little Miss O.C.'s Kitchen.
Little Miss O.C.'s Kitchen
Magallanes Village, Makati City
Phone 0917-812-6844

Mercato Central's Favorite Weekend Treat Cake

Super cute Cupcakes

Off Beat Kitchen
Home of the off beat burger. I've been hearing raves about their Krispy Kreme Donut Burger and Ensaymada Burger and I knew that I should have it. No regrets. These two insanely weird but delicious burgers are reason enough why you should go to Mercato every weekend.

Off Beat Kitchen
7274 Malugay Street Makati City, 1203 Makati, Philippines
Contact Nos.: 0916-611-80-36/0916-434-59-45

Off Beat Glazed Donut Bun Burger

Ensaymada Chorizo Burger

Homemade Ravioli
I love raviolis but it is sad that I only knew few restaurants which sells ravioli fit to my liking. Homemade Ravioli by Purplemustard Food Solutions is definitely one of the best I had so far. Their raviolis has generous stuffing that a couple of packets are enough for one to have a happy filled tummy.

Homemade Ravioli
Contact nos.: 0917-8291900
02-9648034
email: purplemustard.food.solutions@gmail.com
on facebook
on twitter

Spinach Cream Ravioli

JAM Foods Angus Beef Tapa
truth be told, this is so far the best Beef Tapa I ever had. It was so good it makes me cry. they uses high quality Angus Beef that every shred of meat screams delicious in your face. This is probably one of the many reasons why I would still want to go back to Mercato!

JAM Foods Angus Tapa
Contact no.: (632) 633-0152 (look for Cora)
Email: koyen.cipriano@gmail.com
Facebook: Jam Foods Angus Tapa

Angus Beef Tapa

A tub of JAM Food's Beef Tapa

Big Bob's Charcoal Grilled Burger
I am big when it comes to burger but I am very picky that is why although I've been eating burgers most of the time but I blog only few of them. Big Bob's made it to my list. This juicy charcoal grilled burger is really something. Its humongous serving and kick ass taste is the type you would crave for.

Big Bob's Charcoal Grilled Burger
Mercato Centrale
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
email: bigbobs.mercato@gmail.com

Big Bob's Burger

Tina's Pie
Just like Gail Ang's Simply Pie, I've had Tina's Pie before at Dessert Comes First 6th Anniversary party and until now, just a thought of it never fails to brighten my day. They are known for delightfully delicious varieties of gourmet savory pies such as smoked salmon and prawns, beef and san mig light, cheese steak and many more.

Tina's Pie
savourypies@gmail.com
Contact No.: (63) 917 831 0925
Website: http://www.savourypies.multiply.com
On Facebook

Savory Pies

Bale Dutung
Their Pan De Bagnet and Lechon Tortilla is making a name for itself. That is why you can rarely see their stalls without customers lining up for their share of heavenly goodness treat only Bale Dutung can offer.

Bale Dutung
Contact Nos.: 0917-5250218 or 0917-5359198
email: buzz.nico.bailon@gmail.com
mquioctayag@yahoo.com

Slices of Bagnet

Bale Dutung's Pan De Bagnet

Manang's Kitchen
Their awesome Double Deep Fried Crispy Chicken is one of Mercato's gem, in my opinion. Although I love Chicken Charlie's Bonchon Chicken to the core, this one is also good in its own right. No wonder people are lining up incessantly for their share of wondrous crunchy bite of Manang's Chicken.

Manang's Chicken
Email: manangschicken@gmail.com
Contact Nos.: 0920-9210935, 0922-8164270
Website: http://www.manangschicken.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/manangschicken?sk=wall
Twitter @ManangsChicken

Manang's Chicken

Manang's Crispy Chicken in Hot and Spicy Sauce

So, I have already completed 15 Mercato's Favorite Food Stalls. Some of which we have eaten there while some we just brought home. Good thing that Mercato is also selling a re-usable bag made of clothe so that some of the food we can no longer consume because our tummy is seriously filled with lot's of food. They also sell Mercato Apron which I'll probably buy soon.

Mercato Bag

My cousin Rachel and sister Chel with their Mercato Bag, Me, busy taking photos of some of the food we purchased.

I have already presented 15 food stalls which are included in Mercato Favorites, but believe it or not, there are still quite a number of food stalls we visited which are all noteworthy. Also, it was that weekend that Mercato launched its Producers Market. With that, I don't think I should stop in this part two of my Mercato Visit. So, stay tuned as I share with you my other Mercato Centrale's food finds soon.

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