10 March 2014 - First Published
25 October 2019 - Super-condensed and minimalized
On March 8, the UP Economics Society brought us the Foodgasm 4 at the Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global Center in Taguig, from 6pm to 11pm. This event brings together the food businesses, media, food bloggers, as well as foodies for a taste of the evening's offering. This is actually my first ever food event.
Mercato Centrale was buzzing with gastronomic commotion when I finally arrived (it's just beside the soccer court). It was very tempting to take a side trip and see what's going on with a mile of food concessionaires in the tent, but since it was already kinda late and had to catch up, I just went straight ahead to the Foodgasm 4 venue. The food participants at the event were (you can click on them to check their FB pages):
✔ Cuptain Cakes
✔ The Happy Monster
✔ Ruby Red Kitchen
✔ Babci Kuchnia (Grandma's Polish Kitchen)
✔ Chorizo De Cebu Philippines
✔ Niku Niku (A Japanese fishcake concept, voted as People's Choice)
✔ Mau's Cupcake Cafe
✔ Country Fries (Voted as the most innovative dish at the Foodgasm 4)
✔ CheeCups by TeamJohnny (Cheesecake in a Jar!)
✔ Cooking Ina's Kitchen
✔ Chef Francesca's Cupcakes Couture
✔ Buenavi Food & Beverage
✔ Chili Chili Bang Bang
✔ Hunger Buster
✔ Pastillas Flan
✔ The Happy Monster
✔ Ruby Red Kitchen
✔ Babci Kuchnia (Grandma's Polish Kitchen)
✔ Chorizo De Cebu Philippines
✔ Niku Niku (A Japanese fishcake concept, voted as People's Choice)
✔ Mau's Cupcake Cafe
✔ Country Fries (Voted as the most innovative dish at the Foodgasm 4)
✔ CheeCups by TeamJohnny (Cheesecake in a Jar!)
✔ Cooking Ina's Kitchen
✔ Chef Francesca's Cupcakes Couture
✔ Buenavi Food & Beverage
✔ Chili Chili Bang Bang
✔ Hunger Buster
✔ Pastillas Flan
There were live entertainment as well as gorgeous hosts for the evening, and of course... the chance to taste and rate each of the participating food offerings. Overall, I loved all of the food that was in store and to name my top 5 favorites:
✔ Niku Niku's Crabmeat. Mmmm... a combination of the sweet crunchy goodness of corn flakes and deep fried crab flavor. Woo!!! This is what I call indulgence, aka HAPPINESS! The tasty scent still lingers in my nostril after two days, now I'm still craving for some more.
✔ Babci Kuchnia's Polish Pierogi. Something sweet and creamy to warm your heart... evokes warm memories of carefree and worry-free childhood. I miss my lola!!!!! T_T (Sorry if this gets too personal all of a sudden.)
✔ Cuptain Cakes' Black Sesame Cupcakes. Sweet smelling cupcakes without the sugar overdose, great for those on a diet. Sesame seed oil is known to help reduce bad cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and also protects the liver from oxidative damage. Now that's a healthy cupcake for a stronger you!
✔ Red Kitchen's Original Cinnamon Monkey Bread. Soft bread that melts in your mouth, plus the warm aroma of cinnamon really tingles the nostrils. Nothing like a classic goodie to put a smile on your face in the morning, and this would be great with black coffee.
✔ Country Fries' Japanese Okonomiyaki. Nyom-nyom-nyom! Busy, do not disturb.
✔ Cooking Ina's Kitchen - Gourmet Chocolate Rhum Balls. Sorry I can't help it, I just have to mention this one, it's also another one of my favorites. Pure. Dark. Bitter. Just the way I like it.
It was a really fun and enjoyable evening. Some of the offerings would really please those with a sweet tooth, while the others are more fulfilling and jam-packed with flavor. Thank you so much to the UP Economics Society for putting this together!
Awards and certificates were given to food bloggers, judges,
and food businesses who participated in the event.
and food businesses who participated in the event.
People's Choice:
Niku Niku Crabmeat
Most Innovative:
Country Fries Japanese Okonomiyaki
Expert's Choice Award:
Ruby Red Kitchen
Champion:
Hunger Buster
