Love Life, Love food at Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale @ BGC - the next food find may be here and you're one of the first to taste it.

Located along 30th street in Bonifacio Global City, blossoms Mercato Centrale, a gathering of the best and most tasteful food connoisseurs that have ever converged in one perfect location.  I believe many have already discovered this exciting place as it has been on for quite sometime... taking inspiration from the Legazpi markets in Makati, it has been become a melting pot for food lovers and food enthusiasts as well.

They also have on their covered tents, farms selling fresh produce, such as organic fruits and vegetables.  Look at how fresh and green those vegetables look.

Now for the fun part, just imagine all the food that you want, and all the food that you want to taste, put together in one big tent... waaaahhhhhh Heaven on Earth indeed, honestly speaking my wife has been wanting to avoid me from coming here, because I cannot stop eating!!! Just look at all the warm bodies here.

even Ces Drilon (lower left) enjoys the food here

Some of my food finds... Cebu Balamban Liempo, now in Manila

the meat...TENDER. the skin....CRISPY. the only problem about this meal? The rice is just so not good, I wish they had served higher quality rice, so in the end I finished my share of the liempo without finishing my rice, but still I was happy.  So if given the choice I would rather order the whole piece of spare rib rather than having the meal with rice.  The liempo is delicious by itself without even the sauces, just like Cebu lechon, the flavor is all packed in the meat, it gave a pinch of saltiness and you can just taste the sweet succulent juice of the pork, definitely a must try. Meal costs P 150 as I can remember and if you want a chunk of liempo, it is then weighed per gram P250/ 500 grams.  If you want a taste of their delicious liempo, you may reach on their landline (02) - 2150393.  They have their main hub here in Quezon City.

next food find, FLAMED Famous Barbecue, has been a regular at Legazpi market, many have fallen prey to their delicious barbecue and their specialty?

Baby Back Ribs, a whole slab for only P399, definitely a must-buy

the meat was barbecued with their special secret sauce, then charcoal grilled to a  tender burnt crust.  The ribs were very soft and I guess their barbecue sauce made the difference, that's why people people keep coming back for more.

they also have barbequed chicken

and the Triple Beef Burger, made up of Beef Burger patty, Beef Sausage and Beef bacon at P165,

satisfy your beef cravings with this.

Take the monster challenge, 2 half pound patty burger in 4 minutes then it's free or you can just pay it right? haha take the chance, you might get it free, but trust me they are huge!!!

now this is my burger, freshly grilled half-pound burger, fairly cheap at P130

With all the right ingredients, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, all beef patty, may I present to you

The Perfect Burger

This was all the space I have for my stomach this trip, if I were to eat more I might explode haha.  Looking forward to another trip to Mercato Centrale soon.

Mercato Centrale opens only on weekends, specifically Saturdays and Sundays only.  

From 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Come early and have taste tests all over.  Some stalls close earlier if all their food is served so come early, and get a kick of that early rising habit!!

Also since Mercato Centrale was such a huge hit, it was a no brainer that this should come up.  

Inspired by the bustling night markets and hawker centers of Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, Midnight Mercato is the weekend late night food bazaar where you can enjoy mouth-watering food finds – from home-cooked meals to gourmet signature dishes to classic street food re-invented.

 

Midnight Mercato, is located on the corner of 30th Avenue and 9th Street (across The Spa at Bonifacio High Street) Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the same location as Mercato Centrale.  It will be open every Friday and Saturday from 11:00pm to 3:00am, starting 2/11/2011, that's next weekend and Valentine weekend at that.  See you then!!!

For more info visit mercatocentrale.ph

B&T Mexican Kitchen at Ortigas

B&T, Burritos and Tacos a Mexican place serving fresh Mexican treats and bites, is located at Sekai Building along Ortigas Avenue, and I consider this to be one of the best Mexican food place in Manila.  Just opened a few months, it is slowly growing in the hearts of many Filipinos, and is already packing up quite a fan base with their delicious Mexican treats.  Let me showcase some of them for you.

First up, Chips and Dips P180, wondering why these chips come in three colors?  No, its not the taste, they all taste the same.  But the 3 colors represent the colors of Mexico, ahh...you didn't thought of you did you?  Well if you did good for you then, the chips were served warmed with 3 kinds of dips, with salsa, melted cheese and my favorite chili con carne.  All of the dips were amazing, from the taste you would it was freshly made and of the best quality... the cheese was very thick which I loved, salsa perfectly mixed and had just the right amount of spice and the chili con carne, not chili enough but gives you quite a kick on the taste buds.

The Mexican Vegetarian Pizza P430, good alternative for those non-beef eaters and our vegetarian friends.

The Mexican Chipotle Chicken Pizza P450, with big chunks of chicken, green pepper and other vegetables and cheese, quite delicious I may say, the crust is perfect to their cooking not too thick nor crispy thin.

There were so many choices of food that were so enticingly good, such as:

 Chicken Mole Meal P 320, is beef chunks covered in rich chocolate and showered with cheese, a favorite of many but I just don't seem to get how this dish was made, but it was quite a treat

 The Carne Asada burger with lettuce and salsa, plus sweet potatoes

 The Carne Asada Torta P340, pure beef pleasure, sided with sweet potatoes.

 Fish Tacos P330 (3 pcs.), a hefty serving of the freshest catch of the sea with all the best ingredients you would want in your taco!!!

This looks yummy too!!

 Shrimp Burrito P350, honestly I am not a fan of Burritos, why?  They are not easy to eat because of the big size, how can you fit it in your mouth..joking aside, just look at how packed that burrito is, with loads of fried shrimp, lettuce, egg bits, corn kernels and so much more. It is definitely a "sulit" dish, I for one cannot finish that so bring a friend to share it with.

 And my favorite for the evening, The Barbacoa Tostada P330 (3 pcs.), the beef used was more on the beef used in making beef stew but much beefier than that, placed on torched tortilla chips and smothered with fresh lettuce and salsa,  I would have another serving of this in a heartbeat.

And for dessert, it was Quesadilla de Fruta P215, love crepe? this is better, torched soft tortilla with bits of peaches and cheese, topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, yummy finish to very fulfilling meal.

 

B&T (Burritos &Tacos) Mexican Kitchen

G/F Sekai Building

Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Philippines

Store hours: 11:30AM to 11:30PM
Tel. Number: 975-1850

Pedeli's Gourmet Kitchen : Sandwich Delight

Since we have been talking slabwiches, now let's do something simpler, sandwiches.  Pedeli's Gourmet Kitchen sandwiches that is.  I have been intrigued by Pedeli's for quite sometime, and finally I was able to try their creations, and I'm happy to say, they have made me a fan...

It was one cloudy lunch, as some of "The Club" members were invited to sample Pedeli's Gourmet sandwiches. We were met by the owners Peter "The Sandwich God" Sison and Francisco "EBOY" Bautista.  We were then shown the way how Pedeli came into this world, and it was quite a friendship to behold.  I could definitely say they are made for each other... in business terms that is.

Now for a crash course on what you need to know before picking up that phone and calling Pedeli's, let me show you some of their delectable creations.

The Signature Series

 Crabsticks and Mangoes, P110 [Big], P140 [Bigger]

If you want to know, how big is [Big] and if you can finish a [Bigger], as for my case am already full at [Big], yes they are packed sandwiches, as their driving force states "SIZE DOES MATTER", and it was one hefty serving, a simple California maki in a sandwich with tangy spread, it may be as simple as that but in the hands of Peter and Francisco, they tasted extra special.

The Supreme Series

 Tuna Supreme, P145 [Big], P185 [Bigger]

Tuna Chunks with minced egg, sweet ham and cheese, and a lot more sweet ham, sliced egg and sliced cheeses in 3 whole wheat bread.  This is definitely the healthy choice, with protein-rich tuna, this is definitely for the weight conscious yet packs a full stomach without the guilt.

 Bacon Supreme, P145 [Big], P185 [Bigger]

Bacon bits with everything that you want in your sandwich, this is one of my favorites, the delicious bacon was too much to resist and the taste mmm....... not to worry they only use lean bacon, lesser evil I would say.

 Hungarian Supreme, P 145 [Big], P185 [Bigger]

This came out as a surprise for me as I usually have my sausages in buns, but this was quite exceptional, the Hungarian sausage was to die for, add it up to a great sandwich, then you get one awesome sandwich.  Loved it!

They also have the Deluxe Series which is basically the same as the Supreme Series, but with only 2 whole wheat bread and less cheese, ham and eggs.

Pastas

Basil Pesto, P 90.00 

with an option to add Chicken or Crabsticks at P40.00

I have to say this to you guys, I am no fan of Pesto, sorry to say, I know a lot of you are Pesto lovers, but I just don't like the taste, but since it looks yummy I gave it taste, and guess what, to my surprise, I loved it! It had an exquisite taste that I honestly can say I love Pesto, well only Pedeli's Basil Pesto that is.

 Creamy Linguine, P 90.00 

also with options on chicken and crabsticks at P40.00

This Creamy Linguine just won an award... well my award of excellence that is. Ha!  No words to describe how good it tastes, just order some and get your fill, I know I will.

 The magic behind Pedeli's Gourmet Kitchen, Peter and Francisco (Eboy).

Try out Pedeli's Gourmet Kitchen, you will be more than fulfilled, I assure you.  I would be back again here to try out their dessert masterpieces such as the Choco fudge with cashews, No bake cheese cake, the Pavlova, the Honey Semifreddo and to cap it all off the classic Flantastic.  I will be back here, definitely.

Before I finish this post, try out their Oatmeal Chip cookies, they can surely melt your heart away.  It's a waste that Pedeli's has only small room to accommodate its guests because of space restrictions, they will definitely expand soon.  But for the mean time, you can always call them for take-out or delivery.   Always remember this, all of Pedeli's sandwiches and food creations are freshly made upon order.  So you can be assured of its tasteful bliss.

You can reach them at (632) 570-9708 for delivery or you may visit them at LG66, Cityland Pioneer, 128 Pioneer St., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.  Delivery hours is from 2PM - 11PM.

But wait they currently have a promo online so you may want to visit and take a look at www.ensogo.com.ph. that you can get their set meal worth P605 for only P300.  Ain't that a treat!  Buy now and get the best gourmet sandwiches in town.

Deli delicious at Chuck's Deli

If anyone is serious enough to make one of the best gourmet sandwiches around, it has to be Chuck's Deli.  I can see their dedication and passion in making their sandwiches, so may I take you on this lovely trip of sandwiches and mouth watering deli treats that makes Chuck's Deli, one of my favorite delis.

This is the emergency broadcast system,   I just have to let you know this... their potato chips are amazing!!!  Thinly sliced, crispy fried home-made potato chips and made upon order, that is how fresh they are and that is how I love them so, I finished 3 small bowls, burrpp! ooops! Don't tell my wife... ahh katabi ko pala siya.

 First up, California Waki , kinda reminds you of the infamous California Maki right?  But trust me this is better.  A flavorful slabwich with lettuce, tomato, kani, sliced eggs, mango slices and wasabi mayo.  Now that's a whole lot of stuffing in one slabwich wouldn't you say.  Share a slab unless you're really that hungry that is.  The fresh lettuce was crisp to the bite and kani mixed with wasabi mayo really puts the icing on this complement it with their very own baked Ciabatta. P255 1/2 slab, P445 1 slab.

 One of the highlights of the evening, Reuben Slabwich - just how we would like it to be, homemade Angus corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard and Chuck's sauce (Chuck's secret spicy sauce) a favorite amongst "the club" - after this pic Reuben was nowhere to be found, I had to report it missing. - P275 1/2 slab, P495 1 slab.

 

 The fun just never stops coming, then The Buffy came along, gleaming with Buffalo (a.k.a. Buffy) Chicken, garlic sauce and coleslaw, the ooze coming out of the slabwich was too much to bear, and I just had to take a bite into it, and savor the crispy and juicy buffalo chicken, the garlic sauce brought out the tastiness of the chicken and thus made it as one my favorites at Chuck's Deli - P255 1/2 slab, P445 1 slab.

 Oh no, I have to have you, one of my favorites of all time Philly Cheese Steak, too much temptation too weak to resist, you are mine.  With Chuck's Deli's amazing sandwich skills, they have made an all time American favorite into a classic.  The beef, American cheese, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms are the simplest of ingredients, but when put together POW! A sandwich for all time! P 295.00

The Pilgrim, Thanksgiving all in one sandwich, all year round! Now you don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to savor this fabulous turkey sandwich, a slab of white roast turkey meat, stuffing, cranberry jelly and gravy. Did I make you salivate?  Don't even wonder why I am getting on the heavier side nowadays.  It's because of these delectable slabwiches that I can't or won't be able to resist. P255 half slab, P445 whole slab.

 

One last favorite, before I call it a night.  This particular sandwich did fool me and has an interesting yet funny name.  Faking Duck, now there is no duck nor any fowl inside, its good ol' roast pork, lettuce, hoisin sauce, leeks and crispy noodles.  P185 half slab, P335 full slab. I love Peking duck that is why I love Faking Duck.

Also, try The Shepherd, P 355 - lamb sausage, now that's something you don't have everyday, I don't eat much of lambs but I tried this one, it did have that distinct lamb taste, but not that much so it was tolerable for me but for lamb lovers, they could get a kick out of this, and Chuck's Burger P 265 - Angus beef patty burger, Chuck's sauce, mayo and with pickles and tomatoes, what's not to like.

I had one of my most satisfying deli meals to date.  I never thought that I would come out with a big tummy and a happy smile on my face.  The question is will I come back for more? The answer is YES.  

There are still more sandwiches to choose from and of course the Home-made potato chips.

Now making these sandwiches can take some time so if you're in a hurry, you can always call them ahead, and have your order prepared. Then you just pass by and pick it up, you don't even have to park your car.

 Chuck's Deli, only the freshest slabwiches for you.

Budget for a meal : 350 up

Chuck's Deli

G/F Serendra, (side of Market Market!)

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

576-4210