#Throwback2014: A fulfilling year for foodies It was indeed a year for foodies. 2014 was the time when we saw a lot of happenings in the food scene—from trends to international restaurant franchises, and everything in between. It was the year when our palates rejoiced at new offerings like authentic ramen, organic food, juice bars and Latin American cuisine. Let’s review and look back at 2014. Lomo saltado, a specialty at Latin American restaurant Brasas Hola, Latin American food aficionados Filipinos have welcomed the big, bold flavors of Latin American cuisine with open arms. We’ve long been familiar with Mexican food, but now we have the flavors of Argentina, Puerto Rico, Chile and the like. We witnessed the opening of new establishments such as Brasas, La Cabrera, Sofrito, Gaucho Cocina y Vinos Argentinos, and Puñta. Thanks to these establishments, we have now expanded our Latin American vocabulary to more than just tacos. Of gastropubs and charcuteries The simple restobar has evolved into a more high-end lounge that offers first-rate food and even craft beers. People are willing to pay a premium for libations and the bar chow (usually European classics or American grub) that go with it. One of the pioneers in the scene is Draft, which has imported beers on tap and quite a selection of drinks. Find beer-matched food concepts in other notable new players like Tipsy Pig, Wolf & Fox, and The Perfect Pint. Another dining destination that made waves this year was the charcuterie The Black Pig, with its menu of prepared meat products, cheese, steak and wine. People wait in line for Ippudo’s ramen The ramen noodle wars We will never get enough of this noodle dish. Ramen places have sprouted in the metro like mushrooms. Not all are created equal, though. Popular favorites have stood out from the rest and people continue to line up at places like Ippudo, Ramen Nagi, Ukokkei Ramen Ron, Yushoken, and the newest kid on the block, Mendokoro Ramenba. Food with a conscience There is growing interest in food sourcing and production for both restaurateurs and diners. We have become more conscious in knowing where our food comes from, whether is locally made, farm-raised, socially responsible, farm-to-table, and the like. Establishments that serve organic, natural, slow food or fresh-pressed juices are being patronized by more than willing diners. The Wholesome Table, Juju Eats, or Detoxify Bar are places that serve delicious nutrition where health-conscious eaters would feel right at home. The cronut creations of Wildflour Cafe + Bakery Say hello to the hybrids The Philippines is always fast to look to the west for food trends that will click with the local taste. Last year’s popular food hybrid, the cronut, is still a big hit, and establishments all over the city raced to craft their own recipes to cater to the local demand. It was Wildflour Café + Bakery that began the craze here. Other hybrids like the ramen burger and the cookie shot glass didn’t really catch on, but I’m pretty sure we’ll continue to see more innovative creations next year. Battle of the best buffets “All you can eat” is like a magic phrase for foodies. Buffets—from the more expensive and high-end ones in hotels to the more accessible and affordable ones in malls—are always big. Discerning diners wouldn’t mind shelling out dough for classy and sumptuous buffets at Spiral in Sofitel Manila, Café Ilang-Ilang in Manila Hotel, Circles Event Café in Shang-ri La Makati, or Spectrum at Raffles & Fairmont. For those who want more bang for your buck, there are reasonably-priced buffet offerings at Vikings, Buffet 101, Sambo Kojin, or Chef Laudico Guevarra’s. 7-Eleven Chef Creations’ Pakbet With Bagnet offers a balanced meal with meat and veggies Leveled-up convenience store cuisine Have you noticed the improved food offerings in convenience stores? Instead of just heated pizza and roller hotdogs, there are more variety and even healthy options in 24-hour establishments such as Family Mart. 7-Eleven even collaborated with chef Claude Tayag to create meals for people on-the-go. Shopping for food The supermarket or mall food courts are not the only locations where you can buy prepared food. There are a lot more options nowadays. There are weekend markets all over the town—from Salcedo Market, which started it all, to the night markets like Midnight Mercato and Greenfield Weekend Market. Discover a variety of food finds in such markets where you can treat your taste buds to ready-to-eat meals. There are also occasional food bazaars or food tours that are being offered sporadically. Another dining alternative is the food truck, if you’re lucky enough to come across one. These used to be parked in markets like Cucina Andare and Capitol Commons, but since these meals-on-wheels are mobile, it’s best to look for them on social media so you’ll know where they will be next. Manila as the new “it” dining destination It has truly been a sensational year for food in Manila, as we’ve seen the opening of international brands like Tim Ho Wan, Todd English Food Hall, Nobu, Osaka Ohsho, Triple O’s, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, St. Marc Café, and many, many more. It seems like 2015 poses to be another mouthwatering year with the anticipated opening of more foreign brands. We hear that Dean & DeLuca, Din Tai Fung, Halal Guys and other big names will be here soon. Looks like we have to tick off “dieting” from our New Year’s resolution list, as we look forward to tasting new treats this coming year. — BM, GMA News The post #Throwback2014: A fulfilling year for foodies appeared first on Pinoy Magazine. Lifestyle & Fashion
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 09:22:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015