We still remember those drunken, college night-outs in BGC that ended with us stumbling our way to the gleaming white tents flooded with the fluorescent light bulbs and mouth-watering scents of Mercato Centrale. Seriously, who hasn’t been to Mercato? The multitude of choices were overwhelming and yet you always seemed to find the perfect food or drink or dessert that just absolutely made your night. Mercato always had something.
And now, Mercato Centrale is back–better than ever–with a lot more new somethings coming your way.
We found our way to the launch of Mercato Centrale’s new location at the Dolphin Park, Glorietta 4 in Makati City, where we sampled the newest fares Mercato had to offer. A sneak peek of something even bigger that’s coming in November.
Here are our top favorite eats from our appetizing little adventure at Mercato Centrale:
APPETIZER: CIBO’S ARANCINI Risotto Balls
For a fairly affordable PHP249 price-tag, Cibo Philippines’ Risotto Balls are absolutely delicious–the best start to our meal. You get three (3) different flavors of risotto balls in one serving: bologna-style beef and pork ragu with mozarella, stewed tomato with mozarella and basil, and porcini mushrooms with mouthwatering gorgonzola and mozarella. You also get a small serving of dipping mayo topped with chili flakes but we enjoyed the dish without it. (shrugs)
APPETIZER: 8 PARKER WILLIS’ Charcuterie with Raclette
We’re sure that by now you’ve seen that particularly mouth-watering video on Facebook of the sensational Swiss cheese called Raclette being melted over various savory meats. Now, you can have a taste of it right here in Manila! With a serving of various meats, potatoes, and pickles and yes–lots of cheese…for only PHP200!
ENTRÉE: THE BURGERY’s Fat Tony Burger
We personally find it hilarious that after all that fancy shmancy food, our entrée just HAD TO be a burger. Yup. We especially love the medium-rare cooking of the juicy beef patty and the combination of flavors in one bite is dare we say it, sublime.
BEVERAGE: DRINK MANILA’s Don’t Go Bananas
Apart from their best-selling drink, The Seven Year Itch, Drink Manila’s “Don’t Go Bananas” has to be our favorite. It’s not-too-sweet banana syrup mixed in with rum, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and topped with a gummy banana candy just keeps us sane enough to yes, not go bananas.
PRE-DESSERT SNACK: YAMA-YO Japanese Food’s Takoyaki
Just a little something to tide us over before dessert, Yama-yo’s takoyaki has to be one of our favorite new takoyakis. Must-have the black takoyaki balls with squid ink.
DESSERT: YAMA-YO’s Custard-filled and/or Choco-filled Fishffles (or Wafflish?)
Continuing with the Japanese food-streak, we tried out the custard-filled and chocolate-filled waffles shaped like fish that the friendly folks over at Yama-yo offered. It wasn’t mind-blowingly good, but if you’re craving carbs then try it out for only PHP20.00 a fishffle (or wafflish).
DESSERT: MS. MOO’s Oreo Milkshake
Perhaps the nutritional equivalent of pouring cream and sugar down your throat, Ms. Moo’s Oreo Milkshake was as sweet as it looked. It needs a bit more ice cream to add thickness and a bit more (or a lot more) cookies for more flavor, but hey, it looks good.
So why not take your friends and family out to Mercato Centrale at Glorietta 4 Park and experience your own foodie adventures and pick out your own favorites?
Mercato Centrale is open every Thursday and Friday, from 4:00PM to 1:00AM.
#MercatoEats #TaraMercatoTayo
