Sunday Afternoon at The Gourmand Market

Sixteen editions and counting, it's been an impressive run. And it just keeps getting better...

The Gourmand Market recently concluded its latest edition, Carnivale, last March 4, 2018 at Bonifacio High Street's Central Square to start the year. And if it's any indication of what you can expect in future editions of the The Gourmand Market, the future looks good. And tastier than ever...

Since my first ever experience with The Gourmand Market spearheaded by Trish Panlilio and Dara David-Roa three years ago, I've always been impressed by the variety and quality of the well curated selection of purveyors and it just keeps getting better every year (for more on the previous editions of The Gourmand Market, see my earlier posts, A Rhapsody of Flavors: The Gourmand Market Preview from early 2016, An Outdoor Affair: Eat Well, Live Well at The Gourmand Market Preview in mid 2016, and A Tasty and Flavorful Preview of The Gourmand Market from 2015). You'll find your favorites from earlier runs, and discover new favorites. That's what makes each edition of The Gourmand Market a much anticipated event at Bonifacio Global City. From Bibingka to Salted Egg Potato Chips to Burgers and Kebabs, Beer, Wine and Cocktails, it's all here at The Gourmand Market.

Just like the previous runs of The Gourmand Market, be prepared to do some serious shopping. For this edition of The Gourmand Market, you'll find a wide selection of local sausages from all over the country at Juan Longganisa including Organic Salted Eggs for that perfect all-Filipino meal at home (for more on Juan Longganisa, see their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/JuanLonganisaTrading/).

Leave some space in your shopping bag for the all-natural products from Farm To Fork with their selection of organic duck and chicken eggs, fresh cow's milk, yogurt and local desserts like their signature Leche Flan (for more on Farm To Fork, check out their FB Page here at https://www.facebook.com/farmtofork.ph/). Farm To Fork also offers chicken barbecue and local sausages as well as their tasty barbecued pig and chicken isaw or innards draped in a sweet and tangy glaze. Great with a cold beer. Yes, The Gourmand Market's got artisan beer too...

Everyone knows the best local pomelos come from Davao, and you can have your fill at Nenita's Davao Pomelos. Flown in straight from Davao, this is the real thing unlike the hard and sour varieties found in supermarkets. It's really not the same if it's not from Davao. And you can find it here at The Gourmand Market with Nenita's Davao Pomelos.

The large citrus fruit with its sweet, tart and juicy pulp not only tastes good, it's good for you too. Just let the young owners of Nenita's Davao Pomelos pick your pomelos, and you'll have the best of Davao in your bag (for more on Nenita Pomelo from Davao, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/nenitapomelosdavao/).

This year's edition of The Gourmand Market includes even more tasty surprises. Like Deep-Fried Watermelon. Your read that right. Juicy watermelons coated in dough and deep-fried until golden brown topped with vanilla cream, it's one of those unique yet tasty finds at The Gourmand Market. Just head on over to Maryland ChickAn, and you'll find this playfully inventive treat. Like a doughnut or even a corn dog with a sweet fresh fruit filling, this is by far one of the most unusual yet tasty sweet bites I've had, definitely different. One bite and your palate is treated to a delightful play of textural contrasts followed by the sweetness of the watermelon and capped by the vanilla cream. Just can't get better that that.

But Maryland ChickAn has more surprises up their sleeves. Drawing inspiration from cherished family recipes, Maryland ChickAn offers a variety of savory treats with their own take on the classic Maryland Chicken. The fried crisp and juicy chunks of popcorn chicken are available in four variants, DC BBQ, Tantallon Teriyaki, Greenbelt Garlic Parmesan and Bowie Buffalo with that spicy kick (for more on Maryland ChickAn, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/MarylandChickAn/). Topped on a bowl of rice, this one's a satisfying meal in itself. I had the Greenbelt Garlic Parmesan, with its sharp notes complementing the juicy richness of the chicken. There's that comforting hint of southern soul food that comes with each bite, and that's not surprising at all as each variant follows the recipe of the mom of one of the partners to the letter without any tweaks. Chicken? Make that Maryland ChickAn.  

The Gourmand Market has always been a venue for new products, and this year, Gold Seas Tuna Chunks takes the spotlight. The versatility of tuna chunks as a healthy and tasty meal option is demonstrated in a variety of dishes, from wraps to salads (for more, see their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/goldseastunachunks/).

You'll also find sumptuous and comforting dishes from The Home Ground Creative Catering like the Creamy Carbonara prepared in the classic way...

...fresh from the skillet and finished with a swirl around the massive Grana Padano for even more richer and rounder flavors (more at @thehomegroundph). The dish is then topped with edible flowers for that finishing touch. Classy. And good too.

No visit to The Gourmand Market is complete without a stop at nawwTy's Kitchen by Trish Panlilio with her wide array of mouthwatering dishes that's perfect for any occasion. Using the finest ingredients, it's comforting cuisine with style (for more on nawwTy's Kitchen, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/nawwtyskitchen/).

Craving for curry? The Authentic House of Curry offers the classic Chicken Curry (L) and the savory Lobster and Scallop Balls draped in a rich curry sauce, great when paired with steamed white rice (for more on The Authentic House of Curry, see their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthenticHouseOfCurry/). 

And here's the beef. The US Angus Brick Oven Roastbeef from The House of Roastbeef is definitely it (more at https://www.facebook.com/Olympias-Gourmet-House-of-Roastbeef), while the offerings from Jetty's may be just what you need for some pork love (more at https://www.facebook.com/jettysdelivery/).

Black Wagyu Cubes, Maki and Rolls by Black Wagyu is another must-try at The Gourmand Market (more at https://www.facebook.com/blackwagyu/), known for their signature melt-in-your-mouth Black Wagyu Cubes skewers and more...

...along with the savory bao creations of the wittingly-named Take a Bao with their Chicken Karaage, Bulgogi, Pork Belly, and Sisig Baos. It's easy to feel the exciting energy and creativity at The Gourmand Market with its wide offerings of flavorful fusions, and you can spend a whole afternoon with little bites here and there. But you'll need to come back to experience and taste the entire range of flavors end-to-end.

And summer's definitely here, why not chill with the indulgent Tablea Lava Cake by Manila Creamery for dessert? Rich and dense with the deep notes of tablea chocolate, this one's just too good to pass up so go ahead and have a double scoop (More on Manila Creamery on their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/ManilaCreamery/).

After feasting through one part of The Gourmand Market, you'll need a refreshing cup of coffee to get you back on track from Cafe 2.0, known for their Bulletproof Coffee and their paleo-friendly menu (more on their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/Cafetwopointzero/), and you're ready for the next round. That coffee and grass-fed butter combo really does work, charging you up for the rest of the day...

The Vanilla Bourbon Stout by Bulul Brewery, a full-bodied beer with malty notes woven in with the deep hints of bourbon tempered by a layer of vanilla is another refreshing option at The Gourmand Market (for more on Bulul Brewery, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/bululbrewery/). With its foamy head, each sip lines the palate with bold flavors that's both clean and fresh for a whole lot of good vibes.

It was also great to see an old favorite that's just perfect for the summer heat. Stanford Shaw, the freshest home brewed ginger ale, quenches your thirst and cools you down with its vibrant ginger and lemon notes (for more on Stanford Shaw, see their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/stanfordshawbrewing/).

Then, there's Just Coco with 100% pure and natural coconut water (for more on Just Coco, see their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/JustCoco/). Nothing less, nothing added, just pure 100% freshness and the next best thing to drinking from the shell. And with the summer heat rising, stay hydrated with a handy bottle of refreshing Just Coco on the go at The Gourmand Market.

And it just keeps getting better. See you at The Gourmand Market soon...

For more on the recently held The Gourmand Market, visit their FB Pages at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gourmand-Market/ and https://www.facebook.com/thegourmandmarket/.

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