Mega Flavors at the Mega Food Tour 2.0

Nine restaurants, nine distinct flavors and experiences, all in one day at the new SM Mega Fashion Hall...

Italian, Japanese, ramen, cupcakes, pork buns, burgers, Japanese-style curry, ice cream and matcha...all these, only from the Mega Food Tour 2.0.

Partners Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and RJ Ledesma of Mercato Centrale are back with another food tour, this time featuring the newest dining establishments at the SM Mega Fashion Hall with the Mega Food Tour 2.0 set for September 29 & 30, 2014. And it's easy to join, simply post your best food photo from any SM Megamall Restaurant on Instagram, follow @smmegamall and tag #MegaFoodTour2.0 from September 18 to September 27, 2014 for a chance to join the food tour. And here's a quick rundown on what to expect at the Mega Food Tour 2.0...

 1. Linguini Fini: The Hong Kong-based international franchise brings authentic Italian cuisine to Manila based on their  organic, and nose-to-tail philosophy as their distinct edge. These core values result in bold, fresh, and clean flavors from the best ingredients prepared the traditional way.  

Our meal starts with one of Linguini Fini's antipasti, the Straccetti di Manzo (P 495), with thin strips of seared rare beef slices on artichokes and arugula topped with gorgonzola and drizzled with anchovy aioli. A simple dish, yet almost immediately, you can already taste one of the core values of Linguini Fini, that premium organic ingredients deliver the best flavors, no matter how simple the dish.

The Papardelle "Nose to Tail Bolo" (P 430), with pork testa, veal and oxtail ragout, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano, is yet another expression of Linguini Fini's values, using everything from nose-to-tail, and everything in between, for a medley of rich flavors. The various parts of meat combine for bold flavors, with freshly made pasta prepared everyday, for a comforting dish.

And the guys at Linguini Fini know how to treat pork. Take Linguini Fini's Porchetta, slow-roasted and fennel rubbed pork belly, served sliced with caramelized onion marmalata (P 595)...

...or chopped with chili mostarda, fennel and focaccia (P 485), one of the best executions of pork belly at the SM Mega Fashion Hall. Make that one of the best in the metro. Tender and juicy pork with a layer of crisp crackling, flavored with fennel to complement the delicate flavors of the pork. The sides, like the caramelized onion marmalata and chili mostarda add sharp flavors. Seriously good food, and a great start to the Mega Food Tour 2.0.

2. Rosanjin: Named after the famed Japanese potter and calligrapher Rosanjin Kitaoji, Rosanjin combines the simplicity of authentic and classic Japanese flavors with value for a unique Japanese dining experience. No frills, and nothing fancy, just balanced and authentic flavors at affordable prices.

Rosanjin's Japanese Set 2 (P 450), a complete meal with Tempura, Grilled Mackerel, Sushi, Japanese Stew and four side dishes, including unlimited Japanese rice. With five sets to choose from, Rosanjin offers superior value with a wide range of choices for a complete meal.

Part of the Japanese Set 2, the Grilled Mackerel offers simple yet comforting flavors, and a welcome addition to any set meal at Rosanjin. A wide range of classic Japanese flavors with superior value, always a winning combination.

3. Ippudo: Established in 1985 by "The Ramen King" Shigemi Kawahara, the metro gets another taste of authentic Fukuoka-style tonkotsu ramen (for more on Ippudo, see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/09/savouring-ippudo-experience-in-every-sip.html). At Ippudo, you get to sample three of their signature ramen, the classic Shiromaru Motoaji tonkotsu ramen, the flavorful Akamaru Shinaji miso ramen, and the fiery Karaka-Men tantanmen ramen. The rich creamy broth topped with the freshest ingredients gives you a taste of the Ippudo experience in every sip.

But there's more to the Ippudo experience, with a range of side dishes to pair with your ramen, like the Nikumiso Tofu Salad (P 210), with tender yet firm tofu topped with seasoned pork...

...and the Hakata-style Gyoza (P 195), topped with grated radish and spring onions, both perfect sides to your ramen at Ippudo.

And don't forget to sample Ippudo's Teppan Rice Bowls, like the Garlic Teppan Tonkotsu Rice (P 290), topped with tender pork on rice. Whether you go for ramen or one of their rice bowls, you get to sample authentic flavors at Ippudo.

4. Cupcakes by Sonja: Since September, 2006, Cupcakes by Sonja ignited a foodie trend, a cupcake revolution in the local food scene,  that remains as strong as the day it opened. The signature Southern Red Velvet with red velvet vixen, the classic combination of Belgian chocolate and cream cheese icing, still remains popular.

And don't forget to try the Bacon and Waffle Milkshake, Cupcakes by Sonja's inventive take on milkshakes. The rich and creamy milkshake balances the sharp flavors of the bacon, rounded out by the waffle, for comforting breakfast flavors in a milkshake. A sweet break, and the Mega Food Tour 2.0 continues...

 5. Tim Ho Wan: The long lines are always a good indication of good food, and at Tim Ho Wan, be prepared to wait in line. But if you're part of the Mega Food Tour 2.0, you get the iconic Pork Bun without the wait. Now that's cool.

 6. Triple-O's by White Spot: Canada's "sauciest, juiciest, tastiest, bestest burgers around" is now in Manila, with their distinct premium-grade 100% Canadian beef patties, the famous "Triple-O Sauce", and creamy hand-scooped milkshakes.   

Established back in 1928 by Nat Bailey, the name "Triple O" is said to be inspired from the shorthand description on order slips, with three O's simply meant plenty of everything, which is what you can expect at Triple-O's. Have a taste of the Triple-O Original Burger with everything on it, including the signature Triple-O sauce, capped with the distinct dill pickle on the top of the bun. Pair it with some sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo, and a creamy Triple-O Milkshake. Nice.

 7. Eri Curry: There's nothing quite like a comforting Japanese curry dish with rice and crisp katsu to make any day so much better, and Chef Erica (L) and her team at Eri Curry prepares some of the best Japanese-style curry dishes in the metro, hands-down.

Serving a wide variety of starters like sushi rolls and maki to salads, you'll have plenty to choose from to pair with your dish for that perfect curry meal at Eri Curry.

And creating your very own curry meal at Eri Curry is simple, just choose your curry plate, choose your quantity of rice (you'll want some extra rice for sure), choose your level of spiciness, and finally, customize your curry with a variety of additional toppings. Eri Curry's Omelette with Pork Katsu on rich curry sauce is the perfect dish to initiate your Eri Curry experience, tender pork with a crisp layer of breading for contrasting textures on rich curry...

...or the Omelette with Beef Curry, with tender chunks of beef (for more on Eri Curry and their wide range of signature curry plates and infinite curry combinations, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/curry-your-way-at-eri-curry.html), guaranteed to satisfy any curry craving.

8. Kool Kids Craft Ice Cream: Miguel Aranaz (L) adds his own spin to ice cream, preparing each flavor as you order, using the freshest, premium ingredients for the best flavors, with a little help from liquid nitrogen...and it's just amazing seeing how each flavor, each order, is created at Kool Kids. 

The flavors change everyday, depending on what's fresh and available, like the playful Camp K (P 130 Regular/P 200 Large), freshly made ice cream prepared in just minutes with toasted marshmallows drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with a Graham cracker...

...and the White Crookies (P 130 Regular/P 200 Large), with white chocolate topped with nuts and a cookie. Kool Kids also offers its signature favorites like Nuts 4 Nutella, a Nutella-infused ice cream, and Mad Vanilla, made from premium Madagascar vanilla. You can also try some of the seasonal flavors, like Yuzu or Japanese lime, and a non-dairy treat like Pina Colada, with pineapple, coconut cream and rum. Or try Miguel Aranaz' homage to the popular ice cream served on bread with his FroDough, with Kool-Kids ice cream served inside a fresh, warm doughnut.  

 9. Mochicream Cafe: Our tour ends with a stop at Mochicream Cafe, with its signature Matcha and Japanese mochi cream. Using premium ingredients flown in from Japan, ensuring you get authentic flavors for your Matcha fix. 

And like anything Japanese, the attention to detail and flavors is impressive. With its range of hot and iced matcha-based beverages, smoothies, and frappes, pair it with one of Mochicream Cafe's delicate pastries and cakes...

...like the Matcha Dacquiose (P 170), an elegant treat with matcha custard covered in almonds and topped with a fresh strawberry, is just one of the indulgent pastries to sample at Mochicream Cafe. Or go for the signature mochi, with silky smooth cream  in a sticky ball. 

A hot cup of Mochicream Cafe's Matcha Latte (P 145-12oz/P 165-16oz) caps my flavorful Mega Food Tour 2.0.  Nine awesome restaurants in one day, each one distinct and different. The Mega Food Tour 2.0 is one those must-try experiences, and it's easy to join...

For more information and inquiries on how to join the Mega Food Tour 2.0, simply call 0917-557-4001, 633-5042 to 46 or visit www.sm-megamall.com. The Mega Food Tour is scheduled on September 29 and 30, 2014, so post your best food photos from any SM Megamall restaurant on Instagram, follow @smmegamall and tag #MegaFoodTour2.0 now...

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