A Rhapsody of Flavors: The Gourmand Market Preview

There's an unmistakeable Bohemian vibe in the air, and a vibrant marketplace awaits...

Globe Platinum presents the fifth edition and this year's premier run of The Gourmand Market this March 4 to 6, 2016, bringing together some of the metro's best artisan and gourmet products in one place. It's time once more to eat well, live well, at the The Gourmand Market. Read on for a tasty peek at this year's latest edition of The Gourmand Market...

This year's theme has a cool Bohemian vibe, showcasing a variety of flavors. The preview's guests included Sandy Daza (L) flanked by The Gourmand Market's organizers, Dara David-Roa (L) and NawwTy's Kitchen's Trish Panlilio (R), as guests indulged in another sneak peek (see my earlier post here on last year's preview). 

Drawing inspiration from their frequent travels abroad and a shared passion for food, Trish Panlilio and Dara David-Roa aim to awaken your senses at The Gourmand Market with an impressive and eclectic selection of the metro's finest. From beverages to snacks, freshly baked products, pastries and desserts, gelato and savory mains, you can find it all at The Gourmand Market.

You just know the late afternoon preview is going to be special when you see yellow rubber duckies on a punch bowl...

Ebeneezer's Rum Punch gets you in the Bohemian groove in no time, with fruity tropical notes followed by the bold flavorful punch of rum. Sweet and easy, it's the ideal libation for a leisurely afternoon before dinner. Rubber duckies in rum punch? Why not. 

Handcrafted artisan bread in all shapes, colors and sizes and Mini Croissants from The Breadery are just some of the featured products at The Gourmand Market preview...

...along with the Rainbow Bread (R) by Nicole Ortega's Morsels From My Kitchen best paired with her signature Cheese Pimiento. Pick up a plate, and begin your flavorful experience of discovery at The Gourmand Market preview.

Around the garden, you'll find playfully inventive items like the Fried Asado Floss Pao from H Home by Good Earth, the familiar pork bun topped with crisp floss...

...and soft and chewy Chocolate Cookies and moist, fudgy Brownies with Raspberries from Gourmandise by Sunshine Pengson. The deep chocolate notes of the brownies are perfectly punctuated by the sharp and vibrant hints of the raspberries for a unique and delightful blend. And you can expect to see more indulgent treats from Gourmandise by Sunshine Pengson at The Gourmand Market on March 4 to 6 at Bonifacio High Street Central.

Another round of Rum Punch by Ebeneezer's and you're just about ready to sample the other delectable treats at The Gourmand Market preview...

...like the savory Shawarma from Ebeneezer's, bite-sized morsels packed with so much flavor.

Time to pick up another plate and discover other flavorful surprises and treats at The Gourmand Market preview...

A cart with freshly popped popcorn catches your eye, with its fragrant aroma leading you straight for it. Not your usual popcorn, Truffles & More offers its indulgent take with its unique Truffle Popcorn. Popcorn with the distinct nutty hint of truffles, just can't get better than that. Grab a bowl of Truffle Popcorn,and come back for more...

Wash it all down with a refreshing old-fashioned Ginger Ale from Stanford & Shaw Brewing Co., a thirst-quenching and soothing Lemonade from Stellina's, or have a glass or two of premium Argentinian wine from Lagarde. 

It was also great to see my old friend Marco Rodriguez and his own creative take on chef-inspired gourmet food with Xancho's line of signature dishes, specializing in classic old world cuisine.

That day, Xancho's offered their homey and comforting Stracetti Di Manzo Pepono (L), tender beef slow-cooked for hours and the rich Seafood Dumpling Ettoufee with Tarragon (R). Xancho offers gourmet dishes in convenient to-go packs, ideal for any occasion. 

The variety of flavors and dishes are impressive, and that's what you can expect at The Gourmand Market. There's always something new to experience and discover...

...and comfortingly familiar old favorites like the popular Paella Negra with Homemade Aioli by NawwTy's Kitchen, soft and fluffy rice with the rich flavors of squid ink topped with seafood. Take one bite and you'll immediately know why this is one of The Gourmand Market's bestsellers.

That evening, Trish Panlilio also served her newest dish from NawwTy's Kitchen, the rustic Mushroom Asiago Chicken. Tender and juicy chicken slow-cooked and draped in a rich cheese sauce with mushrooms and herbs, this could very well be Trish Panlilio's next bestseller.

And there's more. Following the success of their innovative flavors like Mangga't Suman, Manila Creamery shared their newest pair of gelato flavors, Mango Pomelo and Tunutong Rice, or burnt rice, at the preview. Who knew the crusty bottom in a pot of rice would serve as the inspiration for a new gelato flavor, just leave it to the guys behind Manila Creamery to amaze you. And you can expect so much more at The Gourmand Market.

Mark your calendars, and discover new flavors along with old favorites, at The Gourmand Market on March 4-6, 2016. Eat well, live well, see you at The Gourmand Market...

The Gourmand Market, presented by Globe Platinum, will be held at the C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on March 4-6, 2016, Friday to Sunday, 11am-11pm. 

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