Madrid Fusion Manila 2017
It is not a question that the Philippines is a haven for delectable cuisines. Each province in our country seem to have their own food specialty – from the bagnet and empanada of Ilocos, the pineapples and steaks of Bukidnon, and the spicy dishes of the Bicolanos, among others. Filipinos love food so much, that we have even dedicated fiestas for several of our favorite Pinoy food favorites!
It is no surprise then, that on the third year of Madrid Fusion Manila, the Asian edition of the most prominent event in the world of haute gastronomy, it continues its partnership with SM Supermalls and the Department of Tourism, to celebrate the different Flavors of the Philippines. This year’s theme is “Towards a Sustained Gastronomic Planet”, which calls for the challenge to find sustainable ways of preparing and enjoying food without exhausting our natural resources for ingredients.
It is a nationwide celebration highlighting the specialty dishes of Philippine provinces and cities namely Cebu, Clark, Cavite, Tarlac, Cabanatuan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. Foodies are in for a gastronomic adventure with their families and friends with the culinary demonstrations and expos happening in over 17 SM Malls! In SM City Pampanga for example, they will be showcasing a 15-feet giant binghe (the Kapampangan version of Arroz Valenciana), while a giant bucket of chicharon will be featured at SM City San Fernando.
I was able to get a sneak-peek of the the celebration at the Press Launch of Madrid Fusion Manila 2017. It was held at S Maison earlier this month. The food establishments who sponsored the event gave cooking demos and also let us try the specialty dishes of their restaurants to give us an idea of how this year’s events will be like.
Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 Press Launch
Chef Satoshi Nakamura of Uma Uma! prepared the Aligue Ramen, which interestingly is served with no broth at all. We also had samples of his plating of Gyoza, Tamagoyaki, and Yakitori. XO46 Heritage Bistro also presented their local take of an Italian recipe, with the Laing Crostini. From Rossini, we had the Mezzi Arancini con Salsa prepared by Chef Davide Lombardi. Wow, thinking about those dishes right now is making me drool!
Our local culinary traditions are indeed flourishing. It’s good to know that SM Supermalls’ partnership with Madrid Fusion and the Government is bringing Pinoy cuisine closer to the global recognition that it deserves.
The Flavors of the Philippines Festival will be happening from April 1-8 in select SM Malls. To now the schedule of events and activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com.ph. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Viber Public Chat. Be updated as well by checking the hashtags #MAdridFusionAtSM and #EverythingsHereAtSM.