Mercato Centrale : Newest Lifestyle Weekend Market
I'm a morning person so weekend markets get me excited (i.e. Salcedo Market and Sidcor). I've been hearing and reading a lot of buzz about this newly opened weekend market at the Fort (well I think it's been open for maybe 3 months now) so last night I told Joel that we should check it out before he goes to his morning class. Usually my weekends are spent in Corito's Garden in Batangas for work and semi-relaxation but since my schedule to go there moved to Sunday, I decided to make the most out of my Saturday here in Manila.
We got there about 8 am and there was already a good crowd inside (mostly runners and morning people). I actually blended in pretty well because I was in my gym get-up! hahaha :) Unlike Salcedo Market which is just one big parking lot turned into a market, Mercato is divided into three covered areas (2 air-conditioned tents and one that is not).
The concept of Mercato is taken from the weekend markets in Florence Italy and borough markets of London. It offers an extensive selection of different food, snacks, drinks, organic produce and other unique products. Here are some interesting things that caught my eye this morning...
They made me try 3 different flavors which I all enjoyed; Red Velvet, Bacon & Maple and their Mango Tamarind which had the right amount of sourness (and SOUR is something I really enjoy nowadays!).
2. Bap-chi - I really wanted to try their S'Piggy but it was already sold out. I'll try it when I come back next time. It's pulled pork with cabbage slaw and kimchi on top of a crusty roll.
3. Joel and Hip got excited with the Offbeat Burger - The owner said it's his spin on the Offbeat burger that was featured on the show "Man vs. Food".
Offbeat Burger - Php 180.00
Krispy Kreme Honey Glazed Doughnut as buns, Fried Egg, Bacon and Burger Pattie
Morning Look - Why the expression guys?
They split the burger
I had a bite myself - well it's not exactly the healthiest breakfast but I give it A for effort!
4. Purple Mustard's Homemade Ravioli
They have Roasted Squash, Spinach Cream, Three Cheese, Blue Cheese & Pear, Salmon Dill, Shitake Pecorino, Eggplant Parmigiana
5. Cheesy Cheesecakes - They have Parmesan, Kesong Puti and Keso de Bola Cheesecake
6. Mochiko Mochi Balls
7. Simply Pie - Baby Pies, Puff Pies, Muffins and Healthy Cakes
8. These super cute cupcakes (too bad I forgot to get their name and calling card). They have angry birds and plant vs. zombies cupcakes! Hahahah :)
9. Empire Macarons - They just look so pretty but I actually didn't try any of them! Maybe next time...
10. Ha Yuan's Pulled Pork - Shredded lean pork asado, pickled cucumbers, chopped nuts, crispy shallots and greens... a.k.a The Yao Ming - Chinese guy playing for Houston... Texas bbq! Get it?
The Yao Ming - Php 60.00 - not bad for the price. It's filling and the asado is tasty and blends well with the veggies.
We were already on our way out when I saw someone drinking Bubble Tea. You guessed it right, I had to get one for myself...
Tea.ology's Assam Tea Large (Php 80.00)
For all the morning people out there who want a new place to try, explore Mercato Centrale!
** Located at the heart of Fort Bonifacio, Taguig (parking lot beside The Spa in Boni High Street). It's open from 7 am-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Good Morning :)
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