The 14th Annual Ultimate Taste Test brought some of 2016’s best Food Purveyors together at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig.
Food critics were able to sample the creations from 34 food entrepreneurs who showcased their yummy and unique products.
Here’s a photo essay of Ultimate Taste Test 2016 at SMX Aura…
Hosting again this year was the sharply dressed and fellow food blogger, Mr. Spanky Enriquez, Godfather of the KTG family.
Thank you to SMX Aura Convention Center Taguig (located on the 3rd floor of SM Aura Premier) for hosting the Ultimate Taste Test!
The Adobe Queen showcased her signature Rodrigo’s Roast and Nancy’s Mechado under The Commissary Kitchen brand.
The ultimate food tasting event wouldn’t be complete without pairing it with ice-cold San Miguel Lifestyle Brews beer!
Tet Mora showcasing Alchemie Cerdo – Lechon Cebu for the first time in Manila. (https://www.facebook.com/alchemiecerdo/)
Energizing to see the next generation of Congressmen and Congresswomen of the Philippines supporting the Ultimate Taste Test!
Aging’s Food Delight by Agapita Mercado offered traditional kakanin with a modern twist, like this Suman Especial and Latik Fondue.
The traditional UTT face-off–Aidan, my eldest son, vs. Richie of The Pickiest Eater.
Karabella Ice Cream by Erika Wong using 100% fresh carabao milk from GK Enchanted Farm. (https://www.facebook.com/KarabellaDairy/)
Salted Duck Egg Ice Cream sounds crazy but works surprisingly well. We loved the creamy texture and the slight hint of salted egg.
Thank you to the Zynapsse Corporation for the support and for making the Our Awesome Planet App, to be launch in 2017!
Another crowd favorite was the Banh Mi by Lotus Vu. Good Banh Mi is hard to come by in Manila; this is the exception.
Thank you to the Brand Activation Class section 4SDL students of the Integrated Mass Communications course in UA&P!
Fresh Chocolate Milk from Batangas Dairy (BADACO) made from non-UHT, 100% natural, and pasteurized fresh milk straight from the farm.
Thank you to my partner and co-founder of Mercato Centrale, RJ Ledesma, for supporting the Ultimate Taste Test 2016!
The Beef Tapa from Moms Breaktime is the salty kind made with US Premium ground beef and is best paired with rice.
Our dear friend, the one and only Purple Kat, with Spanky.
The Make Peace Bakery by GK Enchanted farms featuring Pan de Yema Bites, which is pandesal infused with sweet creamy yema.
Thank you to Bhest Lasagna—UTT 2014 Winner–for continually supporting the Ultimate Taste Test event.
Sigs Smokehouse drew long lines of foodies anxious to try their 12-hour slow–cooked Beef Brisket smoked using oak wood chips.
Every attendee was given a voucher for free beer, courtesy of San Miguel, who also left suggestions for Beer Paring at the booths.
Thank you to the Kain Tulog Gang and Chef Tatung for sharing your afternoon with all the food critics.
Don Bao’s Crazy Bao with Kani and Eel sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and tempura flakes. Loved the crunch and savory eel sauce!
The original Ultimate Taste Test Gang–Janice & Gary Villanueva, Spanky Enriquez, and Anton & Rache Diaz.
Loved the Chocolate and Green Macha Flakes by Monica Santiago.
This year there was a nice mix of familiar and new generation of bloggers like Lloyd and Me-An of Yogo & Cream.
Another standout was the Purple Corn from Homegrown Organics. It’s healthier and has a similar taste and texture to Japanese white corn.
Taking time to pose with the awesome staff of SMX Aura. Thanks, everyone for making the event flawless!
For your next corporate or consumer event, or even your Christmas parties, be sure to check out SMX Aura Premier in BGC.
Fronen Company had an assortment of sausages available, but the standout was the Cheesy Hungarian Sausage Paella.
We couldn’t get enough of the Mango Ginger healthy Pinoy fruit juice of Orich International Traders throughout the taste test.
We also loved the Katong Laksa, a hot Singaporean noodle soup by Bren Borga.
Raphael is growing up to have the pleasing personality of Ninong Spanky.
Ube Macapuno Bibingka by The Grill Boy is great for this Christmas season.
Chef Tatung shared his insights on the rich history of Filipino Cuisine and the future for the culinary scene in the Philippines.
Chili Cheese Pimiento Dip by Red Hot Sili Momma is oozing with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and roasted bell peppers.
Spread on pandesal, crackers, and anything else that you’d like to make cheesier! (https://www.facebook.com/redhotsilimomma/)
Closing out the night was Viva-talent Py Barbeyto, who serenaded the crowd with a medley of acoustic jams.
Newcomers to UTT, the young entrepreneurs at Crackle Chips are off to a great start. Their unique potato chip flavors stood out, especially the Himalayan Salt.
Thanks to @PeterDums for coming to the Ultimate Taste Test every year!
The taste of Corned Beef by Aguila does not compare to any other in the market because it’s made from 100% meat with no extenders.
Nonna’s showcasing their Mushroom healthy Chicharon innovation.
And the winners are…
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: Our Awesome Planet is the founder of the Ultimate Taste Test series. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.