The Search for the Next Big Food Entrepreneur just occurred last Friday, August 2, 2013 at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City.

About 65 entrepreneurs participated to be the next big food entrepreneur in the country. This food challenge hopes to provide opportunities to aspiring food entrepreneurs and help them start up their businesses through exposure to the media and foodies in metro manila. A contest is still a contest. The winner receives Php100,000 tax-free, a (6) six month rent-free stall in Mercato or Soderno and a feature in Entrepreneur Magazine and Yummy Magazine.

The first phase, which happened last Friday, consists of all 65 entries with their food samples that are judged based on the product’s uniqueness and originality, yumminess of their food, presentation and marketability.

For the next phase, 20 out of 65 entries will be chosen to participate in a two-month weekend food selling activity in Mercato and Soderno.

Just imagine the food tasting last Friday at Mercato, I had to try all 65 entries! Whew!

I brought my food buddy, Oliver, with me to help me taste all 65 entries.

We started with this Pancit with Squid Ink from Mom’s Breaktime.

Right beside Mom’s Breaktime, this food stall got our attention. Big Jack’s Rice surprise, rice stuffed in a sausage is one of the winners for me! For people on-the-go, you’d want this easy to eat sausage stuffed with rice inside. We tried all three flavors, Adoborific, Baconcheesetastic and Teriyakilicious.

Among these 3 flavors, what stood out for me is their Teriyakilicious. I was aiming for a not so sweet Teriyaki sauce and they got it right in my belly! What I also love is the blend of sausage wrap that adds more tangy taste to every bite.

Munchster Yum is an eye-catcher for red velvet-holics. I am not sure if until now, red velvet inspired desserts are still what the market looks for. But during the event, people will still buy the idea of any red velvet creation especially those who are really fond of red velvet and its cream cheese.

These are pancake cookies, red velvet flavor.

 The first time I encountered Flavor Ave was at UP’s Foodgasm that also happened at Mercato Centrale. Their paella still didn’t impress me nor leave a mark to my taste. I know they can still improve, maybe more ambrosial for us consumers.

The stall of Gorby Balls is the least attractive out of all stalls at the event. It’s a competition and I didn’t feel they were competitive enough against other businesses. Because of how their stall looked, a dull and plain black table with pastries on top, I almost ignored their desserts. Well, I still gave it a try. After getting one bite-sized Graham dessert, I was dazed and asked for another piece.

I actually love Gorby Balls! I kept on asking for more, couldn’t resist grabbing one bite after another. If only they can improve their stall and attract more consumers, surely their business will flourish more.

Cajun Cuisine served spicy pasta and rice meals with Cajun and different kinds of pepper.

Crunchon is another calorie-giver snack. Crunchy lechon to those who doesn’t care about cholesterol nor their diet.

Pub Burrito will definitely catch your attention with their Filipino table set-up and their colored aztec table cloth. Chef Kia knows how to capture the customers by giving a warm service and a free wooden plate that she bought personally in Rustan’s.

Aside from how attractive Pub Burrito’s booth is, their Pinoy-inspired burritos win the hearts of Filipinos at the event.

If you ask me, Pub Burrito is my “paborito” (favorite) out of all stalls.

Oh Fudge looked so Chinese because of the color combination, red and gold, which they used for their fudge dessert packaging. I tried their Green Tea fudge, the last remaining piece. Thanks to Randie Tan for giving me his last green tea, which he saved for his friend. hehe 🙂

All I could say is, Oh Fudge! Really really fudgy!

I don’t think it’s a bad decision to try Bad Decisions Premium Burgers and Drinks Joint. It may be a bad decision if you decide to ignore this stall. Talk about premium beef, they got it! I tasted 1/8 of one burger and I was completely satisfied from it. By the way it looks, Bad Decisions has the potential to ace this competition.

After trying all dishes from 65 participants, the Top 20 was announced.

Here they are!

The 20 finalists will move on to the next phase, which is the food selling part.

It’s a 2-month long of selling to determine who will this competition.

I’m excited to find out who will be the Next Big Food Entrepreneur.

To get to try what these 20 Finalists offer, go and visit them at Mercato and/or Soderno every weekends.

Stay tuned to find out the winner of The Next Big Food Entrepreneur brought to you by Solane, Summit Media and Mercato Centrale.

Cheers,