Ilonggos will again experience the best of the USA as Iloilo Supermart in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) feature a variety of good and products as well as related activities in a celebration entitled “MADE IN USA”.
The event aims to promote a spirit of oneness and cooperation between Iloilo City and the United States at the same time help modernize and industrialize the economy through the import and export of foreign products and services.
No less than the USDA attaché to the Philippines, Bill Verzani graced the launching of the event at The Atrium last July 3, 2012. Together with Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III and Councilor Perla Zulueta, the trio opened the display of assorted US goods in the middle of the mall.
AMERICAN ADVENTURE BUFFET
A lunch buffet at The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo featured a gastronomic journey across the flavors of America followed the opening ceremony. Guests enjoyed the delectable delights “made in USA” with Seafood Chowder, Mini US Pork Mignons, Oysters Rockefeller, Potato Wrapped fish, American Potato Salad and Cobb salad, among others for the soup, appetizer and salad line up.
The main carte du jour had Jambalaya Rice, Herbed Mashed Potato, Sesame Seed Crusted Fish Fillet with Orange Sauce, Buffalo Wings, Pork loin with Apple-Cinnamon sauce, Roasted Rosemary Chicken, and Cowboy steak with Chimichurri sauce.
The Carving Station had Roast Pork and Beef while a variety of seafood like Salmon and Tuna were cooked on site at the grill station.
Desserts are in the range of the familiar choco bars like Reeses’ Chocolate Cake, Ghirardelli Choco Chip Mint, S’Mores Brownies, Snickers Bites, New York Cheesecake and more!
You too can embark on a culinary adventure across America as The Promenade brings the American Adventure Buffet every Friday night from 6-10pm.
“MEAT”-ING IN THE U.S.A.
In the afternoon, Chef Kryztof Ray Carillo of KRYZ Culinary Arts and Restaurant Services Institute (KCARSI) was brought in for a US meat processing and cooking demonstration.
He prepared US Pork Fillet Mignon, which were Pork Boston Butt Medallions wrapped in bacon cooked in olive oil and flavored with rock salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika and butter.
There also was Roast Beef Belly with Red Wine Sauce which called for half a slab of Trimmed Beef Short plate with orange rind for a “citrusy” aroma while rock salt, whole peppercorn and garlic complemented the red wine sauce.
Finally, the Wagyu Beef Salpicao had the Wagyu black rib meat cut into bite size chunks then sautéed in olive oil with garlic, rock salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, liquid seasoning and butter.
But don’t fret if you missed this particular meat demo as you can always troop down to Mojave Grill and Steakhouse and Bourbon Street at The Avenue Complex to satisfy your meat cravings. Enjoy succulent US certified Angus Beef Steak Angus Cowboy Steak, Porter House, T-bone, Rib eye and other Tex-Mex cuisine at Mojave while Bourbon Street dishes up Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Beef Pot Roast, US Pepper Steak prime US Angus Rib Eye and their popular Barbecue Back Ribs.
AN AFTERNOON OF FINE CALIFORNIA WINES AND MORE
An overload of meat but good thing, Happy Living Philippines Corporation conducted a two-day wine tasting and appreciation gathering at Days Hotel Iloilo and The Venue, showcasing wines from the Beringer Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. During the cocktail party, guests milled around with glasses of Beringer’s Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato Red California and Pinot Grigio, among others.
Complementing these fine California wines were Angus Beef in Nachos, Cheesy con Carne Bruschetta, Ciabatta Crisps, Creamy seared Tuna on fish crackers, Sisig in lettuce wraps, Assorted cheeses, Fruit Skewers and Veggie sticks in spiced dressing.
A cake decorating contest is scheduled on July 16 as various culinary schools in Iloilo battle it out to create the best American Dessert Fantasy at the Atrium Mall.
Ten years ago, Johnny O. Que, one of the Directors of Iloilo Supermart met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture. It was then both parties agreed to host the event entitled “MADE IN USA” which aspires to strengthen the bridge that connects both countries. Now after a decade and just wines do, the partnership became stronger and better.