Food Tasting: The Mansion Iloilo’s New Menu
I like food.
I am neither a cook nor a food blogger (at least not before this).
I just like food.
So imagine how much of a treat it was for me to get invited to a food tasting party.
I am new to this but slowly getting used to this kind of stuff. My taste buds love it… but my waistline (and blood pressure) say otherwise.
However, this was not the time to worry about waistlines… rather it’s time to get a taste of the gracious experience The Mansion is known for.
The Pool Club Menu
The new offering from The Mansion Iloilo is a collection of dishes from the skillful culinary stylings of Executive Chef, Arnie Pineda.
Dishes include Filipino favorites like Sisig and Crispy Pata. Authentic Pancit Molo ala Kap Ising also made the collection.
Beefy Western dishes like burgers, steak, and barbecued ribs are in, while seafoods and vegetable-rich Asian dishes like Vietnamese Spring rolls, Pad Thai, and Nasi Goreng complement the set.
It was the most intimate food tasting event I have ever been to.
Well, I had been to only two of these… so I only have one to compare with.
Anyway the other one was more of a launch so it was attended by plenty of people. But this one, by The Mansion, was hush hush. The private, more intimate feel made me enjoy the food more.
There were just six of us — a mix of established popular bloggers, lifestyle journalists, … and me.
Truthfully, I was honored to be in such company.
The Tasters
Background (Left to Right):
Andrea Guanco, Nile Kris Jan Banga, John Bayona Castigador, Kathy Villalon, and Nonoy Taclino
I was the last one to arrive. The other five ‘tasters’ were already chatting. They obviously already knew each other. Among the five, I only knew two by name; not the other three but they were certainly familiar.
I took this opportunity to know them and get acquainted with the who’s who of lifestyle and food blogging.
I also met the marketing minds behind this food tasting gig and got introduced toThe Mansion’s head of PR, Sir Nonoi Ybiernas. I also had the chance to speak with Chef Arnie Pineda and he insisted that I should try Pad Thai, Nasi Goreng, and Shawarma as they’re his specialty.
Chef Arnie Pineda
The dishes were served one by one and should be photographed before we get to taste it. The dishes were then set on the table for one final collective photo op and after that, we dug in!
I was already famished before actually getting there. I prepped my system for the event. Earlier that day, I exercised and did not eat much after that so I have ‘space’ for Chef Arnie’s cooking.
Funny enough, by the time we were given the go signal to eat, I did not know where to start. Imagine 23 (or more) delicious-looking dishes in front of you. I felt overwhelmed.
I started what’s within reach (can’t remember what dishes though) and made the effort in taking Chef’s advice and tried his recommendations. I wasn’t disappointed.
Tasters in action
I was never a fan of East Asian cuisine but the Pad Thai and Nasi Goreng made a convert out of me!
It’s physically impossible to really try and savor all the dishes. So, I avoided the ones I commonly eat… but not seafood, I LOVE SEAFOOD!
After a few talks and exchanges of ideas, I bid farewell to everyone.
But I know for sure that I’ll be coming back to The Mansion and have another go at their Pool Club Menu with my family sooner than later.
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