The Philippine Star

A CHANCE TO EXPLORE THE WORLD THROUGH YOUR PALATE

- Rendezvous CHRISTINE DAYRIT For more info re SM Aura Food on Four visit SM Aura on Facebook and Instagram @smauraprem­ier.

Imagine savoring sizzling beef paired with locally inspired buttered veggies. Delight in the richness of chocolate bonbons from Paris, enjoy the delicate texture of soufflé pancakes from Japan and savor the unique flavors of Bored & Hungry burgers straight from New York.

As if transporte­d to Tsukiji market in Japan, appreciate the freshest catch, where the aroma of newly cooked soba noodles entices your senses.

Dynamic Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, eloquently expresses, “We would like Food On Four to be as if you went around the world and tasted a range of cuisines from places like the US, Japan, France, China, and beyond. That’s why when choosing our tenant partners, we nori strips prioritize those who can provide this experienti­al journey — a chance to explore the world through your palate, right here at SM Aura.”

Frankies features the most delicious Buffalo wings in assorted flavors. Sink your teeth into their juiciness, savor the flavors and taste the Big Apple right here in the heart of Manila. And do not miss the moist and tasty lechon of amiable Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. “SM Aura is one of my favorite malls in the city and has a happy vibe,” she says, and that’s why she opened the first Le Chon Prime in SM Aura. Le Chon is like the French version of Filipino lechon. Carolyn Sy whips up the most sumptuous, value-for-money fare at Sizzling Plates, featuring grilled meats and seafood. Delight in the delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine, served with a modern twist.

In this remarkable setting of SM Aura’s Food on Four, there’s no need for your passport to embark on a culinary journey. There’s no need to take flights, buses, trains, or cruises; just take a leisurely stroll around the hall to sample these global favorites.

From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by SM Aura Food on Four’s upscale look with welcoming interiors that exude the essence of spring. I was mesmerized by the

charming hummingbir­d hologram installati­ons, decor inspired by the season, verdant foliage, flowers and potted palms. Another impressive feature is the natural light that floods the space through an impressive central skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows.

I traveled around the world that gastronomi­c afternoon to sample and savor all that Food on Four has to offer.

One of my first favorites was the cuisine by chef Chele González. Deli by Chele is located right by the entrance of the food hall, which explains why it was the first cuisine I appreciate­d.

The amazing chef behind Deli by Chele shares the inspiratio­n behind their concept: “The inspiratio­n comes from three sources: first, as a chef, I wanted to challenge myself to learn how to do charcuteri­e and artisanal cooking, as everything we do is made by us. The pastrami was a hit, and we believed we had something special, so we decided to open a deli-sandwich shop. This concept was born during the pandemic and evolved into what it is today.

“Secondly, when I visited Katz’s Deli in New York, I was so impressed, intrigued, and obsessed with the idea of making pastrami. And finally, as a Spaniard, sandwiches are our comfort food.

I saw it as a new playground to be inspired by New York with an infusion of Filipino approach by chef Carlos Villaflor and my influence as a Spaniard.”

From the delicate pastries of Kevin Ong Patisserie, like chocolates in peach lemonade and amaretto sour to macaroons to the aromatic spices of Malabar, each bite at SM Aura Food on Four transports diners to a different corner of the globe.

Whether you’re craving the comforting familiarit­y of American classics at Frankies or the exotic allure of Japanese soba noodles at Nadai Fujisoba, the food court buzzes with the vibrant energy of internatio­nal gastronomy.

Whetting our appetites are soon-toopen tenants. Saboten Express, coming straight from Shinjuku, Tokyo, in Japan, is known for being one of the largest tonkatsu chains, serving crunchy cutlets of pork, chicken, and seafood. Pronto will be an on-the-go food retail concept that specialize­s in serving epicurean dishes, wholesome meals, and a retail row offering a curated selection of gourmand finds like wines, preserved goods, truffle snacks, and more. Pronto’s SM Aura branch will be the first in the market. Likewise, Malabar, opening its first branch at Food On Four, is set to revolution­ize traditiona­l beverage offerings with their unique and innovative take on both cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

The culinary journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So why travel far when the world’s flavors await just around the corner?

* * *

At SM Aura's Food on Four, there's no need for your passport to embark on a culinary journey through the US, Japan, France, China, and beyond.

 ?? ?? Mouthwater­ing and bestsellin­g: Deli by Chele’s New York-Style Brisket Pastrami
Mouthwater­ing and bestsellin­g: Deli by Chele’s New York-Style Brisket Pastrami
 ?? ?? The people behind SM Aura’s Food on Four: (from left) Deli by Chele’s chef Carlos Villaflor, Diggy’s Pizza’s Diego Virata, Sushi Nori’s Benj Ramos, Cinnabon’s Rene Santos, Delimondo Café’s Dani Enrile, Le Chon Prime’s Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Sizzling Plate’s Carol Sy, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, Pepper Lunch’s Cecile Zamora, Kevin Ong Patisserie’s Kevin Ong, Nadai Fujisoba’s chef Yoshiaki Kudo and David Guevarra, and Teakha’s Kyle Go
The people behind SM Aura’s Food on Four: (from left) Deli by Chele’s chef Carlos Villaflor, Diggy’s Pizza’s Diego Virata, Sushi Nori’s Benj Ramos, Cinnabon’s Rene Santos, Delimondo Café’s Dani Enrile, Le Chon Prime’s Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Sizzling Plate’s Carol Sy, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, Pepper Lunch’s Cecile Zamora, Kevin Ong Patisserie’s Kevin Ong, Nadai Fujisoba’s chef Yoshiaki Kudo and David Guevarra, and Teakha’s Kyle Go
 ?? ?? Irresistib­le Le Chon Prime’s Cebu Le Chon belly with tanglad butter flavor, paired with lechon’s original butter rice and adobo white sauce, muscovado liver sauce and labuyo lime
Irresistib­le Le Chon Prime’s Cebu Le Chon belly with tanglad butter flavor, paired with lechon’s original butter rice and adobo white sauce, muscovado liver sauce and labuyo lime
 ?? ?? Charlie Paw, the visionary restaurate­ur behind Bored & Hungry, a California­born burger joint with a unique, NFTthemed twist.
Charlie Paw, the visionary restaurate­ur behind Bored & Hungry, a California­born burger joint with a unique, NFTthemed twist.
 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Kevin Ong’s Patisserie’s Kevin Ong is a pastry chef known for his delicate cakes, pastries and chocolates.
Kevin Ong’s Patisserie’s Kevin Ong is a pastry chef known for his delicate cakes, pastries and chocolates.
 ?? ?? Sushi Nori’s Chirashi: Salmon, tuna, tamago, kani, ebiko, cucumber and
Sushi Nori’s Chirashi: Salmon, tuna, tamago, kani, ebiko, cucumber and
 ?? ?? Delectable Delimondo Café’s buns and pastries
Delectable Delimondo Café’s buns and pastries
 ?? ?? Aromatic: Pepper Lunch’s Beef Pepper Rice
Aromatic: Pepper Lunch’s Beef Pepper Rice
 ?? ?? Carol Sy, the force behind Sizzling Plate’s success
Carol Sy, the force behind Sizzling Plate’s success

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines