COCINA CENTRALE: The Story of the Mercato of Central Luzon, at MarQuee, Angeles, Pampanga @MarQueeTweets

We always envisioned to expand nationally and bring the Mercato experience to key foodie areas around the Philippines.

We were hesitant to go out of Manila, but we found the right partner location – Ayala’s MarQuee, and the right foodie city – Angeles City, Pampanga, to launch our first ever Mercato market outside Manila – COCINA CENTRALE.

Here’s the photo essay of the Mercato of Central Luzon, at MarQuee Mall, Angeles City, Pampanga:

Related Blog Post: COCINA CENTRALE: Where the BEST of Pampanga Meets the BEST of Manila!

One of the criteria for choosing a good Mercato location is to be located near a garden or a park and near the dancing fountains 🙂

Together with Enervon, we searched for the best of Pampanga vendors for Cocina Centrale.

When we conducted the taste test for Cocina Centrale, we were pleasantly surprised that most of the food from Pampanga and Central Luzon vendors were indeed yummy. 

We like the Green & White feel of the market located at the MarQuee Park.

Here’s the tent and booth layout for Cocina Centrale with the list of pioneering vendors below:

I always look forward to the excitement of opening a new market and not knowing what to expect.

The Frenchman from Baguio selling French Crepes was an instant hit at Cocina Centrale.

We enjoyed our Nutella Bailey’s crepe and glad we ordered early because the long lines never shortened until closing time.

 
There were a lot of home-based Pampanga products like pastillas from Aiza’s Pastries,

Super yummy WoW Bawang – Peanuts with Crispy Garlic Chips from Nuts N’ Else, and

… and modern desserts like Cake Pops from Heavenly Sweets.

We also loved the chewy Sansrival from Minerva Variety who came all the way from Orani, Bataan.

The Korean Baked goodies were also a hit like the mini Cream Puffs from Mr. Parks, and 

Cakes from Jiin Bakery.

Don’t miss to try Koko Buri’s Soy Garlic Fried Chicken,

that is cooked upon order with its signature soy garlic glaze.

Aside from the French crepes, our favorite in Cocina Centrale are the All-American Burgers with crazy fun sounding names from Mighty Bun 🙂

TIP: Make sure to dine al fresco amidst the greenery 🙂

Cocina Centrale also features our best vendors from Manila like Cheat Day grilled burgers, 

Mrs. Po Chinese Dishes, and

our favorite Crunchy Belly!

Thank you also to Food Trucks who were all sold out on the opening day — The Cheese Steak Truck,

Jasper’s Chicken Truck, and

Mio Gelati Gelato Truck 🙂

Thank you also to Chef Sau of Villa Cafe and

Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung, who are our guests of honor in officially opening Cocina Centrale.

Special Thanks to DOT Regional Director Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico for all the all-out support for Cocina Centrale. 

Thank you to the Manila and Pampanga media for covering the opening of Cocina Centrale!

Most specially, thank you to Ms Norie Ubalde-Raniel, Ayala’s MarQuee GM for the trust and partnership in bringing the Mercato Experience to Pampanga!

Thank you to all the 4,000+ foodies for supporting the opening of Cocina Centrale!

Thank you to my business partner RJ Ledesma for a successful Cocina Centrale launch last June 29!

Most of all, Thank you to the Almighty God for blessing our Mercato Business that brings happiness to home-based vendors and awesome foodies around the Philippines 🙂

Join us every Friday and Saturday night starting at 4pm onwards at the MarQuee Mall, Angeles City Pampanga!

P.S. It’s easy to go here, go via NLEX and exit via Angeles City exit. You should see MarQuee Mall at your right, just after the Toll Gate.