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A chance to explore the world through your palate

RENDEZVOUs - Christine S. Dayrit - The Philippine Star
A chance to explore the world through your palate
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

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 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.

Carol Sy, the force behind Sizzling Plate’s success

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.

Kevin Ong’s Patisserie’s Kevin Ong is a pastry chef known for his delicate cakes, pastries and chocolates.

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.

Charlie Paw, the visionary restaurateur behind Bored & Hungry, a California-born burger joint with a unique, NFT-themed twist.

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-to-open 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?

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

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