After receiving two nominations for Bon Chon and Hopia King Bakery, the Philippine Seven Corporation bagged the Menu/Product Development award during the first Tastesetters Victors Night, held last April 11, 2024, at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati.
The award recognizes brands or companies creating culinary innovations that consistently impress their regular and new customers.
Other awardees include Mrs. G Cakeshop Corporation, which took home the custom trophy by artists Ram Mallari and Nina Bantoto for the Rookie-Up and Coming award that celebrates new businesses in the Tastesetters scene; Binondo Foods Corporation for the Operations Efficiency award, which highlighted establishments that optimized workflow, customer service, and resource management; and Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings for the Marketing & Promotions award with their impactful strategies online and in-person; and Authenquick Foods for Collaborator of the Year award, which lauds establishments that initiate productive partnerships among stakeholders.
Tastesetters is an initiative created by SYSU International, Inc. to enjoin food enthusiasts, F&B practitioners, entrepreneurs, and culinary experts in their shared love for food and beverage. It is a platform where food lovers from all over the country can share and learn the latest in F&B innovations and trends. Their Victors Night highlights local culinary breakthroughs and commendable practices throughout the industry.
Celebrating gastronomic and innovative culinary delights
Besides the awarding ceremony, the night’s highlight, the Tastesetters also highlighted various culinary innovations that propel the food and beverage industry to new heights.
The famed Yuchengco Museum wasn’t just the venue for Tastesetters’ event–it also reflected their philosophy since Tastesetters believes food can also be art. They partnered with local artists and presented a degustation dinner that pushed boundaries to prove their point and follow their “Gastronomic Artistry” theme.
Guests enjoyed playful takes on Filipino classics like Adobo Caramel Sorbetes and Kare Kare Sorbetes, alongside unique appetizers like Palabok in Pani Puri and Kinilaw na Hamachi at Scallops.
Another much-awaited part of the event was when Tastesetters presented their predictions for what will excite diners in the coming year. From using plates as artistic canvases to embracing the ever-growing influence of Korean cuisine, Tastesetters highlighted tropical ingredients, explored the evolving concept of spiciness, and discussed the rise of health-conscious options. They even proposed deconstructing popular dishes into condiments and making gourmet ingredients more accessible through everyday meals.
Following these trend presentations, the evening culminated in a stunning degustation dinner. Created by Tastesetters’ Chef Sonny Mariano and Chef Wado Siman, the menu celebrated Filipino cuisine with a twist. Familiar dishes like Benguet Corn Chawan Mushi and Tokwa’t Baboy took a different perspective using surprising ingredients and SYSU products. Guests enjoyed these reimagined classics family-style, ending the night with a delightful dessert surprise – edible menus transformed into Cassube Flan and Cashew Mazapan.
The first Tastesetters Victors Award succeeded in recognizing innovators in the local food and beverage industry while promoting upcoming food trends and a new way to enjoy Filipino food.