Mezza Norte night food market joins QC foodie scene

  There was Dadi’s Berd charcoal-grilled chicken, Carlo’s Kitchen crunchy belly (the glamorous way to refer to chicharon, in my opinion), Big Bob’s Freshy charcoal-grilled burgers, Merry Moo ice cream, Maria’s Ilocos empanada, and the ever popular Mercato favorite Mochiko ice cream-filled mochi balls, among others.   Catering mostly to the after-office crowd, the UP community, and the call center workers on duty at the Technohub, Mezza Norte was jam-packed on opening night Thursday. People were enticed by the smell of meat hot off the grill, from booths such as Amang’s Grill, Edgy’s (which had baby back ribs) and Spare Ribs Delight. Young people crowded booths selling sisig (take your pick: pork, bangus, vegetarian), kebabs, buffalo wings, mini tacos, takoyaki, Angus beef tapa, burgers, roast beef, and Korean faves bibimbap and bulgogi.   Regional cuisines were represented by booths selling Ilocos empanada (stuffed with meat and vegetables, then fried) and Tuguegarao pancit and longganisa.   There were lots of cakes and ice cream for the sweet-toothed, and the thirsty can take their pick from fresh fruit juices, milk teas, and mocktails.   The selection could be improved, though, with more healthy choices. And the dining experience would be a lot better with more space and elbow room.   But a foodie can’t complain, right? As long as there’s food—and lots of it—we all have a reason to smile. Throw in free Wi-Fi and live acoustic music, and everyone’s happy. – YA, GMA News   Mezza Norte is open Thursday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.