Distrito Makati and the year of food markets

2011 was an awesome year for food. Throughout the year, several food trends and innovations made their way to the Philippine market, taking their rightful place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Filipino foodies.    One of the biggest trends this year was the food market—from North to South in Metro Manila, these make-shift food havens made life worth living for a lot of foodies.   The trend first emerged when Banchetto opened in Ortigas. Later, Mercato opened at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Even prior to that, Makati had its Salcedo and Legaspi weekend markets, both of which had extended its offerings from food to lifestyle finds. Thus, it was only a matter of time for the food market trend to make its way to the country’s central business district.    And just like everything else that’s truly Makati, Distrito has a few surprises up its sleeve.   For one, unlike its “sister” markets Mercato and Soderno, Distrito Makati at the Makati Med parking lot wasn’t around for too long. In fact, the food market is closing on Dec. 30, as it was only put up as part of Makati’s promotions for the Christmas season.    Short-lived as it may have been, Distrito has made its impact in the Makati scene by bringing Mercato Centrale and Midnight Mercato favorites closer to the business central.    “Filipinos have bottomless stomachs, which is why food markets like this are perfect for them,” Distrito co-founder RJ Ledesma told GMA News Online. (Ledesma is also a co-host on GMA News TV)   A visit to Distrito is much like stepping into a mini-me of Mercato in Taguig City.   The usual culprits are there—the twice-fried chicken that’s become synonymous with the Mercato brand, “hotpot” deals for less than P100, giant burgers, macarons, wagyu steaks, and of course, milk tea.    But Distrito isn’t exactly like Mercato; instead, you can think of it as the little brother who decided to shake things up, just to make a mark.   Distrito is also home to a new food concept in the Philippines—the food truck. Or, to be a little more accurate, the sosyal food truck.    Guactruck, Fruits in Ice Cream, and Mio Gelati are the three brands in Distrito that have embraced the trend. The latter, of course, is another Mercato staple. It would be a wasted trip to set foot in the Taguig food market without leaving with a cup or two of Mio Gelati’s Ferrero, Pistachio and liquor-flavored gelato, to name a few.    Fancy a quick round of shopping before, after, or while you gorge on food? Distrito, following the footsteps of its Southern food market sister, Soderno, is also home to other lifestyle finds.    Makati’s food market is the third for Ledesma and Anton Diaz, who are also the brains behind Mercato Centrale and Soderno. The two are also the forces behind the Ultimate Taste Test.   Ledesma said that he isn’t sure about Distrito Makati’s future just yet—will it extend its run, move elsewhere in the city, or just disappear altogether (leaving Makati foodies heartbroken, we imagine)?   One thing’s for sure: the future is bright for food markets in Metro Manila. Banchetto continues to attract a huge following in Ortigas, as does Mercato in Taguig. At the same time, a dozen other food markets (permanent and temporary, small and huge) are sprouting all over the metro.    Ledesma said that he still doesn’t know what’s next for Distrito Makati, but added that they are open to extending its run or to a plethora of other possibilities. - YA/HS, GMA News   Photo from the Distrito Makati Fan Page