A megafeast in our version of Venice’s Grand Canal

Picture yourself relaxing on the canals of Venice as gondoliers garbed in their striped blue and red long-sleeve shirts serenade you with love songs beneath warm, blue skies. The Ponte dell Amore bridges are adorned with love locks, and the delightful aroma of delicious food from various vendors wafts in the air.

Move this mise-en-scene to the exhilarating ambiance of the premier township in McKinley Hill, where my gregarious group of PhilSTAR’s accounts manager Jing Tiu, Megaworld marketing and media members Francis Garcia, Doreen Penilla, and Patti Belmonte engaged in a sumptuous food crawl.

I have always been a fan of wacky races and felt that racing through various restaurants in Megaworld's Venice Grand Canal Mall was a fun feat that I recommend everyone try.

The Venice Grand Canal Mall at McKinley Hill, a picturesque haven in the heart of Taguig, is the ultimate summer destination for food enthusiasts. With a wide array of dining options, guests can indulge in a culinary adventure while basking in the vibrant Venetian architecture and atmosphere of this stunning locale.

We began at the starting line with El Pollo Loco favorites like grilled chicken, pork ribs with BBQ sauce, chimichanga rice, Peking-style chicken with spicy sauces, and a mouthwatering Nutella-wrapped dessert. Diners can enjoy the El Pollo chicken with either java rice or tortilla. Each bite promises a burst of flavor, making it an ideal spot for a hearty meal. To complement the savory dishes, the restaurant offers delightful crepes with cream cheese or hazelnut.

I then traveled to Modern Shanghai, where the emphasis is on real Chinese food. The xiao long bao dumplings were the stars of the show — flavorful and packed with soft meat and a rich broth. Their crispy seafood noodles are a must-try, while their hototay soup with a whole egg is divine and worthy of note. Sweet-and-sour pork and crispy Peking duck were two more delectable treats that showcased Shanghai's diverse culinary heritage.

For the rustic comfort of America, TGI Fridays was our favorite place to go for a taste of traditional American cuisine. The warm, inviting ambiance was ideal for savoring substantial, decadent meals. I loved the famous Jack Daniels ribs slow-cooked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and smoky sauce, as well as the loaded potato skins which were covered with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and sour cream.

The newest restaurant in Venice Mall is the famous Cibo owned by the amazing Margarita Forés. It is now the heart of the mall and this heart beats for you, just like all the other restaurants and outlets. Its contemporary interior is perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. Indulge in their star dish Zubuchon Porchetta, a succulent pork belly roasted with Cibo’s signature blend of herbs and spices — perfectly paired with Mushroom Rice Pilaf.

For that deliciously cool summer treat, try their Cornetto Gelato, which comes in Chocolate Hazelnut, Tiramisu, and Milk Cream flavors. Their ice cream, made exclusively by Cibo, is the richest and most delicious I have ever sampled.

All the restaurants we tried that day had the most efficient service, value-for-money cuisine, innovative menus, and above all offered the warmest smiles from the heart. When the team in the restaurants are happy and on top of their game, you can surmise the management of the whole mall treats everyone like family. This, in my experience, is the culture of the Megaworld family.

You are not just a client or a guest, you are family. When one feels the warmth and that kind of service, they will simply keep returning. Venice Grand Canal Mall at McKinley Hill, Taguig City, is an enchanting lifestyle destination that brings the romantic charm of Italy to the heart of the Philippines. This picturesque attraction is inspired by the iconic canals of Venice, complete with gondola rides that allow visitors to glide serenely through its tranquil waters, offering a unique and immersive experience.

There is no need to travel all the way to Venice for the quintessential gondola ride because it awaits you right here in McKinley. I turn my gaze on the gondolas that ply the cleanest, bluest waters that look so inviting, even for a refreshing splash!

As I embarked on another gondola ride checking out all the restaurants the mall offers, I reflected on the Megafeast, where every bite, every morsel of their cuisine is worth savoring again and again.

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For more info visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/megaworldlifestylemalls, Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).