Gio’s Mongo Grill in Tiongson Arcade, Lagao

Last Tuna Festival Culniary Expo, our friend in the food industry, Allan Sanidad, owner of Abi’s , was gracious enough to host a dinner for our judges in his newest resto in Tiongson Arcade, Gio’s Mongo Grill. Since I was so busy that night that I was not able to join them for dinner, I decided to check it out with my family.

Tiongson Arcade has become a wellspring of new restaurant themes and one of the best places to get your great tasting Gensan barbecue.

Gio’s Mongo Grill is located on the same side as Euro-Kitchen and Gusteau’s (who served our chefs big, tasty, sinful crabs!). Your dining experience starts before you get in the door.

That’s because you have to choose what goes into your Mongolian bowl.

For our first bowl, I chose beef with loads of vegetables. Our second bowl had chicken teriyaki, fresh noodles and vegetables. Each bowl costs only P 15o! It’s good for two or three persons. You get 200 grams of meats or seafoods and fill up the rest of the bowl with vegetables and noodles. Then they ask you if want sweet and spicy or sweet only.You can watch while they cook your food.

I will say that the food was really good and healthy too! Fresh vegetables and simple flavors in that bowl are a refreshing break. (I know the food is good because there was nothing left on the platters.) On the business side, it’s one of the simplest food business models that does not say mediocre either. The service is good, the servers know what questions to ask and they are attentive. (Good job Allan!)

Gio’s Mongo Grill is located in Tiongson Arcade, Lagao.

Thank you from TFCE and GSC Tourism Association

After probably three of the most stressful weeks  of my life, the Tuna Festival Culinary Expo was successfully staged last August 29 to 31, 2009 at the Atrium of the Gaisano Mall of Gensan. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how my partners in crime, Ate Kring Macion and Chiclet Rillo and I, got to pull it all together. Despite the stress, I am happy the event turned out really well and I have more guts for next year *smile*

Although we have already sent out our thank you letters and post-event reports, I would like to thank the following people profusely.

To God for all good people He sent our way and for the strength of heart, mind and body,

To Kring Macion and Chiclet Rillo for the additional lakas ng loob LOL,

To our husbands who were our drivers and sometimes, kargadors,

To my assistant, Kim,

To the very industrious students of ACA Sargen who were our marshals,

To Marasa Grill staff for helping us with the event even if it’s not part of their job,

To the active members of GSC Tourism Association, Tita Nits Velasquez of Arnevel’s Catering, Roy of Nadie’s, Russel of T’Boli Hotel, Gladys Golingan of Family Country Hotel, Rachie of Avis Rent A Car, East Asia Royale Hotel, for the support and the attendance in meetings,

To our distinguished judges, Jill Sandique, Datu Shariff Pendatun, Christine Nunag, Rose Hatulan and Gay Carillo,

To our major sponsors, Local government of General Santos City, GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tuna Festival Council, Kikkoman, Magnolia, Safi UFC (Nutriasia), Minola Oil, Lisa’s Tender Lean Meats, RDEX Food International, Unilever Foodsolutions and Dole Philippines,

To the participants  and winners, East Asia Royale Hotel for live cooking, Grab a Crab for table setting and Brokenshire College which won in both the live cooking and table setting for students (it sure is a happy year for them), congratulations, guys,

To Gerardo’s Cakes and School of Culinary Arts, Shellane and La Germania for our cooking stations,

To the rest of our sponsors, Silver Swan, SN Widereach Marketing, Fiesta Appliance, Marasa Grill, Jun Ador and Shop and Tell for our welcome display, Ms. Tess Napala and Gregoria Printing, our marshals from ACA Sargen Foundation, Chewee and the rest of the guys from ACLC Gensan, Kablon Farm, Mark dela Cruz of NDDU’s Sarimanok Dance Troupe, Kristan Educational Supply, MP Princess Digital Solutions, City Art Printing, our media partners, Wild FM – 99.1 and www.gensantos.com,

Our partner restaurants and hotels, T’Boli Hotel, Six’ Blings (now Icons), Red Tent Steakhouse, Mix n’ Magic, Nadie’s Chicken Haus, Allan Sanidad of Abi’s and Gio’s Mongo Grill, Gusteau’s for the crabs, Fuentespina House of Cashew, Sarangani Highlands and Red Ribbon,

Thank you all. Till next Culinary Expo!

18th Mindanao Business Conference in Koronadal City