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