At The County Fair in The Grove by Rockwell, Pasig City, we were greeted by the sight of food trucks, but what caught our eye was a corner where creative kids sold rainbow-loom bracelets.
Ethan, Zoey and Layla made loom bracelets during school breaks and sold them, just for fun. These braided bracelets are made by weaving small, colorful rubber bands in a plastic loom.
Different patterns produce different bracelets—all a delight to wear individually, or stacked together for a quirky arm party.
Ethan said they have sold over 100 pieces, both to kids and adults who visit the fair.
Families go to The County Fair to buy these unique products and to dine out, said Nicole Marie Reyes, Rockwell Land senior marketing associate.
The County Fair runs until Sunday, May 25, 8 a.m. till midnight. Different finds await guests from day to night.
Varied food items
Rockwell Land associate Kyle Tan noted how Grove residents and those from neighboring areas come over for meals. The food trucks were chosen for the fair by Lyle de Leon, president of the Philippine Mobile Food Truck Association.
Kuyang truck serves Filipino favorites such as grilled liempo, lechon kawali, sisig and barbecue—all with rice.
Jasper’s HOC or House of Chicken lists sinful items among its specialties: chicken karaage made with fried chicken skin and crispy liempo sliced so thinly it’s almost like bacon.
Manager Joseph C. Pe said diners also visit his truck for the bacon, mac and cheese, calamansi iced tea and brewed coffee.
The Cheesesteak Shop serves cheesy comfort food such as classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, which one may have with rice instead of bread. Other items are Italian Meatball Cheesewich, and chicken sandwich with gooey cheese.
Lechon-lovers can have their fix in Chef’s Lechon, which has the reminder “Be careful with your heart” printed on its truck. It also serves lemon and buttered chicken, Curry Singapore Bihon, and buchi.
Pizza can be had in cones at Amazing Cones. Choices include Feisty Fajita with diced chicken, Pepperazzi, Bacon Mushroom Melt, Vegetarian Hotdog sandwiches and rice meals with beef and chicken.
Other food trucks are Chef Broosy, Hungry Rover, Truck Bun, Ser Chef, Mexikombi.
For desserts, there’s Mio Gelati gelato, Choco ATBP, and Cupcake Lab booths.
Organic market
“From morning until 2 p.m., there is a fresh market for organic finds,” Reyes said as we went around the fair grounds, which is a parking lot at The Grove. “There is also a flower stand that sells bouquets of roses, sunflowers and potted plants.”
The Gifts & Graces fair-trade foundation showcases home ware such as decorative boxes, satin teddy bears and woven rags. It also has a rack of vintage-print satchels.
The Tulle les Jours booth, put up by Trixie del Rosario, has frilly tulle skirts and children’s dresses, plus Zumba outfits for women.
The County Fair has something for everyone. Make sure to visit the Bravo! booth for a jar (or two) of creamy Spinach and Artichoke dip, which could be so addicting, with crunchy crostini.
Chill place
By nightfall, The County Fair turns into a place to chill.
Beerology Manila serves cold local and imported beer.
For cocktails, the Pink Flamingo Miami-inspired mobile bar offers refreshing Amaretto Sour and Piña Colada.
Rich de Leon manages Pink Flamingo with Anna Demetillo. He recommends Long Island Iced Tea, “a mix of different drinks topped with soda which tastes exactly like iced tea,” and Chocolate Martini, for something light with a kick.
The County Fair winds up Sund, May 25, 8 a.m. till midnight, at The Grove by Rockwell, Pasig City. Visit www.facebook.com/thegrovebyrockwell
