Tags: gourmet products Local brand Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mich Ongpauco Support local The Great Food
During the lockdown, we saw a significant increase in home cooking as people turned to food not only for nourishment and sustenance but also for comfort. Families became more innovative in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and introducing their palates to new flavors.
The heightened interest in cooking has thrusted pantry goods to the forefront, sparking creativity in the kitchen and elevating every family’s home dining experience. Restaurants and food companies recognized this business opportunity and responded by developing and selling packed and bottled sauces and flavors, dips, spreads, and preserves to satisfy the cravings of the general public, who either missed the convenience of dining out or wished to spice up their routines.
The Great Olive and Cheese
Mich Ongpauco was on the right track when she launched The Great Food in 2021. This homegrown brand of artisanal mixes and pairings is independent from the Ongapuco family’s iconic Filipino brand, Barrio Fiesta. Starting with a two-product show, The Great Food has since expanded its repertoire to include butters, spreads, jams, relish, salsa, dips, gourmet bites and nibbles to meet the growing demand in the local scene.
The Great Ube Butter
Influence and experience
Mich is no stranger to cooking and flavors, having grown up in a family of restaurateurs. She traces her love and passion for cooking back to when she was a child.
“Our family gatherings were all about food. My Lola, Mama Chit, founded Barrio Fiesta, so you can imagine how our family gatherings always included her best dishes. Those memories had a strong influence on me and sparked my interest in cooking.”
“I’ve worked in the food industry since I was a child. I lived right above our restaurant for half of my life. We were always surrounded by food. My father made us work in the Barrio Fiesta kitchen from a young age, doing everything from washing dishes to cooking.”
“While working for our family business in the United States and running the Barrio Fiesta restaurant in San Francisco, I attended California Culinary Academy and learned French cooking. I taught at Draeger’s Cooking School after graduation, before returning to Manila.
Mich Ongpauco with her twins.
Kitchen creations
Mich moved to a corporate job in Manila and balanced work and motherhood.
At home, Mich cooks everything from slow-cooked meals to pasta and casseroles that she can easily put together, freeze, and heat or bake as needed. “Even though I was trained in French cooking, I must admit that I always go back to cooking Filipino comfort food, such as Sinigang, which is my favorite. I also enjoy baking.”
The Great Flower Fish
She is the proud mother of twin girls, and she says her children share the Ongpaucos’ passion for cooking. “My twins and I love spending our time in the kitchen brainstorming new recipes. They really enjoy cooking.”
When the pandemic struck and everything came to a halt, Mich got to work on her passion project, The Great Food. “My daughters and I spent our time experimenting with different flavors and recipes to offer on The Great Food menu.”
The Great Almond Cranberry Blue
Her intention was to inspire home cooking, and bring families together for comfort food and a memorable dining experience. She used her years of culinary experience to create artisanal products available for pick-up or delivery.
Flavor fare
Mich launched The Great Food on Instagram and Facebook in 2021, and her two products immediately appealed to the culinary sensibilities and desire for connection of stay-at-home families. She expanded The Great Food menu, giving home cooks a fill of gourmet flavors with her bottled and packed kitchen concoctions that form the foundation of so many meals, quick-bites, and even bespoke hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie boards. Think premium and all-natural ingredients in unique and delicious combinations and marinades. You can quickly transform an everyday recipe into a spectacular plate by using The Great Food’s product line, which offers the ideal pairings for anything from salty to sweet and spicy.
The Great Truffle de Bola
Even their best-selling butters, jams, curds, spreads, and dips can be used for purposes other than bread fillings. The Truffle Butter, for example, pairs well with burger patties, steaks, eggs, and roasted meats and is an excellent way to elevate any meal. The Almond Cranberry Blue, Strawberry Jam with Pine Nuts, and Feta and Pistachios would complement any grazing board. The Olive and Cheese goes well with salads as well as pasta.
The Great Feta and Pistachios
Ube lovers will love the Ube Butter on any bread. You can also generously spread it on top of whipped cream on waffles or pancakes, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a pastry delight.
The Great Ube Butter
Retail and packages
After a year of thriving solely on Facebook and Instagram, The Great Food eventually expanded into retail, partnering with neighborhood stores and delis that carry a well-curated line of homegrown pantry staples and food products.
Gift boxes
All of The Great Food’s products are not only ideal for the home, but also for gatherings and gifting. “We have sets suitable for corporate giveaways, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. You have the option of using premium packaging or corrugated boxes.”
Mich is excited to further expand the menu with new flavors. “By the end of 2022, we’ll have over 30 products in total. I am inspired to continue growing the business, and I am immensely grateful for the community’s and our loyal customers’ heartfelt support since our humble beginnings.”
Premium gift box
For orders, contact 0917 563 8808 on Viber or send a message to The Great Food’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. You can also find their products at One World Deli, The Larder, The Seven Pantry, and Pedro The Grocer.
All photos courtesy of The Great Food and Mich Ongpauco.
