Hooray for art and great food! Join SM Aura’s "Art in Aura" and celebrate Filipino talent that is a feast for the eyes and taste buds

Words Aly Bautista
Photos by Teakha.ph on Instagram
May 29, 2024

Art and food are that duo—they have always been intertwined in fantastic ways of touching the soul. Through a very intimate form of art appreciation, food tasting is no different than seeking beauty in paintings, sculpture, and photography by appealing to all human senses in a savory manner that stimulates the palate.

A whole new culture that transcends aesthetic boundaries, this winning combination is centered on connecting people by evoking emotions and feelings.

If you are an art aficionado and foodie at heart, you can have the best of both worlds in this one-of-a-kind experience with SM Aura’s "Art in Aura: Life As We Know It" mall trail. Immerse yourself in the vibrant creative pieces greeting you at every turn and indulge in cuisines inspired by Filipino talents, curated by best-selling food author Angelo Comsti.

Here are 5 exclusive off-the-menu and art-inspired dishes you can’t miss out on:

Teakha’s Sweet and Sour Prawn Balls with Tofu

Bryant Cuison's "Resonance" is an acrylic and board on canvas showing the contrast of the artist’s life as a contractor. Showcasing structured realities versus the untamed realm of art, this artwork shatters constraints through black and white brushstrokes, finding solace along the way.

Its meaning is captured in the harmonious flavors of sweet and sour, which on their own taste basic but when combined elevate the dish with the perfect balance of tanginess.

Le Chon Prime’s Lechon Porchetta Bao

Taking inspiration from Vincent Dinoso’s multi-dimensional acrylic on gauze "Emotion through Motion," the Lechon Porchetta Bao serves yum in different layers, bursting with flavors in every bite.

The soft buns and crunchy lechon create a contrast of textures but together make for a surprising taste. They also serve it with a special sauce on the side for that authentic bao experience.

Yardstick’s Charcoal Sea Salt Foam Latte

Belle Dinglasa’s "Azucarera" is a black and white image of sugarcane farmers in nostalgic memory of her grandfather, who used to work at a sugar milling company.

Her photography is perfectly depicted in Yardstick’s monochrome drink, combining the darkness of activated charcoal and sweetness of the sea salt foam, creating a twist on your usual coffee lattes.

A visit to their cafe also lets you take a closer peek at how the baristas make your coffee, plus their interior design that exudes a very modern brutalist vibe.

Puffy’s Strawberry Mochi Souffle Pancake

Located beside the newly stationed book nook, Michael Sagaran’s painting of the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption came from the climax of his time-lapse shot as he witnessed nature's wonder firsthand.

Portraying the explosion is Puffy’s creation of Souffle Pancake with drizzling strawberry syrup as the lava, topped with mochi and powder for the ash-like effect—a soft and sweet treat to immortalize the historical moment.

Gelato by Chef Mikko’s 100s and 1000s

This sculpture of Joshua Palisoc’s "Sa Bingit ng Pagbabagong Anyo ng Diwata" is a celebration of colors, carefully crafted to personify gender fluidity in the form of the shape-shifting Filipino mythical creature.

Its food counterpart is just as bold and eye-catching with the rainbow-colored gelato, which according to the artist, signifies the connection between worlds and genders.

The walking trail also includes Jefre Manuel’s iconic Tarsier sculpture at the mall’s main entrance and Acchie Oclos’ Apo Whang Od and Lang Dulay mural at the Grand Staircase.

SM Aura’s "Life As We Know It" mall trail is a collaborative effort to show love and support for local artistry, presenting the best of Philippine arts and culture. To learn more about the exhibit, you can enjoy these masterpieces and food innovations until July 14, 2024, on their free DIY Tour!

Registrations are through the SM Malls Online mobile app. For more details, you can also check SM Aura’s Facebook and Instagram page.