Foodie Club Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

New World Hotel Brings the Ultimate 18 Treasures to Chinese New Year

January 23, 2012 by Janey

Between Bites already featured Jasmine Restaurant in New World Hotel a few months ago when they included authentic Shanghai cuisine in their menu. Jasmine Restaurant is bringing a whole new flavor and experience to celebrating the Chinese New Year. Nothing is more fitting than welcoming the Year of the Dragon with a menu that highlights the Ultimate 18 Treasures Feasts.

If you’re in touch with your roots, Poon Choi (Pun Choi) a.k.a Ultimate 18 Treasures is a tradition associated with New Year celebrations where they serve a big basin of assorted dishes for everyone to feast on and partake. You don’t have to be in Hong Kong just to experience this first hand. New World Hotel’s Executive Chef Choi Wing Ki knows how to make a feast truly worthy of the fireworks of Chinese New Year.

On the Table

Wagyu Beef with Mango Roll

I’ve tasted this when they had the YUE 1525 dishes as part of the menu. Since this became popular, Jasmine Restaurant decided to retain it as a regular ala carte dish. That crumbly flaky roll wrapper almost disappears instantaneously upon hitting your tongue’s glands.

It’s still the familiar tender and flavorful Wagyu piece partnered with a sliver of sweet mango that submits to the beefy taste.

Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

December 22, 2011 by Janey

I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts. That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings

TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats

Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10

Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali

And here we go again! This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.” Yuck, brand daw oh. Haha.

10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue

A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato. With more comfortable dining area on the 2^nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall. Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.

Authentic Shanghai Cuisine from Famous YUE 1525 at Jasmine Restaurant, New World Hotel

September 26, 2011 by Janey

Last Thursday evening saw me with foodie friends at Jasmine Restaurant in New World Hotel welcoming renowned chefs of top Shanghai Restaurant YUE 1525. An enthusiastic 23-year veteran of the Chinese kitchen and in specializing authentic home-style Cantonese fare, Executive Chef Wong Kam Chung will be at the helm of the kitchen of Jasmine Restaurant from now until October 1, 2011.

Before YUE 1525, he spent 5 years in Hong Kong’s famous Dragon King Restaurant in Wanchai as head chef. He also had a two-year stint at a St Moritz ski resort in Switzerland in the mid-90s before going to Shanghai. YUE 1525 is already one of the most popular Cantonese restaurants in Changning District, Shanghai. Well-known for offering a wide selection of traditional homestyle Cantonese fare, including 20 clay pot dishes and 20 signature soups on the menu with an extensive variety of delicious dim sum.

If you’re interested to visit YUE 1525, it is located at 2/F, 1525 Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai, next to New World Shanghai Hotel. But why go that far when you can try their sumptuous offerings right here? Now all Chef Wong’s signature dishes are available in Manila. [Read more…]

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Van Marley’s

October 5, 2010 by Janey

The Foodie Club visited Flaming Wings and since we were already in the area, part of our itinerary was to drop by Van Marley’s for dessert. It was just a measly 5-8 minute drive on a lazy Sunday evening.

Van Marley’s is a small, quaint foodie hub for simple and straightforward Dutch specialties. If there is one thing that makes Van Marley’s stand out and quite known for, it’s their “Dutchkins” –fluffy baby Dutch pancakes. And this is what the actual goal is for this specific food trip.

The dutchkins come with your choice of toppings:

Original: Powdered sugar and butter PHP 125

Whipped Berry Mix Cream Cheese PHP 125

Whipped Lemon Cream Cheese PHP 125

Nutella and Praline Sauce PHP 130

*add PHP 12 for a scoop of ice cream

On the Table

While the rest of the Club had 2 plates of dutchkins with nutella and praline sauce and 1 plate of whipped berry mix cream cheese between them (with Peter and Irene sharing a cold Stella Artois Lager Beer), these are what Bubba and I ordered:

Kroket PHP 135

Seeing the banner of the Kroket (croquette) outside, Bubba relented to ordering one and he was pleasantly satisfied that he did so. The medium-sized deep fried meat rolls that are cylindrical in shape were composed of both chicken and beef meat, some potatoes and spices.

The breadcrumbs in which the filling was encased was light and gave a good crunchy golden layer that’s as appetizing as the outside as the inside.

Dutchkins with Nutella and Praline Sauce PHP 130

The dutchkins are like bite-size pancakes with a billowed middle where the flavor/topping is delicately piped into. The addicting nutella inside is that delicious hazelnut spread we all love that gives a hint of cocoa, nuts and skim milk. The Praline sauce brings the harmony together with its pecan and buttery flavor. Yes, dutchkins make your mouth water 😉

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The dutchkins are light and pillowy soft that popping one pancake munchkin at a time in your mouth can be quite a habit. It’s so fluffy! 😉

Flying Dutch Wings PHP 155

Herbed spicy wings with a zing!

A Between Bites reader, after reading my current and long-standing craving for Buffalo wings, suggested that I try Van Marley’s version of buffalo wings that they call, Flying Dutch Wings. The “Club” could not believe their eyes that just after having dinner of buckets of chicken wings minutes prior, I still preferred to order another plate of wings.

Van Marley’s Dutch wings are zesty wings that are worth a bite.

If you’re looking for something different to try, Van Marley’s offers you dutchkins, a dessert or tea/coffee snack-aroo that’s like no other. Next time, I’m ordering dutchkins to go.

I sure hope Van Marley’s box is as appealing as their dutchkins.

Van Marley’s

10-A Xavierville Avenue,

Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Open: 2PM – 11PM, Except Mondays

(632) 426 0160

Van Marley’s Album

Photo Credit:

Carlos of FoodieManila.com

Richard of TalesfromtheTummy.com

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Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

June 23, 2010 by Janey

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half)

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say. I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly. Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast. Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lamb! Oh lamb!

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili. Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth. Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie. Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony.

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 897 8559

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato. It has to be one of the best in town.

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style. And I think it’s free.

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy. It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin. Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table. In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices. On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside. Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati. Call on the Chic Boy. Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before. They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

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Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45). With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite! Quite tasty!!!

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn. Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together? It’s an exercise in indulgence.

Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day? Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread. Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink.

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Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts. My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight. There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.” The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions. Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce.

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

4. Legend of India

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world. Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India. It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques.

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade. Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi. I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste. Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener. There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor. It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura! 🙂

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive. The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef. It is simply an indulgence in fine food. The taste is divine.

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea. They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle. It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies. We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

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A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money. I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom.

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.” If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good. Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms. Superb.

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew. This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce. The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

1. La Tienda Steak

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

READ MORE!

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post. Watch out for that soon! 😉

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year! Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2^nd half version! And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉 I’m so giddy with excitement! CHEERS!

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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Foodie Club Series: Legend of India is a Legend of Taste

May 31, 2010 by Janey

I was so glad that Gursharan Sethi of Eurosports sent me 5 Indian recipes last week for me to try cooking at home. But if you’re new at whipping up Indian dishes and want to get your dibs, Legend of India is where you have to march.

Legend of India is the newest Indian restaurant to hit the city of Makati. I was glad to visit Tuesday night with foodie friends and sample their delectable dishes.

On the Table

Mixed Chevro PHP 100 (small bag) | PHP 200 (big bag)

Wendy, Peter, Bubba and I were the first ones there and while we were busy chatting, we munched on some mixed chevro -mixed grains and spices. I like it so much that I bought 4 bags to take home with me. I plan to give Francis, Madz and Pearl one bag each so instead of snacking on chips, they can snack on the mixed chevros.

Pani Puri PHP 130

Pani Puri is a round hollow fried Indian bread, usually served with mint water. The hollow puri has a small filling of potato, onion, and chickpeas. The idea is to completely dip the crispy fried bun and let the mint water fill the inside up to the brim. These are made small enough to fit completely in your mouth since it should be eaten at one time without biting.

Once inside your mouth, taste suddenly explodes as something minty and piquant besiege your taste buds. It’s an ideal starter to get you enthused for the rest of what Legend of India has to offer.

Chicken Kathi Roll PHP 280

This Romali roti flat bread stuffed with marinated chicken, sautéed onion and Indian spices served on shredded lettuce has less stress on spice and one welcomes the bites of chicken meat pleasantly.

Amritsar Fish PHP 420

Boneless fish marinated in a special mix of Indian herbs and spices grilled to perfection. The fish had a good coat of the marinade, which makes it quite tasty and gives a crunchy texture while the inside is tender and retains its delicate taste. Spring up the flavor by squeezing lemon

Chicken Vindaloo PHP 350

Chicken pieces dipped in hot spicy gravy topped with potatoes, tomatoes and chili pepper

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

Plain Naan PHP 110 | Garlic Naan PHP 120

Plain wheat flour bread (and another naan version with garlic) goes well with the thick sauces of the Rogan Josh and Kadai Paneer. This soft chewy bread is great alternative to rice.

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Vegetable Biryani PHP 350

Rice mixed with vegetables and sauce

Masala Papad PHP 60

I remember buying several Papadum snacks at Mustafa Center in Little India in Singapore. I love the variety of flavor and the crispy texture. Masala Papad is crispy thin flatbread topped with a relish of diced onions, tomatoes, chili powder and chopped coriander leaves.

Kulfi PHP 120

This is definitely a dessert must-have when dining at Legend of India restaurant. It’s cold dessert very similar to ice cream but has the taste of delicious milky pastillas.

Craving for great Indian food? Head over to Legend of India along Jupiter Street and let me know what you think! 😉

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

Legend of India Album

Many thanks to Akun Alwani for inviting us over! 🙂

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

http://www.foodiemanila.com/

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Foodie Club Series: Great Korean Barbecue at Jang Ga Nae (formerly Minato)

April 26, 2010 by Janey

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

http://www.FoodieManila.com

(Those watermarked are from FoodieManila obviously 🙂 while the rest are mine)

The advent of a little Korea has dawned ever since Korean population in the Philippines has grown enormously. Other than really good and sweet ice cream in their Korean stores, something to look forward to is dining at the authentic Korean restaurants.

April 21, Wednesday evening, the “Foodie Club” members meet once again for another gastronomic adventure. Pick of the week was from Richard Co’s suggestion –Minato. Among a dozen of Korean restaurants that populate the Ortigas area, Minato along Escriva Drive is supposed to be one of the best. This particular Korean restaurant we visited before also caught our eye but Minato caught our Korean taste bud that we had to return three days immediately after the first official introduction.

The group that huddled in the “no-shoes” area of the 2-part dining room comprised happy foodies like Richard and wife Irene, Rowena Wendy and husband Peter, Abet and wife Joan, Carlos a.k.a Zippy, and Bubba and I. As we enter the low table area, I suddenly remembered that I’ve eaten here once or twice before when Korean channel affiliates bring us over for a lunch meeting. It’s quite different though when you’re dining casually with foodie friends, definitely more relaxed and enjoyable –with audible moments of laughter and appreciation of good food.

On the Table

Free Side Dishes

The smorgasbord of side dishes includes Kimchi as the most recognized Korean preserved appetizer, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments.

Korean Miso

A sip or two soothe the spice and then you’re ready for more…

Kimchi Pancake

I didn’t know that they serve it for free. I should have asked when I treated my parents here Sunday evening.

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style. Bubba and I finished one Kimchi pancake by ourselves, while the other one on Carlo’s side was left untouched –to which Irene so thoughtfully and sweetly had wrapped to go for Bubba along with the kimchi soy bean paste that she amusingly noticed Bubba was tremendously enjoying. Irene was sitting across Bubba that’s why they were partners in food crime that dinnertime. She was also so attentive to everyone’s needs on the table, asking the wait staff for this and that and some special requests. The wait staff was eager to attend to the requests particularly Richard’s and Irene’s as they seem to be the favorite patrons there having visited the restaurant for approx. 20 times already in less than a year.

Richard and Irene share the same philosophy as Bubba and I of visiting the restaurants they like for multiple repeats.

Jok Bal PHP 390

It’s a Korean dish consisting of boneless pig trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices, sliced in a round shape with layer of meat, fat and skin. Jok Bal is boiled with leeks, garlic and ginger and Korean rice wine until tender. It is served with fermented shrimp sauce called saeujeot –imagine Filipino “bagoong” (shrimp paste) without the dark brown liquid, it’s actually dry and on the salty side that Irene loves.

Dak Gal Bi PHP 350

Char-grilled spicy chicken –marinated on the sweet and spicy note

Tempura PHP 390

Peter ordered Tempura because he claims to be restrained in eating shrimps at home since Wendy is allergic to it. When Richard asked if he liked the tempura, Peter straightforwardly said, “No.” –which made us roar in laughter. I guess it’s still safe to order Korean cuisine in Korean restaurants and leave what’s originally Japanese to their own.

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy. It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

We were served free fresh pineapple slices that are creamy sweet. Despite a busy restaurant, we were served adequately with few instances where the wait staff had to be reminded. Bubba and I enjoyed Minato tremendously that we were still thinking about the grilled meats the next day.

After dinner, we headed out to Richard’s place in Astoria to check out his TV Room and his media gadgets that got the group ooh-ing and incline to get their own HD system and a portable 1TB media drive.

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Wendy and Richard even had a PS3 showdown. Ya Kun Kaya was our last stop for the night as we refreshed with cold drinks while the conversations continued until midnight. It couldn’t stop even at the parking lot like there’s more and more to talk about.