MARU: Korean Restaurant in Manila

MARU is a relatively newly opened Korean Restaurant in Robinsons Place Manila. We were curious about the place since its opening because of its well lit interiors, and a bit classy but cool look from the outside. One day after work, my friends and I decided to eat dinner and try the place out. Thankfully, it was actually a good restaurant, with good food.



SAMGYEOP SAL (PHP 300) - A popular Korean dish, which consist of thick fatty pork belly meat, somewhat like bacon, but not marinated or seasoned. It's usually accompanied by two kinds of sauces, namely, ssamjang or a paste with chili and soybean paste with sesame oil, and gireumjang, which is made of salt and sesame oil The meat was good, but it lacks flavor. I expected too much from their description that it was similar to bacon, but I guess nothing beats the good old bacon strip, eh?



JEUKSUK BULGOGI (PHP 420) - Marinated thin slices of tender beef, which cooks perfectly on the grill. A must try if you decide to dine in this restaurant. It definitely won't disappoint as it's really tender and juicy. This one's my favorite! :)



But before the main course, they will give you around 8 plates of different banchan or side dishes or starters if you may, which includes the usual Korean dishes such as Kimchi, and some others which I don't know what they're called. They also give you this plate with lettuce, chili and garlic. You use the lettuce as a wrap for the meat you grill. I tell you, the food is really good, and healthier.




Yuri of Lost Tsinelas and Sheena of (insert blog name here later), two of my really good friends. Good Food + Good Friends = Great Fulfilling Evening :) Until the next food adventure! Can you suggest a restaurant we can try? ;)

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Barcino Wine Resto Bar

The last stop we made that first day was at Barcino in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati, where we were scheduled to try out the Paella Valenciana Set by Chef Jaume Viñallonga. We almost didn't get to try the set because no one knew that we were supposed to visit that day, but everything was fixed after some calls. Yay! We were there for a mission, and we proceeded with the task. :)



Barcino is located along the stretch of restaurants at the ground floor of Greenbelt 2. It’s easily spotted because of its well-lit façade and inside, and is well known for its quality wines, spirits and alcohol.



We were there to try out the Paella Valenciana Set for the Manila’s Signature Dishes of Unilever Foodsolutions. First we were served the Ensalada Catalan, a salad dish – greens, tomatoes, onion, Spanish sausage or chorizo, egg, with a balsamic dressing. It’s unpretentious, straight to the point and refreshing.



The star of the night was the Paella Valenciana. Luckily, the paella was really good. The rice was boiled with shrimp. Manila clams, mussels and squid, with a saffron mix, according to Chef Castillo, and simmered down to perfection. The tastes were infused well into the dish, and created a wonderful meal. Two thumbs up for this.



Capping off the set was Crema Catalana. It’s a Spanish dessert, a Catalan version of the popular French Crème Brulee. I think it’s too sweet for my taste, but people with sweet tooth would definitely love this dessert. A glass of Casillero del Diablo wine would be really good with the set.



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Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city. They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes. UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

KFC's Double Down Chicken Sandwich

Kentucky Fried Chicken, or more commonly known as KFC to many, recently added a new hit Filipinos would enjoy. It's called the Double Down Sandwich. It's made of two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken fillets (KFC Original Recipe) fried to perfection, strips of bacon, melted cheese and mayonnaise. Some like it as is, but some find it better paired with rice. It's shamelessly meaty and totally causing a lot of scandal across the Metro! Mind you, it's hard to find one as the day comes to an end, they say.

So what do you think of the new KFC Double Down Sandwich?