Sushi with a twist at "Ta Ke Ho Me Sushi Stand"

Creating a different take on sushi/ Japanese rolls is this small glass shop in SM North Edsa called Ta Ke Ho Me Sushi Stand (tah-keh-ho-meh) or TakeHome Sushi (as I call it).

They have quite and interesting selection of rolls and rice balls that make you think "Oh, I didn't think this combination was possible". And along with your interesting mix of rolls that cater to the Filipino palette, they also offer some canned Asahi.

The jewel of their menu, in my opinion, is the Bacon Bomb. A fusion of Japanese and Western decadence as you get a rice ball of spicy salmon, with shreds of nori, wrapped in juicy bacon, and smothered in Japanese Kewpie mayo. A selection that rightfully explodes in your mouth. this alone makes me want to come back for more. This concoction is best enjoyed directly after it has been handed to you. I wouldn't recommend this as a take home since the nori would end up moist after being mixed with cooked rice, and the bacon would loose its crisp. 

Of Food and Ethnocentricity

Recently I've been eating out with the family and friends and I notice a common occurrence in the Philippine fastfood industry.

We are all infected with our Western "masters'" ethnocentric ideals.

A lot of fastfood chains or food court establishments promise the best authentic Japanese cuisine, even naming their place "Mr. Fuji Ninja Samurai-san-something something"... and you find out they are serving Chinese or Korean staples.

I mean...what the heck?

And in one place, they serve the Tonkatsu uncut...using the wrong cut of pork...without the tonkatsu sauce. I believe the right name for your "authentic Japanese" dish is "Breaded Porkchop". Now, removing the right features for the dish, making something that somewhat looks like it, and shoving it down our gullets as if it is the real thing just shows the industry's laziness.

I mean, i'd understand if its from the West, where there is  a total shift in the cultural ideals...but these are our Asian neighbors...

Fave Picks: Tropical Hut Burgers

Being a fan of "Man vs Food" from the TLC channel, I am always envious of the large portions of food served in American food places. Many fastfood joints here in the Philippines boasts of "large" portions for their fare, but fail to deliver because the sizes are not really that big, or oftentimes just filled with extenders. I often heard of stories of returning expats and foreigners scoffing at the measly portions of what the "food corporations" call as "large portions". The sizes and serving presentation in the shop fronts and ad campaigns are just shining examples of the "bait and switch" practice which is common place in most local businesses.

I once went out with my college buddies to a popular fastfood joint boasting a "mega-sized' meal combo with "stuff you face with food" portions. After paying the price supposedly appropriate to the size of the meal, we all jested that its just "snack-sized" portions served on a large plate, with some of the pieces rolling around the empty spaces around the serving dish.

Although there are some joints out there that serve very large portions but label it as their gourmet selection, therefore jacking up the prices making them out of reach.

But I find solace in an establishment I had been going to since I was a kid. As far as burgers go, for me, nothing beats the old school approach of Tropical Hut. They may be not as big as other famous and highly advertised chains in the country, but their classic burger beef patties are thicker than the poopular brand and packed with the flavor of the meat...not by the spices mixed in the meat.

Nothing tends to my tired soul and invigorates me better, after a tedious or tiring activity, than a thick classic burger from my fave Tropical outlet in Shaw Blvd.

Kalbi: Mexican-Korean Fusion Fastfood

Having quite a hunger pang one day, I dropped by Glorietta in Makati City to get some grub. Seeing a Mexican Fastfood joint, I started to make a bee-line for that establishment.

To my surprise, while they are serving Quesadillas and other Mexican dishes are Korean favorites.
Huh? Is this some kind of warped combo platter?  I love Mexican food, and I am also quite fond of Korean cuisine. While both are quite spicy (depending on the dish) Korean food, to me, seems to offer more tang and zest.

Chowing down on my Tacos and Quesadillas, I was surprised to find out that its not ground beef with a familiar mix of tomatoes and salsa, but Korean style beef and Kimchi, cooked in Mexican style along with the Tortillas.

Being fond of Kimchi, I welcomed the surprise. But the texture of Korean style braised beef took a while to get used to. Actually, I'm not quite fond of it, but I do admire the style and methods made to develop this fusion. The flavors do complement each other, but the texture of the beef seems quite amiss (maybe I should have selected the pork instead).

And eat it while its hot, the texture of the Korean style beef juice in the tortillas are not as enticing if laid out for too long.

Satabachi!!!

Answer the following questions;

1.) Do you like Japanese Food?

2.) Are you always on a tight budget when you eat out?

3.) Are you in Market!Market! Fort Bonifacio?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you are in luck. Situated in the food court of Market!Market! is a Japanese fastfood joint called Satabachi. With their affordable prices they do serve some pretty decent Japanese fast food. For P300, I was able to get a lunch set for 3 persons, along with two extra orders of Gyoza.

Personally, I never eat there without a healthy dose of Gyoza.

Sadly, some of the favorites like the Kani Salad is not here. And I never seem to get there in time to get some Onigiri.

Check em out :-)