Favorites: Burgers!

One of the best sandwiches that was ever invented is the burger. Actually, I think it is a sacrilege to call it a sandwich, a hamburger is a whole different category all together.  That is just how I love burgers.  In fact, whenever I would go to a different country I would always try the McDonald's Quarter Pounder there just to compare.  And the results of my experiment is that there is no difference with the burger in the US, Singapore, Japan, etc. with the burger that our local "Mcdo" offers.

I usually have a burger craving that can not be satisfied with the offerings of the bee, the clown, the girl or the king.  So whenever I would like to eat a burger there is only one place that I go to fill that void.

I think that the stripes is already a give away on the what place this is.  Yes, for me the best burgers in town could be found at TGI Friday's.  Featured in the photo above is the Bacon Cheeseburger, it is served with yummy fries.  And it is best to pair this with a strawberry milkshake.

I like Friday's burgers because of the large servings and thickness of the patty.  It is really very filling that if you eat it in the afternoon you are still filled up till dinner time.  I like my burgers medium well which you really can't ask from a fast food chain :)  Sige, try natin minsan sabihin nyo sa Mcdo na gawing medium well ang chesseburger.

Second honor goes to a gourmet burger place that has been in existence through the years - Hotshots!

Hotshots uses only flame grilled burgers which is great if you want to be sure that there are no lards used to fry the burger.  There are also other variety of burgers to choose from like the Garlic Cheese, Chicano and Mozzarella.  Good thing that Hotshots is back in Ayala Center.  They are now located at Food Choices 3rd floor of Glorietta 4.

So I just indulge in burgers over the weekends since I go to a strict low carb diet on weekdays.  And when it is weekends as I say on my tagline above the mantra is "the diet starts (again) tomorrow."

Favorites: Japanese Food

This year, I was able to sample a lot of good Japanese food being employed in a Japanese company.  There is (in order of preference) Tsukiji -which I have featured a few months back, Saisaki (still one of the best buffets), Isshin (where you can find great ramen,) Teriyaki Boy, Tokyo Tokyo and Chote Shop in Little Tokyo.  I have even tried Japanese burger in Sango! The Burger master. (No, I was not yelling that is how they call themselves.)  The burger is not exceptional though, mas gusto ko pa ang Hotshots.

But my favorite Japanese Restaurant is not entirely Japanese - it's actually Euro-Japanese and this place is called Mr Kurosawa.

Named after acclaimed director and Asian of the Century - Akira Kurosawa, this restaurant is a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine.  They pay tribute to the exemplary works of Kurosawa the artist by making the menu cinema inspired like I'm The King of the World, Crunchy Hollywood and The Poseidon Adventure.  There are also those named after famous celebrities like Beef Di Caprio, Denzel Tuna Sashimi, Coppola Couscous, Smoked Salmon Spielberg Pizza, and Wild Mushroom Tarantino Salad.

Do you think those frames are hanged on the wall? Nope they are actually attached to the ceiling!

The branch where my family and friends had our Mr Kurosawa experience is at Resorts World Manila.  We came in early which was a good thing since the place was packed by lunch time.

The Iced Teas are in a variety of Red, Green and Blue (yup, the RGB color model.)  I was faithful with my Red Iced Tea while the ladies in the picture above had the Blue Iced Tea.  Except for my daughter who enjoyed her favorite Mango Shake.  There was even flavored Yakult! but I dare not try since Yakult gives my tummy an oil change :-)

We had the Tuna Sashimi to start off and while waiting for our entrée.  The sashimi was quite ok though I may say not the best sashimi I had tasted.

My daughter being a fan of cheese based pizza had the Four Cheese Yamamoto which is Pesto based and composed of 4 cheeses (mozzarella, che-vital, provolone, parmesan) we had the jalapeno and nori strip taken out which the unsmiling waitress faithfully complied.

But the one that took the cake is the big platter named "I'm The King of the World" which is composed of Tuna and salmon sashimi (again), green chicken (deep fried bite-size chicken, sprinkled with aonori seaweed,) chicken and ebi japaella (japanese-paella rice,) mixed tempura, oyster teppan and house salad.  Everything we ever wanted to order!

There is one dish that stood out from here and that is the Japaella.  Mr Kurosawa have hit a home run with that one.

We didn't have dessert there as we need to walk off all the calories gained first.  Next time, I might try their ramen.

All in all, good food and even greater concept!  And to our waitress if this post reaches you, please try to smile :-)

P.S.

Tip: For me, one of the best if not the best Ebi Tempura in town can be found in Buma Seafood Market and Restaurant at the Hobbies of Asia right there in Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City (you'll pass by it when going to MOA if you come from Buendia.)  Just choose from the fresh large shrimps at the mini market and ask the server to have it made to tempura.  Best partnered with Sinigang sa miso with mustasa and big bowl of rice.  Yum!