Dining Snippets: Oedo Japanese Restaurant x Sultan Mediterranean Grill x Andy’s Good Eats
OEDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
ENOKI BACON (P60/pc)
I wouldn’t have heard about Oedo Japanese Restaurant if it weren’t for my good friend, Charlie Ledesma. He posted really droolworthy photos on Instagram of Oedo's dishes, and highly recommended that I try it out. When I finally found the time to drop by, I was surprised how packed the place was even though it was still 6:30pm. However, it has a small Japanese grocery on the side for you to browse around in while waiting for your table.
OEDO MAKI (P300)
Its overwhelming menu overflows with selections from sashimi, sushi rolls, furai dishes, noodle dishes, donburi, and yakitori; so we tried to get one dish from each category.
The Oedo Maki satisfies one’s curious tastebuds, as it masterfully combines kani and unagi slices into gorgeous rolls topped with fine tempura batter. Its Kakiage Tempura (P275) may seem pale in color; but is generously stuffed with squid and shrimp pieces to go with the traditional vegetable fritters.
TAKOYAKI (P100)
We made the mistake of ordering both Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, as both are prepared with similar ingredients and in similar manners. The Takoyaki is a bargain at P100, as it comes with 6 stuffed pieces that will guarantee to fill you up; however, their Special Okonomiyaki (P280)’s filling is tastier and meatier. Nonetheless, both are good side dishes to share.
SHAKE IKURA DON (P580)
Its Shake Ikura Don (Salmon and Salmon Roe) bowl gives value for money as you’re treated to layers of salmon sashimi and a generous scoop of huge salmon roe. The salmon sashimi can’t compete in terms of quality; but it’s enough to quench a craving. The same goes for its Buta Bara sticks (P45/pc). Each stick comes with large pork pieces; however (possibly due to its size) they fail to come with the charred smoky flavor characteristic of yakitori. If you’re looking for yakitori that's packed with more flavor, the Enoki Bacon would be a far better choice.
Overall, Oedo Japanese Restaurant is successful in satiating most cravings for Japanese food in an affordable manner. It may not be able to compete well in terms of quality; but it definitely wins in terms of affordability and filling you up!
Oedo Japanese Restaurant
105 Sto. Domingo Ave., Quezon City
Date of Visit: July 30, 2016 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Jem Chua, and Kino Mendoza
SULTAN MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
TZATZIKI AND BABA GHANOUJ (P200)
My first taste of Sultan Mediterranean would be in its semi-dingy pre-renovated spot in Makati City, where the table waiting time drew longer than your actual dining stay in the restaurant. Their kebabs were killer good (and came in equally killer good prices), but the wait was simply too inconvenient to sneak into our work lunch break.
BEEF AND LAMB KEBAB PLATTER (P640)
Thus, my heart leaped when I found out that it opened in a branch in San Juan; which was more convenient for me as I can easily drop by the branch during weekends. Its interiors are similar to its renovated spot in Makati, sleek and minimalist. Of course, its kebabs were excellent, as expected. It was the size of the pieces that surprised me! A platter came with 4 sticks of your preference; so we opted for 2 sticks of lamb, and 2 sticks of beef. Each gigantic chunk is cooked tender and juicy; and simply oozed with spice and flavor.
BRAISED LAMB SHANKS (P550)
However, not everything tasted as splendidly as the kebabs. We channeled our inner Vikings and opted for their Braised Lamb Shanks. The lamb insanely melts in your mouth; however, it was stark bland. The gravy it came with brought in worthless calories as it failed to lend the meat any semblance of flavor. So as not to waste such tender piece of meat, we paired it up with the garlic sauce for the Kebab.
The Tzatziki was overloaded with cucumber, but skimped on the yogurt; while the Baba Ghanouj was too mushy. Fortunately, the Moussaka (P220), and the Chicken Curry (P230) helped redeem the meal.
It seems that Sultan’s strength relies heavily on its kebabs, and boy, does it do these perfectly! You may opt to skip its other dishes because the kebabs alone are guaranteed to give you gastronomic satisfaction anyway.
Sultan Mediterranean Grill
190 A. Wilson St., San Juan
Date of Visit: August 6, 2016 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua
ANDY’S GOOD EATS
SALTED EGG POTATO CHIPS (P250/tub) and MOMOFUKU STYLE PORK BUNS (P550/half order)
Ever since Irvin’s started the Salted Egg Chips craze, so many home-based and community fair concepts came out with their own take on the Salted Egg Potato Chips. For me, Andy’s Good Eats’ version reigns supreme as each chip gives off the perfect bite (its thickness gives off the perfect crunch), and just the right amount of flavoring (without giving one a heartburn, a sore throat, or both after eating a few pieces).
Don’t forget to order a tub or two of its Momofulu Style Pork Buns as well. The pork slices are fatty,and oily; but they are meaty, tasty and crispy beyond belief. Bring these to your next potluck, and it’s a guaranteed hit!
Andy’s Good Eats
3 Hydra St. Bel Air Village(0917 8158631/8971676)
