Dining Snippets: Camp Curry x Marugame Udon x 22 Prime

CAMP CURRY

It’s impossible not to feel hungry upon entering Camp Curry as its open kitchen is bursting with an insanely enticing aroma coming from its medley of spices. It prides on its three core curry bases: the Brown Keema Japanese curry, the Green Thai curry, and the Red Bisque Tomato curry. I’m not really a huge fan of curry based dishes (with the exception of Indian curry), but a whiff of its food is enough to make me hungry to try it.

BBQ CHICKEN AND BROWN KEEMA CURRY (P290)

I opted for the BBQ Chicken and paired it with their Brown Keema Curry. I appreciated that the restaurant decided to serve their curry sauces in separate skillets as it gives one control over the curry-to-meat (or rice) ratio. They also serve chili powder on the side for those who opt for the ‘hot’ version.

Although the grilled barbecued chicken thigh gave a nice charred sweetness to pair with the curry sauce; the curry sauce was more than enough to keep one happy. I wouldn’t really mind skipping out on the chicken completely and just pair the sauce on its own with a cup of plain rice. It was that flavorful.

Apart from its delicious and reasonably-priced fare, one cannot deny that the restaurant really exerted effort into committing to its theme, evident in its shovel-shaped spoons and its wooden cabin interiors.

Camp Curry

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Ave., Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Makati City

Date of Visit: July 4, 2018 with Jeric Badion, Sam Bautista and Giselle Sy

MARUGAME UDON

Owing to the glowing reviews from my sister for Marugame Udon’s BGC branch, I had really high expectations when I tried it for the first time in its Glorietta branch It adopts a pay-first, sit-later order system which efficiently works. The staff members are able to anticipate when to hold the cashier queue if ever seats are no longer available, so you won't have to worry about carrying food trays and scavenging for non-existent seats. Also, despite the snaking queues, customers are served within a reasonable amount of time.

The tricky part of ordering is not in selecting your main dish; but in trying to resist getting from its tempting array of furai dishes (hello, tempura of all kinds). The sides are laid out in a cafeteria-style which makes these freshly-cooked goodies within one’s reach.

BEEF ONTAMA BUKKAKE UDON (P210), EBI TEN (P60), KISU TEN (P60)

I opted for what I assumed was the house specialty, the Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon (for the sole reason that it’s labeled as number one on its menu), and got a piece each of its Ebi Ten and Kisu Ten. I honestly would have gotten more side dishes; but since my friends ordered considerably less than me, I decided to ease up on the gluttony. The small order of the Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon is already filling for one hungry me; and it comes with a generous serving of sweet beef yakiniku and a delightfully poached egg. The udon had a clean and tasty broth which worked effortlessly well in highlighting the beef it came served with. Coated in the perfect amount of batter, the tempura pieces delivered on crunch. I regretted restraining myself to a piece each as they were pretty good.

Marugame Udon

3F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City

Date of Visit: July 10, 2018 with Cam Carino and Yna Laraya

22 PRIME

I honestly think that 22 Prime is grossly underrated. It gives stellar service, boasts of a decent food selection which come at decent prices despite being housed in a hotel. Sure, their steaks aren’t the best out there, but they’re good enough to satisfy any craving.

NORWEGIAN SALMON FILLET (P995)

I always opt for its Surf and Turf and its Lobster Bisque; but I decided to opt for something lighter for this meal. The Norwegian Salmon Fillet comes at a hefty and meaty 200g serving; served with a medley of sauces: the Black Truffle Cream, the Piquillo Pepper Sofrito, and the Tarragon Béarnaise. The salmon fillet came in a to-die for crisp skin which was perfectly complemented by its juicy meat. It’s paired with a skillet of mashed potatoes to make for a filling meal.

22 Prime

22F Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig City

Date of Visit: July 13, 2018 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Jem Chua, Kino Mendoza, and Steph Marquez