Dining Snippets: Marugame Udon x Icho x Café Dominique
MARUGAME UDON
SUKIYAKI NINJA UDON (P210)
I decided to deviate from the usual Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon by opting for Marugame Udon's Sukiyaki Ninja Udon. The robust flavors of its marinated beef strips were still evident; but without its signature tasty but clean broth; the bowl ended up too sweet for my liking. Overall, its udon noodles were still perfectly springy; its soft-boiled egg was heavenly; and I went a little overboard with my choice of fried sides (the makings of a perfect visit to Marugame Udon).
Marugame Udon
3F, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
Date of Visit: November 17, 2018 with Lily Chua
ICHO
MAGURO TATAKI (P295)
Chinese family lunch staple Choi Garden decided to diversify by coming up with a Japanese concept of its own. Playfully coining it as Icho (derived from Choi), they decided to locate the Japanese restaurant just a stone’s throw away from its landmark Annapolis branch.
JACOB’S ROLL (Off-Menu)
My friends and I decided to just order items individually without really coordinating with one another; that we ended up with tons of fresh maguro served in different ways (not that I’m complaining). First was the beautiful platter of Maguro Tataki, which featured a platter of gorgeously-hued slices of maguro. Lightly drizzled with lemon, and topped with crunchy garlic slithers; this easily whets one’s appetite.
SALMON AND TUNA ROLL
We paired a really good rendition of the crowd-favorite Spicy Tuna Roll with an off menu item, Jacob’s Roll, which features spicy tuna salad chunks as its topping. While another friend of mine opted for the brightly colored Salmon and Tuna rolls. All three dishes featured fresh ingredients; but failed to make a lasting impression on me.
SHIROMI (P445)
My choice wasn’t really in sync with the whole tuna theme; as it was the Shiromi which caught my eye. A combination of lapu-lapu fillet topped with uni sauce seemed too good to resist; but unfortunately, the sight of its small serving made my heart drop. The overall taste of the dish was delicious; but the teeny tiny fish was unfortunately overcooked.
Icho
6 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan
Date of Visit: November 10, 2018 with Ina Chua, Elaine Co, Angelli Dykimching and Hazel Yap
CAFÉ DOMINIQUE
GAMBAS (P245)
Café Dominique’s bright interiors and wallet-friendly hearty comfort dishes make it a charming addition to the homey restaurants that never cease to tire of popping up in the New Manila area.
ROAST BEEF WITH XO SAUCE (P295)
Their Gambas may have come with the tiniest shrimps ever but its spicy and garlicky take on this classic tapas dish can definitely rival those served at fancy Spanish restaurants taste-wise.Top it on bread or with a hot cup of rice; and you’re good to go. Its Roast Beef with XO Sauce comes complete with plain rice and vegetables on the side. Its beef slices are surprisingly tender and come with a drool-worthy mushroom pepper sauce you’d want to bathe your rice in.
KARE-KARENG BAGNET (P275)
Thanks to Ed Bugia’s Pino, the only type of Kare-Kare I can now genuinely appreciate would be one served with bagnet; which is why I love that it’s made more accessible for me via Café Dominique. The meat we were served with was a bit on the dry side; but its tasty kare-kare sauce and fragrant bagoong rice made it generally passable.
Café Dominique
42 Examiner St., West Triangle, QC
Date of Visit: November 17, 2018 with Lily Chua
