Cure Your Craving: Kuretake

Japanese food is not difficult to love.  It's simple, neat, and flavorful.  The only problem is, there are a lot of posers around the metro, claiming to serve authentic Japanese yet fails miserably in every aspect.  Such a travesty is not only committed by fast food spots, but even the highly fancied restaurants boasting about fusion and their supposed expert chefs.

So, finding a real gem of a Japanese food joint is quite a challenge.  Sometimes, longevity is one helpful clue that this is the right place.  I am often turned off by fancy shops in classy malls, not just because of the price, but mainly for the value-for-money aspect.  Don't get me wrong, I would be willing to spend and shell out a few more bucks if the food was to-die-for.  But if I was only paying for their name, or their classy spot in the mall, I would regret every centavo.  

I was a bit skeptical about Kuretake, a long-time favorite among the high-end society surrounding Rockwell.  But what helped its reputation was its staying power, keeping its almost secluded spot among the other elegant restaurant selections.  Finding Kuretake is an adventure itself.  From inside the mall, it's easy to miss the dimly lit corridor with an inconspicuous sign pointing to its back entrance.  Yes, the front entrance is actually along the circumferential street along the mall.

The gateway to culinary adventures.

Its front door is large and imposing, like the wooden entrances to a Shaolin monastery.  Inside though, the room is bright and vibrant.  The red walls blend perfectly with the wooden finish.  Their space is adequate, comfortably seating large parties, and even extends outside for those preferring al fresco dining.  Like all true Japanese joints, there are seats along the sushi prep tables for a more in-your-face sushi experience created by their sushi sensei.

The cube area is always a favorite spot.

For a more in-your-face sushi experience.

The menu was simple and straightforward, offering the traditional favorites.  No fancy names, no flowery descriptions.  One must have basic knowledge of Japanese food to figure out the selections.  Or maybe just ask their friendly wait staff.  

These small fry are always a good sign that your'e in the right place.

Of course, we were here to sample the staples and all the familiar fare.  We quickly browsed the menu for the common sounding names and placed our orders.

Tuna, P55 (2 pcs.) and Kani Sushi, P40 (2 pcs.)(+10% service charge)

Kuretake is famous for its sushi and sashimi selection, and by far it is one of the most extensive and creative.  We weren't in the mood for gobbling raw seafood that night, but we managed to order a few, just to try it out.  Thankfully, their menu allowed a la carte choices in pairs, so we wouldn't get full immediately.  The tuna sushi tasted fresh and firm, but was nothing spectacular.  The crabstick (kani) was likewise mundane.  Maybe it just wasn't a sushi night for us.

Aspara Bacon, P220 (+10% service charge)

Bacon wrapped asparagus is an all-time favorite.  These crisp asparagus stalks were grilled just right, with the bacon embracing them having just the right chewy texture.  The grilled taste was not overpowering, but still distinct.  A generous serving of mixed greens made sure this was a healthy choice.  

Tori Teriyaki, P260 (+10% service charge)

In my humble opinion, the chicken teriyaki is always the make-or-break dish.  Cook it right, and your joint is okay.  Tweak the taste a bit and get it perfect, your shop will be famous.  Fail miserably, and I'm heading for the exit.  Fortunately, the Tori Teriyaki was spot-on.  The skin was crisp and sweet, although some portions were overdone and charred too much.  The meat however, remained soft and juicy, with the sweetness of the sauce seeping within.  There was nothing new in taste, and no fancy concoction, yet this was still pleasurable to the palate.

Salmon Teppanyaki, P290 (+10% service charge)

Opting to harvest the bounty of the sea, the Salmon Teppanyaki was an easy pick.  I am always critical of any salmon dish.  There's often a fine line between perfecting it and blundering it.  Kuretake, however, did not disappoint with their version.  The salmon fillet was fresh and flaky, the meat pink and wonderful.  There was a hint of grilled taste blending with the teppanyaki sauce, a sparkling mix of sweet and salty.  In addition, the portion was large enough for two hungry people.  This was one of the best I have ever tried.  A steal at less than 300 bucks too.

Ebi Tempura, P450 (+10% service charge)

Another make-or-break dish, the ubiquitous Ebi Tempura is a mainstay of any trip to a Japanese restaurant.  The prawns were satisfyingly large, but still fell short compared to my ultimate favorite, Jozu-Kin.  However, these were impeccably executed, with the breading crisp and thin.  The prawns themselves were fresh and sweet, the succulence exuding with each bite.  Bonus points were rewarded for the little extras, the deep-fried potatoes and eggplants.  However, the eye-popping price was a bit too extravagant, considering I could get more someplace else for even a lesser price tag.

Gyudon, P420 (+10% service charge)

Paying homage to the main reason why I started food blogging, I succumbed to my craving for the divine dish, the sacred beef bowl, the Gyudon.  Dismissing its exorbitant price, I insisted on sampling the Kuretake version.  For that price tag, fortunately the serving was hefty and filling, complete with a bowl of miso soup and pickles to boot.  The beef strips were light and tender, with just the ample hint of fatty goodness.  I forgot to ask the server if they could withhold the noodles, but it was too late.  Overloading on carbs was not my plan that night, yet the noodles were firm and flavorful.  The mirin sauce hit all the right notes, not too sweet and not too salty.  There was, however, a queer ingredient in the mix.  I couldn't figure out what those large strips of jelly actually were.  In fact, these added too much bulk that I couldn't finish the whole bowl.  Missing in action also was the raw egg, which gives more energy to this dish.  Nevertheless, the beef bowl was classically done.  Now if there was something they could do about that price.

My idea of a happy meal.

It therefore remains no surprise why Kuretake has kept its prime spot in this upscale neighborhood.  There being only two Japanese restaurants in the immediate vicinity (if I counted right), Kuretake is the obvious better choice.  The ambiance is more hip and vibrant, and the food stays true to the traditional Japanese flavor.  The dishes are freshly prepared and perfectly seasoned, never overpowering and neither overwhelming.  The sushi selection deserves another visit from me, as I gather they come up with a few unique inventions occasionally.  The price tags however, may put off some diners.  For the same amount, you could fetch bigger and better dishes in some other place.  On second thought, people who go to Rockwell probably care less.  After all, it's the experience that still matters.

Jones

Kuretake Japanese Restaurant

Ground Level, Power Plant Mall

Rockwell Drive corner Estrella Street 

Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuretake-Philippines/48296751859