Sumptuous Sunrise Buckets!

There's nothing more comforting than the mere thought of deep fried chicken wings tossed in good old buffalo sauce, a cold drink in one hand, the sun kissing your skin, and the music of ocean waves crashing upon the rocks and sands.  Ahh, such an idyllic moment.

Sunrise Buckets seem to capture this snapshot, despite no trace of ocean for miles around it.  The shop has been a fixture in the Ortigas area for quite some time now, a regular haunt for budget conscious students, weary office workers, or simply those longing for a piece of the beach, and good times. 

The place is a portal that whisks one away to another place.  One that's sunny, happy, bright and gay.  The walls are studded with beach-themed ornaments, complete with surfboards.  The only thing that seems lacking is real beach sand.  The shop was quite small but cozy, comfortably seating around 40 people or so.

The menu consists mainly of American comfort food, but the wings are the centerpiece, of course.  Only a few can rival Sunrise Bucket's vast array of wing flavors, surpassing even that of Wingman.  But is the quality at par?

Frings, P295 (+10% service charge)

The perfect way to start any comfort dinner is to chow down some potato fries and onion rings.  Dubbed as Frings, this huge basket arrived with a gargantuan sized onion rings!  Breaded and deep-fried to perfection, the onion rings were succulent and delectable.  The fries were crisp and plenty, but lacked some flavor.  The blue cheese dip should have added some punch but seemed to be tamed and watered down.

Picking the flavor of the chicken wings seems like a daunting task, with over 15 flavors to choose from.  The menu, though, helps you out by dividing flavors into 3 categories.  "Awesome" includes the tamer and milder flavors.  "Wipeout" amps up the spice a notch higher, including the original buffalo mix and Sunrise's own concoction.  The category also encompasses other more adventurous flavors: hickory, black pepper, and garlic.  The last, more flamboyant category, dubbed as "Cloud 9", truly is the heaven of wings.  With unique mixes infused with liquor such as Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, the taste is out-of-this-world.  We picked at least a flavor from each category for variety.

Spicy Jack, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

The distinct taste of liquor was evident but not overpowering in their unique, Jack Daniel-infused Spicy Jack.  The fruity overtones of alcohol blended well and was tame enough to let the zest and spice of buffalo sauce shine through.  It's nearly inexplicable, yet it works.  The chicken meat itself was crisp on the exterior, but a little dry within.  Nevertheless, the sauce is enough to make it finger-lickin' good, to borrow that famous punchline.  Trust me, there's no other flavor in this world like this liquor infused Spicy Jack.  Hands down, the best of the night.  For that price tag, it should be.

Smokin' BBQ, Half Pound, P165 (+10% service charge)

A simpler, more straightforward choice, the Smokin' BBQ was probably lost in the limelight hogged by the Spicy Jack.  The smokey flavor was nearly non-existent, although there were a few traces of a grilled taste.  Too tame or too watered down?  This one was a bit disappointing, tasting just like a lowly common fried chicken.

Garlic Parmesan, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

I'm a sucker for any garlic and cheese flavor combo, and this pick looked promising.  My palate has since been longing for this taste ever since I grabbed a bite of Wingman's own parmesan mix.  My expectations were thus high for this flavor.  Sadly, Sunrise's version was overboard salty.  The saltiness was overpowering, perhaps due to an overflowing seasoning as evidenced by the leftover powder in the bucket.  The garlic taste was hard to find, subdued by the oiliness of the butter and the overeager flavor of the parmesan powder.  This would have been mind-blowing, had it been executed carefully.

Real American Buffalo Hot, Half Pound, P175 (+10% service charge)

We opted to sample their version of the original buffalo flavor, and it was spot on.  The zest and kick was evident, along with the familiar sourness of the buffalo wing taste.  Available in 3 degrees of spiciness, this should be the usual pick for those who prefer no-frills buffalo wings.  

One fact about Sunrise Bucket's wings is that the serving is small - too small for the price tags.  The cheapest bucket comes at a tad above 150 bucks, but the wing joints appear minuscule.  Some pieces appeared thin and lacked enough meat.  This is in contrast to bigger wings seen in Buffalo's Wings and Things, Wingman, heck even the budget B. Wings.  

Pound for pound, it's not the best bargain in the metro out there.  But what Sunrise Buckets offers and keeps hooking and reeling in their customers is the wide variety of flavors and their really unique alcohol amplified concoctions.  I would be willing to shell out a few bucks more just to sample their Jack Daniels or Jim Beam wings again, even if the sizes are less than average.  It's as ground-breaking and other-worldly as that.

Jones

Sunrise Buckets

Madison Square, Madison Street corner Ortigas Avenue

San Juan City

https://www.facebook.com/sunrise.buckets

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Mexican March Madness: Chihuahua Mexican Grill

March seems to be the month of the Mexican, at least for me.  I had been craving for the good old simple taco and quesadilla for a number of days now.  Our recent foray into the belly of El Chupacabra further sparked my desire for Mexican cuisine.

Long before El Chupacabra was making waves in social media and foodstagrammers, Chihuahua was already whipping up affordable yet authentic Mexican fare.  Its first branch was in a rather delicate location - right smack in Makati's red light district and nearly impossible to access for most of the general public.  Still, it developed a loyal following and has since then expanded to two more outlets that are more appealing to the hungry masses.

Ordering here is as easy as 1-2-3.  You walk up to the counter and pick your preferred wrap: burrito, quesadilla, or the taco.  Fillings range from the usual meat choices, including steak!  The place is well-lit, simple, and no-frills.  Curiously, various game boards were placed on empty tables as it seems the joint welcomes people who want to kill time while gobbling.  One section of the wall caught my fancy - the hot sauce library!  One is enticed to pick their poison of the day, designed to add some oomph to your dish.

There was quite a variety of sauces to choose from, but one caught my palate's fancy.  This Chili Rojo was zesty and deceptively hot.  It starts out mild but as you keep absorbing it, the effect multiplies in your mouth.  Definitely a good pairing with any Mexican dish.

Chips and Queso, P125

To begin our little fiesta, we ordered a bowl of Nachos to share.  This version came with a side of cheese dip.  The chips were cut in large pieces but are relatively easy to wolf down.  Crisp and lightly salted, the dip added flavor to an otherwise tasteless affair.  The cheese dip was mild though and could have benefited from a more thick and gooey consistency.

Quesadilla (Solo, P195) + Steak (add P50)

Having sampled El Chupacabra's melt-in-your-mouth steak quesadilla, we tried Chihuahua's own version.  Three palm-sized flatbread arrived filled with slices of US beef.  At first the size looked daunting, but once you bite, the filling seems too few.

The flat bread was lightly toasted on the exterior, rendering a mild crunchy texture.  The steak was tender and juicy but less smooth than El Chupacabra's version.  Still, there seemed to be more morsels in there compared to the latter.  I would have preferred the cheese to be more gooey and stringy in consistency, but it was flavorful on its own.  The dish came with refillable sides of salsa to add another dimension and taste, but there's nothing a dash of chili sauce can't save.

Tacos (3 pcs, P245) + Steak (add P50)

I picked the steak taco for an apparently lighter fare.  Interestingly, one can mix and match your choice of whether to get the soft shell or the more familiar crunchy version.  I picked one as soft-shell just to have variation.

Again, the steak was generously cut and larger, with a tender texture.  But it was less smooth and was grittier than what I sampled in El Chupacabra.  Also, it was served cold!  The toppings of greens was more than sufficient, adding yet another crunchy texture with its fresh crispness.  I added some more salsa and a dashes of chili sauce to seal the deal.  The dish could have benefited from more cheese though.

Chihuahua also has a diverse drink collection, from local and foreign beers to their own margarita concoctions.  But this Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda instantly caught my eye!  I absolutely love the peppery, almost medicinal taste of whatever Dr. Pepper soda variant there is.  It was the perfect pairing to douse the flames of Mexican food.

Although somewhat overshadowed by its now more legendary rival, Chihuahua still deserves a place in the Mexican food scene.  It is simple yet satisfying, and being one of the pioneers of demystifying Mexican cuisine.  Prices are affordable and their 2 latest locations are more accessible for the general hungry public.  The dishes could use some more generosity in the ingredients though.  But one is assured of its freshness and authenticity.  Chihuahua is probably an easier choice to quell the Mexican craving.

Jones

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center

Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill

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Meaty Monstrosity: El Chupacabra

Legend tells of a mythical, mysterious creature that feasts on the blood of livestock, terrorizing the Latin American countryside.  This hideous beast is often described as a bear-sized monster studded with spiny outgrowths - almost an other-worldly being.

It is curious how this brainchild of the proprietors of Mexicali is aptly named.  The only creatures feasting here are the hungry miscreants of Makati night-life, eagerly stuffing themselves silly either before or after a night of partying.  Yet the name is catchy, mysterious even.  Finding it is an adventure itself - tucked away in the bowels of Poblacion.

El Chupacabra has built its legend on the strength of the social network, powered by Instagram and Zomato and whatever food-sharing app.  The place is not too shabby, neither is it intimidating.  It consists of a modified flat, with tables set al fresco albeit in a haphazard way - much like a fly-by-night carinderia.  Yes, complete with the obligatory roadside barbecue grill where the good stuff goes on.  The lighting inside is sinister red, illuminating the crowds consisting of a mix of locals and boisterous Japanese ex-pats.

A hot, humid hell house it is - a perfect setting for sampling even hotter Mexican fare.  We settled for two kinds of quesadillas, but I proceeded to be more adventurous with an order of their signature wings from Hades.

Gringas, Carne Asada, P195 (+10% service charge)

The quesadilla collection, coined as Gringas, is a myriad of selections that should cater to everyone- from all-meat to pure veggies.  The Carne Asada consists of thin slices of steak eneveloped by glorious melted cheese.  The flour wraps are light and toasted perfectly, as evidenced by blackish-brown stains.  The steak meat is bliss - soft and tender, oozing with its natural juices.  Such a pity that the strips are too few in between - but still enough to tickle one's fancy.  The cheese is gooey, sticky, yet not overpowering.  The dips are almost unnecessary, but the chimichurri blends well with the wraps.  Truly a bargain for the meat-lovers.

Gringas, Cheese, Garlic and Onion, P125 (+10% service charge)

I picked a non-meat version of the Gringas, but nonetheless lip-smacking good.  Four thin quesadilla filled with gooey cheese arrived with an unmistakable aroma.  The wraps were seared and toasted well on the exterior.

Though the wraps could use more fillings, the zest added by the garlic and onion was a welcome change in flavor.  Again, the green chimichurri dip works best with this dish.

Lord of the Wings, P250 (+10% service charge)

The main reason why I opted for a non-meat wrap - the Lord of the Wings.  The name was catchy and interesting, especially for a night when I was craving for fried chicken wings.  Their version of the classic buffalo wings was a sight to behold - the sauce was generously and lovingly draping every part of the wings.

I was hyped up for the wings - but the first bite was a bit of deflating.  The wings had arrived cold!  I wasn't sure if it was due to the sauce that they probably stored in a cooler.  Or my plate might have gone cold as it was the last item to arrive.  Nevertheless, the meat inside was juicy and flavorful.  The skin was inconsistent though - crisp in some parts, questionable in others.  However, prepare your taste buds for some torment.  The sauce is fiery - straight from Hades.  The first stain on your lips is deceptively mild, but as you bite through one piece, all hell breaks loose.  Sour and zesty, their homemade sauce is consistently and painfully hot, yet enjoyable.  Dip it in the accompanying blue cheese dip to tame the flavors a bit.  

I managed to finish off the dish, with a little help from my friends.  It was highly addicting and should be popular for spicy sadists.  The size of each wing joint was average, smaller than dedicated wing restaurants like Wingman and the like.  Still, at 250 bucks, it's a good bar chow to share or naughty dish to order if you feel like having it all for yourself.

It seems strange that despite the longevity of Mexicali in the local Mexican food scene, it is their side show El Chupacabra that has exploded in popularity.  Perhaps the adventure of finding this humble street side nook is part of the charm it exudes.  Perhaps tales of dirt cheap burritos and tacos and honest-to-goodness Pinoy-style barbecue (yes, it is also a best seller) piques the interest of foodies.  Or perhaps the folk lore of hungry chupacabras devouring flavorful meat lures the hunters themselves.  Try the spicy goat burrito next time and truly one will transform into a real goat-sucker, El Chupacabra.

Jones

 El Chupacabra

5782 Felipe corner Polaris Street

Bel-Air, Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/Elchupacabraph

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Sen Lek Thai Noodle House: From Rags to Riches

In the foodie scene, each restaurant has its own story.  I'm a big fan of rags to riches fairy tales, no matter how cliche they may be.  It's always fascinating to see a humble little nook rise to stardom.  It gives us something to cheer for in a world filled with daily negatives.

My sister remembers Sen Lek Thai Noodle House as a small joint in a lesser known part of BF.  I never had the chance to visit them when they were still relatively unknown.  But she swears the food, especially the noodle concoctions, were authentic and good.  Fast forward to a few years back, when Sen Lek resurfaces like a prodigal heroine.  Currently, they occupy a strategic spot along the main road of Aguirre, reeling in patrons, both the loyalists and the novice.

Their current home is large and brightly lit, exuding a cozy vibe with walls adorned with Thai-themed furniture and snippets.  On a lazy Sunday lunch time, the place was half-filled.  Ordering is simple since the menu is quite limited.  The star of course are the noodle soups, but they do offer Thai staples such as curry and tom yum  soup.  They do offer rice meals which seem value-for-money.

We were in a bit of a hurry, so we ordered three rice meals that seemed bang for the buck.  We added another order of noodle soup to share among the three of us.

Wanton Thai Noodle Soup, P100

I'm not kidding.  This big bowl of homey goodness is just a hundred bucks.  Filled nearly full with a smooth, warm broth, the Wanton Thai Noodle Soup is a definite bargain.  The broth was mild and not overpowering with a herbal taste.  Some people have aversion to a queer, medicinal tasting soup, but this is quite tame and should agree with most.  Add a little sriracha chili sauce and you're good to go.   

The flat noodles were soft and perfectly al dente.  I liked the generous serving of fresh mongo sprouts swimming in the mixture.  A dash of chopped herbal greens and onions added color and dimension.  The dumplings though were a bit sad and tasteless, like a cheap grocery version.  Nevertheless, beggars can't be choosers with such a dirt cheap price.  I'm usually not fond of noodles or ramen, but I do have an inkling for Vietnamese or Thai noodles.  This, save for the wonton dumplings, is a steal.

Chicken Pandan, P160

Mom picked the chicken pandan, a usual Thai favorite.  This version, however, was regrettable.  Out came two minuscule, nearly flat portions of chicken wrapped in burnt pandan leaves.  

The chicken was dry and crusted.  It was nearly devoid of flavor, and no amount of soy vinegar dip could save the dish.  It was overpriced and disappointing.  We should have picked another noodle soup instead, which are all value for money.

Beef Curry, P140

I grabbed the beef curry rice meal since I wasn't in the mood for a chicken dish.  The serving looked ample, with a sizable amount of white rice.  The sauce looked fiery and exciting, as I eagerly sampled it.

The curry gravy was a tad too oily but was indeed fiery.  It had a hint of zest but the spice level was not overwhelming.  I enjoyed pouring the mildly sweet and milky sauce on my immaculate white rice.  The beef strips were thin but commensurate in number.  It was tender but some portions were inconsistent.  Also, there was nothing else inside the bowl.  I would have appreciated some eggplants or carrots, or even potatoes.  Now I really miss the massaman curry I had back in SG.

Green Chicken Curry, P130

My sister picked the ubiquitous Green Chicken Curry rice meal.  It looked mundane but the taste was surprisingly good.  The curry gravy was less oily than my beef curry, perhaps neutralized by the chopped eggplants and string beans.  The vegetables were fresh and crisp, for that matter.

The sauce was also mildly sweet and had spicy overtones.  It was highly addicting and would undoubtedly lead one to order extra rice for that generous amount of curry gravy.  It reminded me of the curry I had in Maxwell FC.  It had a more watery consistency which some would not prefer, but it was enjoyable pouring spoonfuls over the rice.  The chicken was tender and flavorful, unlike its pandan counterpart.

Thai Iced Tea, P60

All the heat and tangy flavor deserved a cool down, and what better way to do so than with the all-time favorite Thai Iced Tea.  This version was a few notches too sweet, but one can always douse it with more water.  I liked that the leafy taste was distinct but not dominant, and I could somehow make out a little spice on the drink itself.  A perfect pairing for all the spicy Thai dishes here.

I'm not sure where Sen Lek made its first beginnings, but what it is now is a far cry from its humble little corner spot it used to occupy.  Despite the obvious changes, they have manged to keep prices at bare minimum, and thus kept its loyal fans coming back and virginal converts like me to keep wanting it.  The noodle soups are bang-for-the-buck, with its hefty servings and authentic taste.  Some of the dishes might be hit and miss, or too tame for Thai food purists.  But with a price that's hard to beat, a location that's hard to miss, and food that hits the comfort zones, Sen Lek is more than just the cliche of rags to riches.

Jones

Sen Lek Thai Noodle House

4 Delfa Street, corner President's Avenue

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SEN-LEK-THAI-NOODLE/209933752464115

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Spanish in the Village: Las Paellas Cafe

One of my least favorite cuisine is Spanish.  I don't know why, but it must be its relative similarities with most Filipino dishes, such that the distinction is blurred.  Or maybe it's the general appearance of the food, commonly served in small portions or tapas style.  Although I do agree that Spanish food is both filling and fulfilling.  I have been gratified with my few forays in Alba, Guernica, and Ilustrado - particularly liking salpicao and cochinillo.  Still, it's not something I dream of whenever my mind is idle (and my stomach empty).

Nonetheless, the village does have notable Spanish restaurants in the vicinity.  I couldn't recall when this Las Paellas Cafe branch opened just behind our house.  Likely, I didn't give it much attention.  But, a free lunch is still free lunch.  So, I happily joined the family for a trip behind our fence, ridiculously taking our cars for a distance we can actually walk through.

Caesar Salad, P195 (+10% service charge)

The place was empty as it practically opened for us.  With brightly lit interiors, the walls were painted in festive orange and yellow to set one in the mood for food.  The menu was basically Spanish food with Filipino imprints.  We started of with a serving of Caesar Salad.  The greens were fresh, moist and crisp.  The light vinaigrette dressing was a welcome flavor.  The croutons and crispy bacon added yet another crunchy dimension, although the bacon bits seemed few and negligible.

Gambas Al Ajillo, P255 (+10% service charge)

One of my favorite tapas, the obligatory Gambas was my pick of the day.  Sauteed in olive oil, these shrimps were peppered with chili to add some zest and spice.  It came served with a single piece of garlic bread cut in half.  One would dare wipe up the excess olive oil with the bread, which was crusty on the outside yet soft enough within.

The shrimps were small-sized yet plump and juicy.  Mildly spicy, the flavor was addicting.  My only gripe was that it was literally swimming in oil.  I should have ordered rice immediately to soak up the sauce.

Tortang Talong Stuffed with Galunggong, P195 (+10% service charge)

Although eating with senior citizens comes with its perks (hello, 20% discount!), the downside is most orders are either seafood or veggies.  The Tortang Talong has pinoy written all over it, with its toppings of chopped fresh tomatoes and onions.

An easy dish to make in one's own home, this version was supposed to be stuff with galunggong fish.  I could hardly make out the stuffing, yet even find minute traces of it.  The eggplant was okay, and the egg batter was not overwhelming.

Crispy Kare-Kare, P310 (+10% service charge)

Already widespread in its many permutations, the Las Paellas version was apparently a more recent addition.  A rack of crisp pork belly was soaked in thick peanut sauce and served with various vegetables.  This was obviously ordered to appease my carnivorous cravings.

The pork was crisp but not consistently so.  The fat to meat ratio was 50/50, which is actually a plus for me.  The skin was crisp in some parts, but chewy in some slices.  The meat though was flavorful in itself.  The sauce was nutty and leaned toward a sweeter side, a particular preference I liked in kare-kare.  The string beans and sliced eggplant were crisp and fresh also.  I did, however, raise my eyebrow with how it came served with the bagoong dip haphazardly placed within the bowl itself.  I would have preferred it to be served separately, to give one the freedom to season the dish to taste.  Their version was okay, but pales in comparison to the higher quality of Pino's version of kare-kareng bagnet.

Valenciana, P525 (+10% service charge)

What's a trip to a Spanish joint without paella?  The group feasted on two versions, the Valenciana and the Marinara.  The Valenciana was a mish-mash of nearly everything - chicken, pork chorizo, and assorted seafood.  The saffron rice was soft but not mushy, it was creamy in texture.  The tomato-based sauce was mild but somewhat more fluid than the usual paella way.  I liked the chorizo as it was peppery and fatty.  Bits of chicken were nowhere to be found except when I was jolted by its chopped up bones.  Some of the clams and oysters actually had no content, which was a disappointing revelation.

Marinara, P525 (+10% service charge)

On the other hand, the Marinara mix seemed heftier and had more content.  The slices of squid was tender and not rubbery.  The briny flavor of the shrimp was good and added saltiness to an otherwise oily dish.  Again, the rice was correctly done, leaving no burnt grains on the pot.  The serving size for both paella dishes should be good for 3-4 average persons.

Perhaps not as classy or high-end as Ilustrado, or even Alba, Las Paellas Cafe is an easy and affordable way for people who crave good Spanish food without breaking the bank.  True to their name, the paella dishes are done correctly, but not spectacularly.  For the simple reason that Pino is quite far from my place, I may come back for this version of Crispy Kare-Kare, as it was nearly at par.  Despite my near disinterest for Spanish food, Las Paellas Cafe may deserve that biannual visit.

Jones

Las Paellas Cafe

Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes

Paranaque City

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Tales From The Other Side: Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

There was a time when the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue was nearly devoid of any food spot.  A decade ago, there were only a handful of notables, including Conti's (the original branch), Hanakazu, and Little Quiapo.  Today, Aguirre is a bustling neighborhood of cafes, bars, and restaurants.  Often neglected and forgotten is the lesser known far end of Aguirre.  Away from the traffic nightmares so common these days, this area houses a treasure trove of good finds.  I aim to start this series of posts as I discover the tales from "the other side".

Much like the more famous restaurants I mentioned above, Rio has been a resident of BF for a long time.  Under its original title "Little Rio", it slowly gained popularity as a homey, quaint Japanese joint.  It served (and still does) a unique, hitherto unconventional twist with its crispy chicken teriyaki.  Of course, since then, many restaurants have followed suit.  Quite so suddenly, it closed down but resurrected just a couple of years ago with a bigger shop.

The charm of its simplicity, combined with the affordable menu, keeps its loyalists returning.  I, for one, swear on the goodness of their chicken teriyaki.  So, on a rainy and lazy Sunday lunch, we trooped to this quieter side of town.  We had the shop to ourselves when we arrived, and we proceeded to order the usual Japanese fare they offered.

Shoyu Ramen, P190 (Regular)

With the cold downpour of rain outside, sis and Mom deemed it fit to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen.  Mom's choice was the regular sized Shoyu.  The regular bowl was sized similar to the higher end ramen restaurants, but at a much lower price tag.  I don't really fancy eating noodles, but Mom professed it was hearty and fulfilling.  Tossed into the mix were ample slices of chasu pork, half an egg, and some bean sprouts.  I took a little sip of the warm broth and the saltiness was not overpowering.  The pork was tender but lacked a bit of seasoning or flavor.  I'm not sure but the egg should have been a bit more runny.  The thin noodles were okay.

Seafood Ramen, P210 (Regular)

On the other hand, the Seafood Ramen was packed with more contents.  Slices of tuna, squid, and shrimps swam deliciously in a clear broth.  Sister claimed the seafood was fresh enough.  I took a sip of the soup and it was saltier than the shoyu.  Perhaps the natural salinity and brine of the seafood contributed to its denser flavor.  

Clearly, I am no ramen connoisseur, but the ladies enjoyed their bowls down to the last slurp.  Happily though, their 2 orders of regular ramen qualified us to avail of a promo for free 8 piece gyoza!

Gyoza, P160 (8 pcs)

It seemed like the steal of the day with the gyoza worth 160 bucks if ordered outside the promo.  Nevertheless, my expectations were not high for this version.  The dumplings were average-sized and appeared plump.  The skin was all right, not too thick.

At first bite however, it was a little deflating.  The filling was too little as evidenced by the space within.  Still, the mix inside was flavorful with the ground pork and chopped veggies.  Luckily we didn't have to pay for this since I would have regretted ordering it.

Ebi Tempura, P160 (3 pcs)

As usual, I ordered shrimp tempura which I intended to eat on my own.  But of course, the ladies grabbed a piece each.  The tempura was light, the batter thin and crisp.  The shrimps were only average-sized yet still fresh and juicy.  Not exactly award-winning, but definitely better than the regular fast-food variety.

I succumbed to my beef bowl cravings and ordered a serving of gyudon, after missing it for so long.  I eagerly waited for my order to arrive.  My heart (and stomach) has a soft spot for beef served in immaculate pristine white bowls.  This was no exception. 

Gyudon, P210

Lost in the messy presentation were thin slices of beef, a few onions, and an entanglement of noodles topped with a fresh golden egg yolk.  I actually forgot to ask the server to remove the noodles, since I was not too fond of having my gyudon in this manner.  It added too much bulk to the dish.  The mirin sauce was a good combination of savory and sweet, although inclining more to a sweeter side.  The beef, I noticed, was fewer in portion compared to a couple of years ago.  Talk about inflation (and deflation of serving sizes!).  Nevertheless, it was tender and not tough, easy on my jaws.  The rice portion was hefty and I dared not to polish it all off.  

Despite the influx of more hip restaurants and more exciting cuisines, Rio has managed to retain its humble charm and "old-world" magic.  It reminds long time residents of BF how our place used to be so quiet and peaceful, with shops such as Rio offering a homey take on old-time Japanese favorites.  Although admittedly, Rio is not as creative and innovative as other hole-in-the-wall joints.  But neither do they intend to do so.  As such, prices are kept at a minimum (even doing away with service charge) but quality is certainly above any regular fast-food joint.  Therefore, don't expect to be blown away.  Rio is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the other side, as it rightfully sits on the more serene end of the foodie street.

Jones

Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

303 El Grande Avenue, corner Havana Street

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/thelittlerio

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