Weekend Review: Sumo Sam
I'm sure a lot of you already know about this place. Its the Japanese resto that seems to always be packed on the 2nd floor of the Rockwell Powerplant or the top floor of Shangri-La Plaza. So is it packed for good reason or just for show?
I decided to do this review for a few reasons, firstly, there hasn't been that much interesting news lately and two, we were there for lunch this afternoon and something about it was bothering me. Anyway! Lets get down to it...
Sumo Sam tries to be a modern type of Japanese Resto, with some items that the west has created such as the Philadelphia Roll (salmon, mango, philli cream cheese), steaks that have a western feel, and bacon coupled goodies, but at the same time it still has the traditional sushi/sashimi, teriyaki/tepanyaki and ramens. Its menu is actually pretty extensive with a lot to choose from to satisfy picky eaters. The ambiance looks modern, (the only thing that gives it a Japanese tone are the plates and anime-looking servers) but still very comfy, but not Japanese. Are having nice surroundings and a presentable, large menu enough? Judging that it seems like its always full, the resto must be doing well, but in my book, its not a place I'd recommend or go to willingly.
Prices are average for the upper class, with sushi and entrees starting at around P250 up to well over P1k. A group of 5 people should have an average bill of around P2000 plus plus (making it over the minimum wage). Food is below average for its cost and service unreliable. Having been to both branches numerous times (not by choice), the service is sometimes good and sometimes bad, so you're in for a little service-poker to see which you get.
Last word... irregular service standards, ambiance is only nice when sitting inside the restaurant (because there are tables outside as well), a lot to choose from... but whats the use when its not good?
I decided to do this review for a few reasons, firstly, there hasn't been that much interesting news lately and two, we were there for lunch this afternoon and something about it was bothering me. Anyway! Lets get down to it...
Sumo Sam tries to be a modern type of Japanese Resto, with some items that the west has created such as the Philadelphia Roll (salmon, mango, philli cream cheese), steaks that have a western feel, and bacon coupled goodies, but at the same time it still has the traditional sushi/sashimi, teriyaki/tepanyaki and ramens. Its menu is actually pretty extensive with a lot to choose from to satisfy picky eaters. The ambiance looks modern, (the only thing that gives it a Japanese tone are the plates and anime-looking servers) but still very comfy, but not Japanese. Are having nice surroundings and a presentable, large menu enough? Judging that it seems like its always full, the resto must be doing well, but in my book, its not a place I'd recommend or go to willingly.
Prices are average for the upper class, with sushi and entrees starting at around P250 up to well over P1k. A group of 5 people should have an average bill of around P2000 plus plus (making it over the minimum wage). Food is below average for its cost and service unreliable. Having been to both branches numerous times (not by choice), the service is sometimes good and sometimes bad, so you're in for a little service-poker to see which you get.
"So why is it always packed?," you may ask. First thing that comes to mind is it's location. "Thats it?" Yup! Well, this is from my Vantage, and food is definitely relative, but my rating for this would be 1 out of 5 stars. Why? There are so many other restaurants to choose from. A more inexpensive alternative would be Teriyaki Boy, where spending roughly P200 can satisfy your tummy. In my opinion, Sumo Sam is a restaurant that claims to be Japanese, yet has no Japanese taste, and Japanese is my favorite type of food! Sure you have the sushi, but thats just raw fish. Meals don't have that Japanese flavor and the bottom line is, its a restaurant that fools you by telling you its Japanese when its not. When you do get the good service, it is... good. To those who like this restaurant, then its large menu does it job by giving you a lot to choose from, whether you feel like having sushi, steaks, seafood, noodles etc... But for me, having a large menu is meaningless when the food feels fake.
Last word... irregular service standards, ambiance is only nice when sitting inside the restaurant (because there are tables outside as well), a lot to choose from... but whats the use when its not good?
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