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.

"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?

Dinelli Gourmet.

Manila has a new gourmet deli for all fresh food lovers. Dinelli Gourmet is located at 1 Mckinley Place, Fort Bonifacio. Santi's has been one of the newest hot spots for fresh meats and imported snacks and Dinelli Gourmet has improved the offerings of Santi's in more than one way. Dinelli offers fresh organic goods, deli meats, cheeses, wine, raw and ready made pasta, staple foods and a in store restaurant.



Wine.



Organic cooking staples.



Prepackaged goods.



Organic Jams.



Cold Cuts.



Streaks and Sausages.



Cheese.



Ready to eat Pasta.



Chocolates & other Desserts.



Fresh Produce.



Dinelli Coffee.



Organic Juices.



Clam Chowder Soup.



Panini.



Dinelli Gourmet was a great experience. I've been back a couple times to try their different dishes and to get some lunch meats and sausages. The Clam Chowder was good and the Onion soup was great. The Panini and Roast Beef sandwiches are great and the Duck Fat Fries are great, so great you don't need ketchup. The coffee and organic juices are good as well. The dinner platters were good but I personally prefer the Sandwiches.

I strongly recommend Dinelli Gourmet. Unfortunately, their prices are a little high so beware of that and just a heads up since the venue is so new they do not accept credit card yet, so make sure you bring cash.

Filipino Fudruckers.

In the United States there is a burger joint called "Fuddruckers" and they claim to serve the Worlds greatest hamburger. This is what it looks like. I love the Fuddruckers in the US, the food there is definitely one of my favorites. Manila has a habit of copying restaurant franchises in America. Gio B. pointed out a little joint near the Filthy Grommet shop yesterday and I stopped in to give it a try today.

This is the store front. The local version of Fudruckers offers pies, cakes, burgers/sandwiches, pasta, rice dishes and chinese catering. Seems like the owner might have been a little confused while making the menu. I honestly didn't have high expectations going in and when they told me their hamburger wasn't available my expectations dropped even more.  So I ordered the "Trio Magnifico," which is a pasta dish that has Italian sausage, meat and cream sauce topped with cheese.... And it was great! And I have to add that the garlic bread was the best I've had in manila. You can find Fudruckers at:

129 Katipunan Ave (across the street from BDO white plains.)

St. Ignatius Village

Quezon City

Todays Dinner. Tomorrows Breakfast.

Dinner:Brisket Burger.



Ingredients:

10 oz piece of brisket (ask your butcher to grind for patties)

2 whole-wheat buns, toasted

2 Tbsp aioli (garlic mayonnaise, available at Savonpantry.com
)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup arugula

1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms

3 oz crumbled blue cheese

Ketchup
 


Instructions:

Divide the brisket into two patties, grill on high heat, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Slather the buns with aioli, then top with the remaining ingredients.

Breakfast:Belgian Coconut Waffles.



Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
1/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups skim milk
6 egg whites

Preparation:
Heat a Belgian or regular waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and coconut.

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, honey, and egg substitute. Whisk in the oil and milk.

In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff with an electric mixer at high speed. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the honey mixture into the well. Stir just until the ingredients are moistened. Gently fold the whites into the batter. Bake in the waffle iron until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

Food Trip: Brooklyn Pizza

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

So tonight I decided to check out "Brooklyn Pizza" over by Julio Vargas. The place was actually a pretty good place if what you're looking for is cheap pasta and pizzas. The prices range from about 175.00-600.00 depending on what you order. When ordering a pizza, you can order by slice, by quarters, by halves or by wholes. The pizzas are fairly large, although, they do hold back on the toppings. Tsk Tsk....but nevertheless, it's still really good for the price u pay.

They also offer a wide variety of pastas. I tried their oil based pesto pasta. It was good....I'd definitely eat it again!

Here are a few shots of their menu:

The Pesto Pasta:



The Deluxe Pizza:



Overall, the place was good if what you're looking for is cheap pasta and pizzas! They've got branches in Tomas Morato, Paranaque, Makati, Alabang, Julio Vargas, and Bicutan! So go try it!!

Let me know what u guys think! COMMENT!

"True Story"