One of the comments I look forward to hearing from our new customers at Wooden Spoon restaurant is, “I will bring my children (my wife, husband or any loved one) here.” That can only mean they enjoyed the food. I know exactly how they feel.
Every time I dine in a new place, take a first bite of its food, and enjoy the new discovery, it’s automatic—my family comes to mind. Joy equals family. Whom will you want to share a happy or sad moment with but a loved one?
I don’t mind eating alone. I remember the days when I would pretend to look masungit so other diners wouldn’t get awa with me. That’s no longer the case these days because one can look busy with the cell phone.
But I am forever looking out for places I can bring my family to, even if my sons Franco and Arturo are not so adventurous in discovering new cuisine. When asked where they want to eat, it’s either Omakase, Chili’s or Pancake House. And the submissive father almost always gives in.
Last week was different. They were willing to try something new. I had to be careful in choosing the place to make sure they would enjoy it—otherwise my credibility would suffer.
Jang Ga Nae restaurant
I had heard about Escriva Drive in Barangay San Antonio, Pasig, which has a huge Korean community. Here you will find Jang Ga Nae restaurant.
As you enter, you will be met by the Filipino staff with a loud Korean welcome greeting. And like most Korean places, a variety of appetizers will be laid out. I liked the bean sprouts, kimchi pancake, spinach and folded egg.
From the menu, Arturo ordered Dol Sot Bap or mixed rice topped with Korean hot sauce on a stone bowl. The bowl was too hot and he had difficulty eating from it.
Perfectly done beef
I ordered Cha Dol, thinly sliced beef; He Mul Pa Jun, seafood pancake; and Bibimgukso, warm, spicy noodles with vegetables. The beef was cooked in the kitchen, although each table had burners if you want to do the cooking.
Perfectly done, the beef had a little fat in it. I took a lettuce leaf, laid a sesame leaf on it, took a slice of beef, added some sliced fresh garlic, dabbed the whole thing with hot sauce, folded and dipped it in seasoned sesame oil and took a bite.
It is not only healthy, the burst of flavors makes it an interesting dish as well. Sarap!
There is also an assortment of grilled meats you can choose from.
Seafood pancake
My favorite item in any Korean resto is the seafood pancake. Crusty outside, it has slices of shrimp and squid with a variety of veggie strips and dipped in vinegar-based sauce.
The Bibimgukso is a warm sotanghon noodle dish with a spicy sauce. I love it when I eat food that makes me perspire. This dish will awaken one’s palate.
Other entrees I would like to try at Jang Ga Nae are the ginseng chicken, raw beef, pork ribs.
But our meal was a perfect fit for that windy, rainy Sunday afternoon.
I hope I succeeded in adding to my boys’ list of dining places. If not, I’m back to eating alone.
Jang Ga Nae Korean Restaurant is at 8137 Plaza, Escriva Drive, Bgy. San Antonio, Pasig; tel. 6336960. Driving along Shaw Boulevard from Kapitolyo, it’s on one of the streets on your right before Lourdes School.
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