Shabu-shabu is traditionally served on cold wintry days and nights in Japan (as well as in Korea), and is quite suitable to eat in our country during the rainy season when the temperature dips a few degrees lower.
Those who go for hot dishes, meanwhile, can check out this exciting restaurant that serves food with lots of chili.
Ganso Shabuway
2/L, Greenbelt 5, Makati City
Red and black dominate the interior of this restaurant. The place has become popular for a one-dish meal called Shabu-Shabu, its version of Japanese-style Hot Pot.
Dining area—Red-topped tables and chairs, arranged very close to each other, follow the L pattern from the entrance to a corner against the glass wall. There are red lamps hanging from the black-painted ceiling.
Service—Fast, efficient
Staff—Their uniforms are also in black and red. The lady who attended to us was neat, graceful and immediately showed us the menu, inquiring about our preferences for the main elements of the shabu-shabu. The broth flavors were also explained and the dipping sauces mixed in seconds.
Suggested orders—There are options for set orders. But the best would be the paper-thin slices of either Original Kurobuta Pork or Meyer Angus Extra Beef. Each set comes with individual bowls of rice, a vegetable platter of cabbage, carrots, bok choy, spinach and tofu. The steaming hot broth over fire is a choice between mild tea-flavored and spicy. The dipping sauces, either Sesame or Ponzu, are a combination of spring onion, garlic and radish. The lady will blend these with the thick shabu-shabu paste-like concoction. Alternatively, an order of unagi, kani sticks, fish, crab eggs and cod balls can be made. As the elements cook, the appetite is challenged and conversation gets more interesting. The experience of sharing is enhanced.
Go next door after this and indulge in some sweets to cap the day.
Service and government taxes are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating ***
Chili’s
Lower G/F, Corte de la Palmas Expansion, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City; tel. 8462647
Apparently, this long-running restaurant chain has kept its clientele over the years, evidenced by the long lines that form especially on weekends.
Dining area—Full, always. It is very Tex-Mex in décor, music and ambiance. Diners appear to be enjoying their fare. Chatter is lively but not overwhelming.
Service—Fast, efficient
Staff—Enthusiastic, accommodating
Suggested orders—The portions are big and can be shared. Practically everything on the menu is marked with a chili, thus spicy. But, run through the whole list and there are quite a few that can be tolerated, so to speak. Start with Bottomless Tostada Chips. Follow with the Quesadilla Explosion, a huge chunk for sharing, or the Smoked Turkey Sandwich—the best this diner has had for some time. The sandwich came with thin slices of super-tender turkey topped with Emmenthal cheese. You may also want to check try the Grilled Chicken Platter.
Best dessert, if you are still up to it, is either the Molten Chocolate Cake or the High and Mighty Pie.
Government taxes are included, as well as service charge. Senior cards are honored.
Rating ***