Ramen Craving - Totally Fulfilled!

When I'm in Asia for a few months at a time, I tend to crave for things I can't get. Earlier in the year it was Mexican food - a carnitas burrito to be exact. This time around, it was for authentic Japanese ramen. Unfortunately in Manila there isn't anything authentic, or even fresh. So I patiently waited..

The wait was soo worth it! I usually get my ramen craving fulfilled in the Bay Area, either at Ryowa or Santa Ramen. Because I went straight to Las Vegas instead of the Bay, I eagerly wanted to taste the ramen of Monta - Raku's new ramen place.

Wow. This is the best tonkotsu ramen I've eaten so far. The broth was so deliciously rich and porky. The noodles were just right and cooked to a great chewy texture. This was the perfect bowl of ramen, and it complete fulfilled my ramen craving!

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Jetlagging

Pardon my absence for the next couple of days. I'm currently in the states and fighting jetlag. I have some great finds to feature, including a Thanksgiving meal on the Las Vegas strip and a new neighborhood Korean restaurant! See you back here in a couple of days!

I Love Hotel Restaurants

My brothers and I definitely have had the privilege of staying at nice, quality hotels thanks to my parents. And at these hotels, the food is always authentic and memorable. In fact, some of my best meals have been in hotel restaurants.

My family also trusts that these hotels have higher standards when it comes to ordering meat products, and the rest of the ingredients are also usually quality, too. Here in Manila that tends to be true. So I have no hesitation ordering meat dishes at the Shangri-La Makati.

I enjoy all the restaurants at the Shangri-La Makati. One of my favorites is Inagiku, their Japanese restaurant. They have fresh, quality sushi and a great selection hot dishes.

I also really wanted to go here because it was one of my last meals in Manila before my next trip - so I was totally craving for uni. Uni is so cheap here that I definitely try to take advantage of it. Uni is something I order before I leave Asia and as soon as I arrive in Asia - it's that good.

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Japanese Cuisine - The Hot Dishes

In this past year of living here in Manila, my parents and I have found about a handful or so of restaurants that are repeatable. And when I say repeatable, I mean we go back to these restaurants once a week (People's Palace) or once every other week or so (every other restaurant we really enjoy). We totally become regulars. The atmosphere, the quality of the food, the presentation, the service, and, of course, the taste of the food are all worthy of us becoming regular customers.

One of these restaurants is Mogu. When we crave a little sushi, or sukiyaki, or even Japanese style pizza this is where we go. So for a night of hot Japanese dishes, we came here for a dinner that guaranteed good food.

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Lunch at Home

When I'm at home and it's lunch time, I just want something fast and simple. So, more often than not, I make a sandwich. It's light, healthy, and satisfying.

I use whatever is in the fridge or pantry. Fortunately, there's usually jamon serrano in the fridge. As for condiments, I love Japanese mayonnaise (it's so much better than regular mayo - there's a touch of tangy, sweetness that's so unique) and some chili sauce for a little kick. Plus, some fresh herbs, like basil, further liven up the sandwich.

Paired with my sandwich is usually a salad or some atsara (pickled vegetables).

Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slideshow here.