Cycle 5 – Item 350

21 (Sun) December 2014

Kimuchi Yudofu Set

3.0

at Asunaro

(Pan-Pacific Manila)

-Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines-

with CAL, EK

Asunaro is now my go-to destination when I’m in the mood for Japanese.

In addition to variety and quality, the place also offers value and fun in an extensive array of mix & match set menus.  Choice of 1 main dish (among 44) + 2 mini appetizers (among 23) + 1 rice/noodle (among 3) + 1 dessert (among 7) = 42,504 possible combinations of items that would otherwise have to be ordered individually.   Awesome.

Yes, I considered the possibility of initiating either TEIA (Try Every Item at Asunaro) or TESMA (Try Every Set Menu at Asunaro).  In either case, the scale of the task was unbearably seductive to a masochistic glutton like me.

But no, I’ve decided against it.  Unlike the other “Try Every” projects, I don’t think that a mainstream Japanese restaurant like Asunaro carries much potential for any new/fun/exciting/learning/disturbing experiences.  I’d merely end up getting sick of what would appear to be a perfectly respectable place.

The Kimuchi Yudofu was good.  White Japanese-style kimuchi and soft tofu (yudofu), the dish was nice and light in flavor and texture.  Even better, the portion was so immense that it was too much even for 3 of us sharing it.

Tonight was the first time, as far as I can recall, that I’ve shared a meal with CAL and EK together, which is surprising as they are the two people with whom I have broken the most bread in Manila, coincidentally both tagged as of today at 29 dinners each on GMTD, but never at the same table.

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN PHILIPPINES)