6.031
5 (Thu) January 2015
Fried Fish Skin
3.0
at Tao Yuan
-Malate, Manila-
with various K colleagues
TEITY (Try Every Item at Tao Yuan*). Attempting to eat my way through the restaurant, all 222 items (excluding shark’s fin and desserts). From what I’ve seen so far, it would seem to be one of the best in the neighborhood, solid on all counts: taste, quality, variety, service, vibe, proximity, maybe price. Once I’ve tried everything, I’ll know exactly what to get, depending on the circumstances, whether it’s for a quick bite on my own, a casual night out with friends/colleagues/family, or a formal occasion hosting bosses/VIPs. That kind of certainty, in the unpredictable culinary landscape of Manila, will be invaluable.
*The domain has recently expired, but I leave the link in case it comes back up.
The masochistically gluttonous “Try Every” series: (i) TERRP (…in Robinsons Place) (see completed 5.247 TERRP 85 KFC : Original Recipe Fried Chicken…); (ii) TEITY (…Item at Tao Yuan) (see most recently 6.009 Awful); (iii) TERNWPPD* (…Restaurant in New World Manila Bay Hotel, Pan-Pacific Manila, and Diamond Hotel Philippines) (see most recently 6.015 Jou Nigiri Sushi Moriawase); (iv) TERSK (…Restaurant in St Kilda) (see completed 5.339 Roasted Squid); (v) TEKREM (…Korean Restaurant in Ermita/Malate) (see most recently 6.029 Steamed Egg); (vi) TEIBR (…Item at Bistro Remedios) (see most recently 6.014 Kare Karentang Butot Baka).
14 new items tonight, total 201 down, 19 remaining, 34 visits so far, averaging 5.91 items per visit (as of tonight), on pace to finish at TEITY 39–I can see the end.
In stark contrast to the weird/icky stuff that we had last time, this meal focused on my favorite thing in the world: fresh seafood, including lobster.
The highlight was the fried fish skin. Not knowing what to expect but fearing the worst, I was quite surprised to the contrary. Deep-fried to a perfect crisp, nary a trace of oil. Whether dunked briefly in the broth or as is, worked well either way. Remarkably clean and delicate flavor, almost to the point of being tasteless, making me think that it’s from a large white saltwater fish. While the lobster was the best part of the meal, the fish skin was the most interesting.
This kind of arrangement is not recommended. First, the lazy susan and portable stove raise the pot so high that the inside is visible only when partially standing. Second, each cluster of diners is focused on their own pot, impeding a larger group dynamic. We tried it once with a single pot, but then it had to be rotated back and forth on the lazy susan so that people on the ends of the table could get their food.
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ADDENDUM
10 (Fri) April 2015
Finished (see generally 6.095 Done).
i remember you don’t like the tables in the hall. dishes look so beautifully delicious except fried fish skin–indeed, an interesting dish, but i wonder if it has any nutritious value.
yes, I’ve decided never to sit in the main hall again. i should get my own private room.
have you considered telling the folks who tie your shoes that their domain has recently expired?
wouldn’t they know?