I was dazzled by the sheer range of items available for grilling. All the proteins are present and accounted for: pork, lamb, chicken, duck, and more cuts of beef, including Gyu-Kaku’s bestseller, the “Karubi”, short ribs, known as the “King of Yakiniku”. There is abundant seafood for the non-carnivores: king prawns and whole squids to grill. Gindara, Norwgian Salmon, Scallops, even Oysters. There are lots of healthy vegetarian options too. Well, not that I really tried much of them, I confess. But one dish in particular looked compelling enough for me to take bite after bite. I quite enjoyed it too: the “Assorted Mushrooms with Butter”, everything locked in a carefully sealed bag of foil, which I cooked slowly on the grill. The butter melted inside the pouch, and coated the earthiness of the mushrooms with just the right amount of dairy richness. Let’s not forget the essential carbohydrates. I asked for a cup of rice, and was pleasantly surprised to instead receive a molded triangle of cooked rice, each side coated with sesame seeds. It’s called “Yakionigiri”, and yes, it’s also meant to be toasted on the grill, and then dipped into one of the Gyu-Kaku sauces. I loved it. “Something for Everyone. Satisfaction for Everyone. Smiles for Everyone.” That’s 01 Ishinabe Tofu Chige Soup Gyu-Kaku’s corporate philosophy, called 02 Shabu-Shabu Grill ‘Kando Sozo’. Companies in Western 03 Ishiyaki Mentaiko Bibimbap countries often have elaborate mission statements, but I prefer the simplicity and elegance of those from Japan, which mirror the nation’s culture of efficiency. The spirit of “Kando Sozo” was very apparent during my dinner at Gyu-Kaku. I definitely had a memorable experience. Arigato!
02
Gyu-Kaku is Japanese Barbecue raised to the next level. A restaurant that allows everyone to be a chef, cooking premium meats over hot coals. Surprisingly, the aromatic smoke from the tabletop braziers remains locked into the grilled items, and not on the diners’ clothes!
HEALTHY OPTIONS
Horenso Salad
Wagyu Karubi (Oyster Blade)
Assorted Mushrooms
Assorted Vegetables
PRICE RANGES
03
Appetizers are from P75 (Assorted Kim-chee) to P275 (Crispy pork belly) Gyu-Kaku Wagyu Beef are from P365 (small Wagyu tongue) to P2,350 (Wagyu tenderloin, 200g) Selected beef are from P425 (Karubi) to P925 (Tenderloin, 200g) Pork and chicken are from P175 to 165 Lamb is P695, Duck is P395-575 (breast meat), Beef intestine/Tripe is P110 Seafood is from P145 (3pcs scallop foil grill) to P1950 (Ocean seafood platter) Rice and noodles are from P60 (steamed rice) to P395 (Ume Buta Reimen) Desserts are from P95 (Gyu-Kaku Ice Cream) to P245 (Ice Cream Platter)
TIPS
They have a great selection of shochu, sake, and wine. Ask your servers about it. For those who can’t eat without rice, the yakiongiri goes well with the wagyu, shabu-shabu, and almost everything you’ll grill. Gyu-Kaku is located at W Global Center, 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Taguig. Opening hours 11am to 11pm. For more information call (02) 553 8962.
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LET’S EAT JUNE 2013 8