Worth the slurp umami Ramen in Bataan

It's somehow boring at home and I'm craving to eat a different meal last Sunday. My sister-in-law invited me over to have Samgyupsal that day with my Brother. Sadly, the restaurant was closed when we arrived. Nowhere to go, my Brother suggested to visit the Ark's Food Zone instead. My brother was bragging that place he called Makiramen since the first day it opens and they often eat there. I'm a fan of Korean ramen but Japan ramen is more flavorful and has intense taste. The fact that my brother recommends that place, it means that it's truly savory knowing what kind of critic my brother is on Japanese food. 

That Ark's Food Zone is only a 15-minute drive from Dinalupihan and it's near in the Ecozone at Palihan, Hermosa. This is a common hangout nook by employees after work and they offer Shawarma and Silog Meals, inside of that small alley you'll find this cute Makiramen stall where the magic of making Japanese sushi happens.

At the entrance, you'll see their menu offering variety of sushi and ramen.

The price range for ramen ranges from Php 179 to Php 249. Not bad, because Japanese ramen are really expensive if you eat in any authentic ramen house anywhere. For the sushi, price ranges from Php 99 to Php 179. They also offer add-on if you prefer having an extra noodle for example or extra eggs.

After making up our minds, the couple ordered tonkotsu ramen while I ordered the special spicy ramen. I also ordered gyosa, salmon sashimi, mango salmon roll and the crunchy crab stick. I was thinking of trying all the sushi however my tummy can't take too much carbs. I'm already cheating in my keto diet that day ha ha ha ha!

 

I'm not an expert in reviewing the authenticity of sushi but I'll comment on how I enjoyed eating my orders. Mango salmon roll is an absolutely great choice. I like the tweak of sweetness while tasting the slight robust flavor of the fresh salmon. With or without the dark soy, it's still enjoyable to eat. The crunchy crab stick is my least favorite because I was expecting a crab stick flavor on the sushi though I can see that the crab stick bits were on top as an accent to the roll; it's simply eating a roll of rice with a fried crab stick on top. Quick info for everyone, the Makiramen offers uramaki (a type of maki) in their sushi options, basically a maki that's inside out. 

Gyoza is authentic, it's the same flavor I tasted in all Japanese restaurants that I've been to. It's also commendable to order, no other comments about it because it's absolutely a must-try. The salmon sashimi on the other hand is okay however I felt bits of ice in the center of the sliced fish. This is understandable considering the way of storing this kind of fish and sashimi is not often ordered unless the customer is a fan of raw food. As a sashimi lover, I would suggest to replace the calamansi with a ground ginger and stick with the original presentation of using daikon (white radish) as bedding of the sashimi. It's more cost effective because you can store daikons longer than lettuce leaves and a few grams of ground ginger is cheaper than a piece of calamansi.

Anyway for the noodles, let me share to you my experience tasting the two flavors we ordered. Below is a Tonkotsu Ramen.

This one tastes like carbonara in a ramen form. The soup broth is milky white, I don't know if there's a cream on it but definitely the base is from pork bones when I taste it. This ramen taste sweet on my palette. I'm sure most people will prefer ordering this kind of ramen.

The one I ordered is the special spicy ramen. I'm sure its not a shoyu base or a miso base. The good thing about this ramen is its spiciness is so tolerable. There will be a very light sting around your mouth after sipping the soup but you'll enjoy the savory broth very well. I will commend the serving of chasu because the serving is ample. The corn and bean sprout helped to add texture with the rest of the toppings. I appreciate the black sesame seeds because the soup looked appetizing aside from it contribute in the scent of the ramen. This is also a must-have when you order at Makiramen. You better visit their place to taste other ramen varieties because they also offer seafood and vegetable ramen.

Rating the Makiramen from 1-10, I'll give it a 7. Why? First, the ramen is worth of what you pay for. Serving is generous. Noodles is so good to bite. Broth is superb. I won't presume it as authentic but surely the ramen is delectable. Two thumbs up on that however for the sushi, there's a need for improvement in some of the items. By the way I ordered  cheese fried (sushi) and tamago for take out. Tamago passed but cheese fried failed my expectations. It's too dry, the batter and crumbs overpowered the taste of the roll and the roll became tasteless as a whole. Owners may consider replacing the sushi items with coatings or re-invent. 

Over all, the Makiramen at Ark's Food Zone is worth a try. Just check their Facebook page and IG for updates and promos. 

If you are craving for a hot ramen anytime, make the Makiramen top of your choice!

'Til my next blog

-JackieKnowsIt

Why I always return at City Garden Hotel Makati?

There was a time that I need to be in Makati more than once due to marketing engagements from my previous job. I already slept at Berjaya Makati Hotel, Best Western Plus Antel, Azotea Suites and at City Garden Hotel Makati. All of them were impressive hotels, offers different facilities and provides great customer service in different ways. Though if I'm going to be asked what hotel will I return to over and over again, I will definitely choose City Garden Hotel Makati.

Guys, I want you to know that what I'm writing now was my experience last September 2017. It took me almost three years to write my review about this hotel because I've gone busy, you know, priorities. For the record, I've stayed here thrice. 2017 was my first time stay but see, I still return every time I need to spend a day or two at Makati. I'm still inspired to make a write up about it today after seeing my stored photos of it and I'll tell you why.

So three days and two nights stay because I need to attend an expo. WiFi password was written on the card jacket. As part of the routine, I always do a room raid.

So inside, you'll see a complete set of amenities. I've never been in a 5-star hotel so I can't do a comparison on what's missing but I noticed most were labeled with the hotel logo. I don't remember if I'm on a Deluxe Queen Room or at Executive Queen Room. I was surprised that this hotel has 160 rooms. Definitely they cater big groups with function room requirements. After settling my travel bag and stuff, I went out to check other facilities. 

I was unable to take some pictures at the sauna and their function rooms though I was given a chance to be toured around seeing other room types that they have. Afternoon came, I decided to try the gym. I'm not into exercise though it was mentioned that they have a state-of-the-art fitness facilities. So I got curious and give it a try.

I tried the tread mill for 30 minutes and the stationary bike for 15 minutes. I'm so dead tired after that ha ha ha. 

They have this bench press, dumb bells, stability balls, kettle bell, barbels and so on. I only knew a few but I think most of the gym equipment found in other gyms were here. I can't took more pictures because there were other guests using the gym. 

I'm always excited to experience the breakfast. You know why? I don't care how exquisite your hotel are. I'm already expecting it to justify the value of money. The hotel's breakfast may either make you or break you. It creates a lasting impression especially for first timer guest like me.

I mentioned earlier that I've been in a few hotels at Makati. Regardless of their star level or uniqueness, I will still choose City Garden Hotel among them because their breakfast never failed to satisfied me. It's not about how oriental or western your viands are but it's the taste and satisfaction of having a hearty breakfast. I still choose this hotel for years simply because of the breakfast.

Most hotels failed to realize that its not the bed, or the size of the pool, or jaw-dropping views or the latest interior designs that we are after when choosing a hotel. Well yes, Instagram-able backgrounds is a factor now a days however its the food, its always be, especially the first thing that you will eat after waking up matters the most.   

I also have this attitude that I judged the hotel by its breakfast, ha ha ha. I know its quite unfair knowing that these hotels spend millions to provide first class facilities, impressive ambiance, undeniably state of comfort on its amenities but hey, that's what the guests pay for right? Don't ever dare not to be keen on little things like breakfast or else expect a lot of thumbs down and bad reviews on services.

Finally I spilled my pending tea. Still happy reminiscing my stays here and traffic catastrophe ha ha ha. Just visit their website for bookings and inquiries. 'Til my next blog.

- JackieKnowsIt