The family has had thousands of dinner celebrations.  But, except for our own homes, none of them are as special as Asunaro that gets to be our chosen dining venue for more than once.  

Whether it's for a casual after-spa dinner, mother's day and birthday, Asunaro has always been a recurring option for the family.  We've been dining here since its former Miyabi days.  Thus, I could safely conclude that its the extended family's most loved Japanese Restaurant. 


Like our family, the place has undergone a lot of changes.  But, I think their interior right now is the best.  Hence, only sharing about them just now. (Good excuse for my delinquency right?)


I find it to be very in tuned with nature.


Food

Ala Carte

Sake (Salmon) (150 php)

♥ Harasu (Fatty Flesh of Salmon Belly) (350 php)

A must order at Asunaro is their fresh salmon sashimi.  Whether its Sake (Salmon) or the Harasu (Fatty Flesh of Salmon Belly), you can always count on its freshness.  

♥ Uni (Sea Urchin) (250 php)

Iradori Maki (380 php)

The Iradori Maki  is a tuna and salmon california maki with  mango and crabsticks.

Kani Ebi Tempura Maki (280 php)

Special Menu

♥ Maguro Cube Spicy Sashimi (280 php)

Robotayaki

♥ Chicken Teriyaki (260 php)

Agemono

Ebi Tempura (Prawn Tempura) (430 php)

You can already tell by its visual appeal that the Ebi Tempura (Prawn Tempura)  is top-notch.


Family Menu

Family Kaki Nabe (1,850 php)

♥ Family Yakiniku (1,200 php)

Dinner Set Menu




Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Asunaro Japanese Restaurant is our family's most loved Japanese restaurant and no doubt it will always be. 

Although its been a very long time since I last dined at Arya, I felt a nostalgic feeling.

Food
When I opened the menu, indeed it is similar.  The selections and the price looked pretty much how I remembered it especially being expensive.  Yes, it used to be one of the most expensive options in Robinson's Place.  Yet, somehow I found that quite surprising since after all these years, the price seemed relatively the same.  So given the rate of inflation and my financial capacity, I thought it was reasonably priced now.

♥ Arya Dip Platter (342 php)

For starters, the Arya Dip Platter with Hummus (chick peas), Motabal (smoked eggplant) and Tziziki (cucumber) is a great option.

Lamb (with pita bread)

♥ Gourmeh Sabzi (497 php)

The person who treated me this Gourmeh Sabzi for my birthday once taught me a very valuable lesson I will never forget in my entire life when he told me, "Why do you value things based on how much they are priced?  Not all things that are expensive are special and vice versa."  Since then, the way I value things changed.  But, this Gourmeh Sabzi, stew of lamb sauteed in minced coriander leaves, parsley, cilantro and red beans is really good!  I'd order it regardless of the price. =p
 

♥ Arya Sini (698 php)

The Arya Sini is a mixed of their specialty grills: Mahi (tanigue), Royal Joojeh (chicken breast) , Beef Koobideh (ground beef seasoned with spices) and Beef Shish (tenderloin marinated in yogurt and saffron).  While this looks expensive, you can share it for two.  But, I wouldn't because I love it.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
One of my favorite cuisine is Persian.  And, I can't think of another restaurant specialising in Persian that can beat Arya.  I will surely come back for more.

Once in awhile, we like many other prefer to enjoy a simple Korean grill.  A perfect option in our area is Makchang Korean Grill.  Unlike its neighbor Doniz Korean Restaurant which I've shared before that offers an extensive Korean menu,  Makchang offers only a dozen items which are mainly grilled.

Seating during peak hours usually have to be assigned by numbers.  You can sat inside their sister establishment "Unlimited Buffet Korean Food Bbq Grill & Shabu-Shabu" while waiting.  But if you can't stand the smokers in such an enclosed area, you can just wait by standing outside watching the staffs burn their charcoal endlessly.


The interiors are downright simple with big round tables that are equip with charcoal grillers and exhaust.  You'll see servers running to and fro to cater to customers necessities.  

Food
Upon being seated, we were supplied with baek kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), lettuce, raw sweet potatoes, pajori (green onions mixed with chili powder and sesame salad), garlic and doenjang (soy bean paste sauce).  You can eat the sweet potatoes raw which will have a crunchy consistency like singkamas or cook it to make it mushy like fries. 

Complimentary Miso Soup

We were also given our a bowl of Complimentary Miso Soup each.


Makchang has a minimum order rule:

• 1-3 persons: Minimum of 2 orders
• 4-5 persons: Minimum of 3 orders
• 6-7 persons: Minimum of 4 orders

Beef

Kotdungsim (550 php)

For beef we tried the Kotdungsim.  The staff fully assisted in the cooking of each dish. 

Kotdungsim (550 php)

Pork

♥ Pork Galbi (250 php)

The Pork Galbi is a thick marinated pork rib meat. 

♥ Pork Galbi (250 php)

Upon being cooked, it is cut into bite-size pieces.  We loved this!  It as flavorful and tender. 

♥ Samkyupsal (250 php)

The Samkyupsal is the classic unmarinated pork belly slices known to have a fatty layer.  I enjoying eating this with the lettuce, pajori, garlic, baek kimchi and doenjang.

Galmekisal (290 php)

The Galmekisal is pork skirtmeat taken from the portion beneath the ribs and between the pig liver and the midriff. 

Galmekisal (290 php)

This is tougher to chew that the Pork Galbi probably because it is leaner. 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Makchang Korean Grill Restaurant offers a no fuzz and straight forward menu.  Their prices are very affordable making it a great choice for regular korean grill cravers.  As expected from the price, the meat quality is passable and the blend is nothing special. The service is great as staffs are lively and friendly despite being very busy.