Although I honestly appreciated the perks, I am such a workaholic that I enjoyed working even without.  I don't know why I have so much curiosity and interests that I would always keep on asking "why"s and googling for answers. 

But, since I got treated I might as well enjoy!  I asked if this was his favorite place and he replied that he just eats here (implying it was for convenience).


Later on, I realized for Koreans, a meal time with the Boss is not a time to be grateful for just the food but also for the time to learn and be mentored as well.

He ordered two orders of Samgyupsal for us.  It came in a satisfying serving portion and lightly seasoned just the way I like it.  

He caught me taking photo of the dishes.  (My ninja moves failed.)  He asked why do I take a photo of this instance if even if I frequently get to eat out being a food blogger.  I told him because every experience is different and I want to remember it.

After a long time, I get to re-evaluate again why I blog.  As of writing, I realized that blogging really is one of the best practices I developed.  Just by looking at the photos, I can retrieve and reconstruct a moment and reflect on it as often as I want to. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Shabu Yaki offers reasonable priced Korean dishes with generous serving of banchan.  It's a straight forward no fuzz place to dine.

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.

Leann's Tea House looks like the typical Chinese Tea House except for the fact that you will see Korean words instead of Chinese words on the signage.


Food
Since Unlimited Samgyupsal is trending and seemed really reasonable, I joined in together with my companions. 


We availed of the Unlimited Samgyupsal Pork Belly and Beef Belly for only 449 php.

There were a lot of options to choice from.

I was enjoying the munching that I hardly remembered the names.

But, I enjoyed the classic beef belly the most!

I had two orders of it.

Appetizer

♥ Spicy Ojinguh (270 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

For decades, we've grown to love Racks for living up to its promise of delivering the best ribs in town.  Then surprise surprise, a new cooler and younger brother called Rackshack comes along. 

Like all younger brothers, there's a bigger pressure of living up to the expectations set by its older brother. 

With a brighter and hipper vibe and long tables allowing for social eating, it bears no influence of its older brother.

Aside from the name, I bet you couldn't tell just by the looks of the place right?


To properly differ from its good and stable older brother, it also offers booze to heighten the social and dining experience. 

Food

Ridiculously Good Appetizers

♥ Ridiculous Nachos (365 php)

Being born after an older brother, Rackshack sure knows that sharing is caring!  It offers appetizers that are fun to enjoy with company like the Ridiculous Nachos...

Onion Strings (135 php)

Onion Strings...

Skinny Fries (95 php)

and Skinny Fries.

Street Corn Salad (195 php)

Its salad isn't as grand but it is more affordable than what Racks has to offer.

Pork Ribs in Hoisin Sauce (Sampler Only)

Rackshack offers 5 sauces: Mother Sauce (signature house blend), Spicy Mother Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Carolina Gold (mustard base) and Kansas Sauce (sweet and spicy).  I

♥ Creole Garlic Shrimp (Sampler Only)

 I enjoyed the Creole Garlic Shrimp.

Crack Fried Chicken (Half 345 php)

If I recall correctly, Racks also has an item similar to the Crack Fried Chicken.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
So that's what you can expect from Racks cooler and younger brother Rackshack.  Should we welcome it with open arms and love it just like its older brother?   Hmm... I wouldn't want to spoil it so I'll be honest with my opinion that it has yet to convince many that it can deliver consistently like Racks was able to.  But price-wise, it is a bit cheaper.

It has already been six years since I first tried Zark's Burgers at their pioneer branch.  Zark's has gone a long way since then.

Would you believe that from a hole in a wall it has around 20 branches now?  I can now enjoy it even at malls like the last time I was in SM Megamall. 

Food
We love Zark's and we love its American burger concept.  But, at the back of our minds, we secretly wish that it would be a bit closer to our Filipino preference like having some rice dishes.

Asian Curry (149 php)

So I'm very happy to try Zark's new signature burger steaks.  I wasn't expecting much but when the the Asian Curry was served, I was impressed.  Look!  So bongga!  Based on visual presentation, this matches Japanese curry shop items that are worth twice as much.  How about the taste?  Hmm... For the price, not bad!  A bit on the salty than peppery though. 

♥ Garlic Mushroom (149 php)

If you ask me what's my favorite?  Its the Garlic Mushroom!  This is comfort food at its finest!  Yum yum!!!

♥ Chipotle BBQ (149 php)

Second runner up is the Chipotle BBQ.  I love the sweet and flavorful blend that makes me want to indulge into this with more rice!  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Zark's has done a great job with their Signature Burger Steaks!  I find this a bang for the buck choice with a generous serving of rice and sauce to complement the burger steak.  I especially appreciate it being cooked fresh upon order.  I will definitely order these again when I'm in the area.  The service at Zark's is superb as well considering it doesn't even have a service charge.

Tip: Tomorrow May 28, 2018 is Zark's Jawbreaker Day!