Trying out Japanese food

SOME Kagay-anons love to dine out and try a set of menu that are new to their palate. And I am one of those who love to try different dishes that can delight my senses and lighten my mood.

Except for Japanese food.

Thinking of Japanese cuisines makes me prefer our very own bistek and adobo as I don’t want my food served raw, especially if its fish. No offense to the Japanese. But I greatly adore how they serve their meals artistically and healthy.

I also enjoy the Japanese’s creativity in preparing their food, especially the unusual presentation of what they call sashimi and sushis.

Perhaps, I was not just acquainted with Japanese dishes since I grew up used to well-done food. Or maybe, these are just simply not my cup of tea.

But in my field of work as a writer, everything should be tried and tested for me to get a good angle of the story. And refusing an offer is a great insult to your host and a bad image for the paper.

Recently I came across an invitation of a newly-opened fast food chain serving a variety of Japanese menu located at the 2nd floor of Limketkai Center.

I could not say no to the invitation, which is actually the opening of the first Tokyo Tokyo Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro, its 53rd branch in the country.

As I arrived at the venue, Ms. Joan Optina, Tokyo Tokyo’s marketing manager, was very friendly and accommodating. All the staff were also attentive on their guests’ needs.

Aside from SunStar staff and other members of the tri-media, also among the invited guests were local bloggers and from the looks of it, they were all thrilled on Tokyo Tokyo’s decision to open a whole new dining experience for all Kagay-anons after more than 30 years of existence in Luzon. Their enthusiasm makes me wonder what made this restaurant the talk of the town.

We arrived in the venue just in time for the program to start, hosted by one of the city’s fast rising artist, Bryan Yu.

Everyone was very attentive, including me, who enjoyed the introduction of the restaurant and its menu as well as the games prepared.

An actual demonstration on how Maki is being prepared by one of the restaurant’s renowned chefs was shown.

Some of the guests also had a rare chance of trying their hand at making the ever popular California Maki. The demo signified just how much technique and mastery go into making Tokyo Tokyo’s delicious and affordable Japanese dishes.

Ms. Optina, our great host who came all the way from Manila, somehow understood my hesitance of Japanese dishes as I was the only one among the expectant crowd who did not raise a hand when asked who likes Japanese food.

I learned from her that Japanese and Filipino dishes don’t differ after all. Yes they have different names and their preparations also differ but the rest are all the same, like the Pork Tonkatsu which in layman’s term is Breaded Pork Chop while Beef Misuno is the Filipino version of Beef Steak.

I was somehow relieved to know that not all Japanese dishes are raw after indulging their wide array of menu, including their Bento Meal and Sumo Meal, which was named after Japan’s iconic sumo wrestler.

Ms. Optina says the Sumo meal comes in a big meal that includes many of the best-loved dishes like Pork Tonkatsu, prawn tempura, beef misono, red iced tea and unlimited Japanese rice.

The bento meal, on the other hand, is a complete meal in a box. You would surely get your money’s worth as the content is fully customizable by choosing among nine Japanese bestseller meals combined with Miso Soup, vegetable, dessert with red iced tea and unlimited rice.

The invited guests were also given a treat of Tokyo Tokyo’s best-selling snack offerings like Nori Wasabi French fries that comes with pearl milk teas and the Japanese shoguns and Shitake mushroom burgers.

Over all, I like the restaurant’s food and fast service. It’s just a matter of trying out for yourself and not just rely on your imagination.

My first time at Tokyo Tokyo is unforgettable. It’s really worth coming back for another round of gastronomic experience.