Saturday, October 25, 2008 Comforting food By Jigs Arquiza
I’VE always felt that grills are so much alike that they’ve become too generic. As the saying goes, you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all. But when I entered Koreen’s Grill at The Gallery along Juan Luna Ave., I felt that this place actually had something much more to offer than the usual.
For one, it’s got two dining areas: the main two-level air-conditioned dining room; and the open-air dining area out in front.
Those conscious about being exposed to the elements can dine inside, which is a non-smoking area while smokers can hang out in front. Wherever you’re seated, you can still watch the acoustic band that usually plays there during night time.
Another thing, the kitchen area is at the back, so smoke coming from the cooking fires don’t reach you—a boon for those suffering from asthma.
The best thing about Koreen’s Grill, though, is the food. Yes, it’s the usual dishes you can find in any grill in Cebu, but there the similarity ends. For example: their tuna panga is grilled, yes, but a tasty sauce is basted on it, giving the diner a finger-licking experience rarely found in run-of-the-mill establishments serving the same thing. Their grilled squid, stuffed with onions and tomatoes, is done basically the same way, basted in the same sauce while being cooked.
The bam-i is also quite tasty, and there’s no scrimping on the ingredients. It comes loaded with pork strips, shrimps, chorizo, beans and squid balls, while their sinuglaw makes a perfect match for a beer-drinking session.
The sinuglaw is made from fresh, raw fish and grilled pork, with slices of onions and tomatoes. The ingredients are then served soaked in vinegar: the vinegar slowly cooks the raw fish, and by the time it reaches the table, the dish is ready to eat.
Seafood lovers can order Koreen’s seafood soup, which has crab, prawns, scallops, ginger and onions in a delicious broth.
Another dish sure to please diners is the camaron rebosado. Think “Japanese prawn tempura” and you’re not far off the mark: large shrimps coated in batter and deep-fried. Dip it in the sweet and sour sauce and you’ve got a delightful eating experience.
Cebuanos have always been picky eaters, and, of course, being smart spenders. Cebuanos will always look for restaurants that offer good value for their money. Koreen’s not only gives you great value for your money, it also gives you something else: food that’s as comforting as the food that your mother or grandmother cooks.
