SAMBO KOJIN

Sambo Kojin – The Kitchen God

Grill All You Can . Eat All You Can.

Address : 15 West Avenue, Quezon City

Tel. No. : (632) 372-8846 / (632) 921-2873

Operating Hrs. Mon-Fri 11:30am – 2pm / 6pm – 10pm

Sat –Sun 11am – 2pm / 5:30pm – 10pm

Price: 499 M-F Lunch / 599 M-F Dinner / 649 Sat Sun Holiday PLUS 12% Tax

If you want Jap and Korean food … this is your place .

Japanese Maki & Sushi

Desserts

KEEP THE FORK !

As a believer of pleasant surprises around the bend … always anticipating the best in everything … an optimist that tells the universe of the good things and deems it will all be possible … I came across this in FB by This is Epic … it has written what I have always been … what I will still be … read on …

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things ‘in order,’ she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. ‘There’s one more thing,’ she said excitedly..

‘What’s that?’ came the Pastor’s reply.

‘This is very important,’ the young woman continued. ‘I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.’

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. That surprises you, doesn’t it?’ the young woman asked.

‘Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,’ said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. ‘My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming…like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!’ So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder ‘What’s with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep the fork ..the best is yet to come.’

The Pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman’s casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, ‘What’s with the fork?’ And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share …. being friends with someone is not an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility.

Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND…and I’ll bet this will be a story they do remember, every time they pick up a fork.!

And just remember…keep the fork! … a pleasant surprise awaits. (my version)

I want buried with a fork as well … in my urn.

P.F. Chang’s

PF Chang’s

Lower Ground Flr,

Corte de las Palmas ,Alabang Town Center,

Muntinlupa City, Philippines

869-9810 / 869-7837

http://www.pfchangs.com.ph

“Some family recipes are passed down from generation to generation. Ours from dynasty to dynasty.” By Philip Chiang (co-founder)

The ATC P.F. Chang’s is the 1st in Asia and the Philippines (January 19, 2012). Soon to open: The Fort. Founded in 1993 and owned by an American Italian named Paul Fleming and an American Chinese Philip Chiang. This 237-seater American bistro/Chinese restaurant was 1st established Scotsdale, Arizona. They have 217 branches across the world.

The design is exquisitely though of – very traditional and modern at the same time. Looming on the doorway are 2 grandiose 11-foot tall horses that ushers the thought … splendid things to come. Everything about the place shouts grand, elegant and enormous.

Adorning the walls are replicas of the terracotta warriors which was discovered in March 29, 1974 in Xi’an, Sianaaxi Province. Unearthed were terracotta army of 8,000 soldiers (each with a different face), 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses (amazing!) whose purpose was to protect the 1st emperor Qin Shi Huangdi in his afterlife. The exhibit has travelled the world but majority was still buried in the pits of the emperor’s mausoleum.

Unearthed Terracotta Warriors
From Wikipedia Photo

Terracotta Warrior and American Bistro in One Roof

There is also a gigantic mural which is an original hand-painting depicting the 12th century scenes of China. It is interesting to note that Chinese paintings don’t have dimensions in them. No shadows and no perspective unlike the European paintings.

There is a bar near the foyer that holds wine and other beverages. This makes it different from other typical Chinese Restaurants.

Foodie’s Orders:

(*) CHANG’S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS – Php 395 -“Our signature appetizer. Wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks and served with cool, crisp lettuce cups.”  This also comes in a vegetarian dish using tofu.

♦ My Best lettuce wrap! Crisp lettuce cups can be ordered per piece as well for only Php 25. This is deliciously fresh.  The lettuce just gives it a delicious crunch that adds to the symphony of flavours.  This is like biting into a day after it rained with the coolest of the morning dew to complete the scene.  Fresh and carefree – new love.

CHANG’S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

I super ♥  the sauces that were explained fully by my server and would be asked if you’d like it mild, medium or hot … they come in six kinds: 3 in bottles: soy, vinegar and chili oil  and 3 in little white ramekins: hot mustard, potsticker sauce, chili paste.  They can mix it for you or you can mix it yourself.

POTSTICKER SAUCE :

• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, ground

PF Chang’s SPECIAL SAUCES

 

(*) CRAB WONTONS – Php 395 – “Crispy wontons filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, minced red and green bell peppers, green onions, ginger and garlic, served with a spicy plum sauce.”

A starter that promises a delicious feast of the palate … this is crispy goodness in a bite.  It is not guessing when the taste of the crab is going to arrive … it presents itself in all its glorious flavour. The spicy plum sauce is deliciously different. This is the moment when you know nothing at all – biting into it and discovering numerous things that can make you happy.

CRAB WONTONS

(*) P.F. CHANG’S FRIED RICE – Php 200 – “Wok-fried rice blended with egg, soy, carrots, bean sprouts and sliced scallions.”

This is saying goodbye to your low-carb diet … this is very good! I could eat this even without anything to go with it. This is an old love … stable, unpretentious and bad for the waistline because of complacency.

P.F. CHANG’S FRIED RICE

CRISPY HONEY CHICKEN – Php 365 – “Lightly battered and served in a sweet sauce over a bed of crispy rice sticks.

This is not as crispy as the name implies. This is akin to the disappointment of an unrequited love. Hoping but never getting it.  Almost there but not quite.

CRISPY HONEY CHICKEN

Buddha’s Feast  – Php 345 – “Perfect as a light entrée or complement to any dish with baked tofu and mixed vegetables. Served steamed or stir-fried.”

Fresh …. crisp … healthy. Indulging without the feeling of guilt. Enjoying the moment and but never going astray.

BUDDHA’S FEAST

STIR-FRIED EGGPLANT   – Php 175 – “Chinese eggplant tossed in a spicy vegetarian sauce with chili paste and scallions.”

Expectations are built because this is familiar.  But there is always a surprise around the bend.  Familiarity though seemingly ordinary can create a new dimension if presented differently.

There is a special part of the Menu that serves Gluten-free dishes:

According to their website:

Gluten is a type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. As wheat is a primary ingredient in soy sauce, we’ve created a Gluten Free Menu to accommodate our Guests with Celiac’s Disease and Gluten intolerance. These items are gluten free as prepared, or are modified to be gluten free.

Your Gluten free dish will be cooked in a separate wok station with exclusive woks to prevent contamination. The following ingredients are used in P.F. Chang’s gluten free sauces: chicken broth, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, water, wheat free soy sauce and white pepper. Our marinades are gluten free and contain cornstarch.

All Gluten Free items are served on a special plate with the P.F. Chang’s logo.

The soy sauce on the table is not gluten free. Please ask your server for our gluten free soy sauce.

DESSERTS! … the happiest of all the endings

(*) The Great Wall of Chocolate – Php 465 – “Six rich layers of frosted chocolate cake topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, served with fresh strawberry and raspberry sauce.”

This is a secret rendezvous with your favourite past. All consuming.  Guilt-laden. “I wish I never came because I don’t want to leave.” Believe it … this is it and more!

THE GREAT WALL OF CHOCOLATE
From the PF Chang Website Photo

GF Black Sesame Pavlova – Php 185 –  “Lemon curd sandwiched between black sesame meringue layers. Served with raspberry sauce and fresh fruits.”

This is your what-might-have-been.  This is bound to be tangy that you can’t keep a straight face.  This is better off as a what-might-have-been because this is knowing the reality that bites. I’m not a citrus lover… not today, not tomorrow.

GF BLACK SESAME PAVLOVA
From PF Chang Website Photo

(*) Mango Cream Cheese Wontons – Php 185 – “Mango and cream cheese in a wonton wrapper. Fried to a golden brown and served with chocolate sauce.”

This is choosing something because there is an ingredient that you like in it that is present. This is being guarded and comfortable – being unadventurous and predictable.  My Predilection. The outcome is always the same … liking it, loving it. The cycle continues because of the calm it gives … even after a storm.

MANGO CREAM CHEESE WONTONS
From PF Chang’s Website Photo

Legend: (*) MY TOP PICKS!

Aside from the ambiance that I really love … my love for history and the arts, I would like to believe that the people I have encountered in the place mattered the most.  They were warm, helpful and indulging.  Always proud of the restaurant’s heritage … knowledgeable even.  They embodied the phrase “customer is king”.  I had asked to have our table moved to another spot because the air-conditioning vent was directly on our food … and yes, they moved it. It was a feat knowing how the lay-out of the place had to be maintained.  Whenever you go to place, it is always a treat to have people around you that seemed to like what they are doing.  I would like to believe they didn’t do it because I’m a food blogger. I’m all praises for their brand of good customer orientation, can you blame me?

 P.F. Chang – Welcome to the Philippines and thank you for incorporating our basic Filipino value to your international restaurant chain – Hospitality.