Saturday, August 16, 2008

Rice-based dishes fascinate me: Spanish paella, Chinese congee, Italian risotto, Filipino lugaw, Japanese sushi. So when I heard about “Japaella” offered at johnandyoko, I went to try it out. As the name of the dish suggests, it is a Japanese version of the paella, Japan meets Spain.

Priced at P328, the Japaella is good enough to be shared by two, or even three. It is served in the traditional Spanish paellera, and the dish combines chicken and prawns (3 pieces) as its main ingredients. The addition of nori seaweed slivers and the teriyaki flavor makes it very Japanese. As you dig into the sticky rice, you’ll find another Spanish element: the chunks of chorizo. For me, this dish is a winner for 3 reasons: (1) the portion size is good for sharing, (2) the flavors are familiar yet still exciting, and (3) it is a one-dish meal. We Pinoys love to say this, “may kanin na, may ulam pa!”

Hip. Modern. Sensual. This is how I describe johnandyoko, an upscale Filipino-owned casual dining restaurant in Makati City. It is located at the 2nd level of Greenbelt 5, one of the newest shopping/dining blocks in Ayala Center. Since it opened in October 2007, it has created buzz among the local foodies and was placed under careful scrutiny by restaurant/food critics and bloggers alike.

Customers can understand better the dining concept in what’s written in the menu:

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