Kido Master Burger

The Japanese fastfood chain Karate Kid is now open at the 3rd Level of Farmer’s Plaza in Cubao. It is conveniently located near the walkway that connects to Gateway Mall. I have been passing by this area and wondered when the opening will be. Finally, there’s now a good alternative to the usual burger, fried chicken and pizza fare at the Araneta Center.

The fastfood chain, which had been in operation for over 10 years now, offers a fusion of Japanese and American cuisine. This is in keeping with its original concept taken from the American movie in the same title starring Ralph Macchio.

Karate Kid Farmer’s Plaza

Karate Kid Chicken

Naturally, there are the classic Japanese fare for those who love Japanese food — Katsudon, Ramen, California Maki, Teppanyaki, Takoyaki, Gyoza and Ebi Tempura. But their original creation combining Japanese and American elements are equally delectable. I had the Japanese Creme Chicken Pasta and I was very delighted. Generously served in extra creamy sauce, huge chicken chunks and mushroom, it’s really delicious and filling. I noticed that they also have burgers — Kido Master Burger and Eli Katsu Burgers. I thought they’d go well with the pasta; perfect if you’re really hungry.

*Story & Photos by Alwin Aguirre of The City Roamer

In addition to good food, the place also has good interiors. I’m happy that I now have an alternative dining spot to visit with Karate Kid Farmers Plaza. I’m sure this place will be filled with diners in no time, especially because the restaurant is very accessible from the MRT Cubao Station.

Karate Kid Desserts

Spicy Tuna Salad

Now a Celebrity-Chef, Marvin Agustin opens yet another branch of his Sumo Sam Japanese restaurant; this time at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City

Ebi Tempura

Continuing to share his passion for creative Japanese food, Marvin Agustin led the grand launch and opening of his 11th Sumo Sam branch in Gateway Mall last week.

Covered by traditional media and bloggers, Marvin Agustin also exhibited his skills preparing tuna sushi.

He also cut across a loooong roll and had the crowd taste what Sumosam had to offer.

Sumo Sam Gateway Mall Staff

Classy and Funky Interiros

Sumosam Fusion Japanese Cuisine

Sumo Sam Menu

Sumo Sam Japanese Restaurant

Sumo Sam Gateway Mall boasts of a 100-seating capacity dining area and a modern-classy interiors. For the menu, you should not miss the grilled seafood and steaks, rolls, sushi, tonkatsu, with its top 3 best sellers ebi tempura, beef teppan, and chicken teriyaki.

I can still remember Sumosam’s Samurai’s Choice Bento Meal I got to try a few months ago at the Greenhills Town Center branch. Back to the Gateway branch, I also got to try the Hot Prawn Salad,  Spicy Tuna Salad, and Tuna and Pink Salmon Sashimi. They were all good although I was used to the Hot Prawn Salad Chinese style which is hot and with cream. Sumosam’s is more on the traditional-natural salad type.

Sumo Sam Hot Prawn Salad

Chicken Terriayki

Tuna and Pink Salmon Sashimi

Brief History

Celebrity Chef Marvin Agustin

Sumo Sam is on a roll this year with a target of no less than 20 branches in total by the end of 2012. A brief look at the past reveals Sumo Sam as having been conceived by 3 young entrepreneurs: in the persons of Raymund Magdaluyo; Ricky Laudico and Marvin Agustin. They accomplished this together with renowned chefs: The Chef of the stars – Chef Florabel Co-Yatco; Chef Nikki Nicolas, pioneer batch of , and Chef Benjamin Gonzalez.

I’m surely coming back to Sumo Sam Gateway Mall soon. Visit them at the 2nd floor of The Gateway Mall, in Cubao, Quezon City