Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine

Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine

FOOD.

Yesterday was another work Saturday so lunch time had to be something extra special.

My constant eating friend, Bonsai, promised me that he'd come with me to the main branch of Michelle's Homemade Putong Ube (which i will write about). On our way out, 3 other officemates, LM (Logistics Master), MA (Master Artist) and SD (Sexy Doc) asked us where we're going. So we mentioned my quest for the Putong Ube and said Lunch after was still "wherever". So they hopped in the car and joined us. 

After buying and munching on the Putong Ube, the daunting task of selecting where to have lunch began. We found ourselves heading towards Greenhills for Balkan Express, and then someone wanted Mexican food so we took a turn somewhere and headed towards Ristra's. The thought of the extreme traffic (Edsa-Ortigas was closed due to the Anti-RH bill rally) had us mentioning Persian food at Persiana, and then someone wanted wings and burgers so we drove towards Charlie's. Anyway, it took us 30 minutes of driving around and around until we finally found ourself at the entrance of Ramen Cool.

The Interiors

The place was sleek, obviously minimalist and presented itself as a modern Japanese resto. We took one of the cubicled seats and immediately we were each handed a copy of their menu. 

The Menu

By default whenever I'd go to a new Japanese restaurant the first thing I will order is something that has to be good. A staple in any Japanese place, my test always falls to a decent order of Katsudon. This rice topped meal sounds simple enough but is actually quite hard to serve to a very discerning patron. The vegetables on top of the deep fried breaded pork should be crisp enough to indicate freshness. The egg should be cleanly placed on top, it should appear to have been cooked there because of the heat from the tonkatsu. The deep fried breaded pork should be crunchy, the soy based sauce should wet it a bit, but not too much for it to come out soggy. The rice should be perfectly cooked, each grain apart from the other, moist but not wet.

Me and MA both ordered Katsudon, Bonsai got the Gyudon. LM got the chicken teriyaki-don and SD got a Spicy Chicken-don. We also got an order of California Love sushi and Sukiyaki to share.

California Love Maki (P195)

The California Love first came out. Aside from the regular california maki, I think the "Love" part was the concoction of mango, kani, cucumber and kewpie mayo that they placed on top of each sushi. It was refreshing and put more flavor on the regular maki. Often we are served California Maki that seems to be lacking ingredients and could use a little more Japanese mayo, mango or crabstick. The additional topping eliminates that chance and makes sure that everyone gets a taste of the ingredients inside.

The sukiyaki came out next. It was surprisingly plenty for its price (P215). The server then placed the raw egg on top. . The sukiyaki tasted okay but then the glass noodles were just so long and we were having a hard time getting it in our bowls. The beef was plenty and tender. All 5 of us shared the sukiyaki and we all felt we got just the right amount. The soup could need a little toning down though. The flavor was so intense that after drinking a few spoonfuls of the soup, I felt I had enough.

Katsudon (P180)

The main dishes came out next and each of us had a bowl of rice and viand to enjoy. I enjoyed my katsudon. It tasted like what I would've wanted it to taste like. It was also nice that each table already had the different sauces and what-have-you that you would need. I usually ask for some chili oil and powder and I was glad to have it right beside me already and not ask the waiter to bring some over.

Convenient Condiments

I think the bottomline was all 5 of us enjoyed our meals and had nothing bad to say about anything. If you want Japanese food that tastes authentic and not fast-food-ish but with a pricetag that's not as expensive as the restaurants you would find in Makati, I think this Kapitolyo establishment can offer you something that you would like and enjoy. The service was good, I think I had 5 water refills and everytime I asked for it, the server would be back in a jiffy. All in all, eating at Ramen Cool was a good choice. All 5 of us agreed and left the place contented and a few pounds heavier.

Ramen Cool can be found in 25 East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City. When you enter through the Kapitolyo gate that passes in front of Cafe Juanita, just go straight and then make a left turn at the first crossing. It's the corner establishment on the left. ENJOY!