Go Black at Tonkatsu by Terazawa

The very best of Spain delicately prepared by Chef Terazawa for a new Katsu experience.  The Katsu wars just keeps getting better and better...

Spain's famed Black Iberico Pork is transformed into a Katsu masterpiece at Tonkatsu by Terazawa, part of  The Bistro Group's growing network of restaurant concepts. The best of Spain meets Japan in this delightful fusion of flavors.

Located in the former spot of Chef Terazawa's Ma Maison, Tonkatsu by Terazawa is yet another of Chef Terazawa's concepts, this time featuring the classic pork cutlet. Each tonkatsu is prepared with  traditional methods, including aging the pork by wrapping it in cloth for three days resulting in tender and flavorful tonkatsu.   

Star your meal with one of many Katsu specialties at Tonkatsu by Terazawa, including Deep Fried Oyster (P 495/5 pcs, P 295/3 pcs), plump oysters imported from Japan covered in panko and deep-fried, served with a side of tartar sauce. Other choices include prawns, chicken and other seafood, but this one's a winner, and great with a cold beer.

The Black Spanish Iberico Katsu (P 595), coated with fresh bread crumbs or nama panko and deep-fried to golden and crisp perfection. The subtle, delicate yet rich flavors of the nutty, tender pork and the juicy melt-in-your-mouth marbling plays well with the light and crisp panko breading. The Black Spanish Iberico Katsu is great as is, even better when dipped in salt.

And here's a cool tip. Drizzle some sesame seeds directly on your pork cutlet for added flavor. Light. crisp, and juicy, the new Black Spanish Iberico Katsu is definitely a must-try. Different and distinct, the new Black Spanish Iberico Katsu is a classic east-west fusion using the best premium ingredients masterfully prepared and presented.

Part of the fun in any katsu meal is preparing the dipping sauces. At Tonkatsu by Terazawa, you start with salt, followed by tonkatsu sauce sprinkled with chili powder or Togorashi, and sweet tonkatsu sauce with sesame seeds. Each set also comes with refillable Japanese rice, shredded cabbage, and hot Tonjiru (miso soup with pork).

Japanese pickled vegetables or Tsukemono are included in the set. The okra with bonito flakes and sweet corn is best enjoyed with Tonkatsu by Terazawa's specially cooked steamed white rice or organic brown rice. The subtle flavors of the pickled vegetables also stimulate the taste buds.

Tonkatsu by Terazawa offers two kinds of dressing for the unlimited shredded cabbage, a traditional sesame seed dressing and a refreshing Japanese Dressing made with carrots, onions, garlic and Japanese mayo. The shredded cabbage helps cleanse the taste buds as well as provide a balanced meal.

Got a cheese craving? Tonkatsu by Terazawa's Chizu Katsu with a creamy cheese sauce should satisfy  any cheese fix. The Cheese Hire Katsu (P 485) is crisp, deep-fried pork cutlet with cheese for another unique katsu experience.

For dessert, go for the Caramel Cake (P 295), a Graham cracker crust topped with a thick layer of rich chocolate fudge and a creamy New York Cheesecake covered in golden caramel.

Or the Frozen Green Tea (P 155), with a Graham crust layered with green tea ice cream with maccha filling and topped with soft meringue. One of the more popular desserts from the former Ma Maison, the Frozen Green Tea makes a comeback at Tonkatsu by Terazawa.

Aside from Black Iberico Pork Katsu, Tonkatsu by Terazawa also offers other premium pork cutlets including Kurobuta Pork. The new Black Spanish Iberico Pork Katsu is a must-try for katsu afficionados, as  the raging katsu wars levels up once again. Go black? Absolutely.

Tonkatsu by Terazawa is located at Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati or call 729-9121 to 22 for inquiries and reservations.

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