Monday, May 7, 2012

Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine: Where Fusion Works

I don't usually get excited with fusion, and I remember trying some that tasted somewhat strange, or maybe too new and unfamiliar. But I was intrigued when I saw a photo at Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine's menu board, and curious as to how the elements will be fused. What else could you do with crispy pork belly, right?


A lot more I guess...the Skewered Pork 72 (P 370++), crispy pork belly on rolled rice with black & white sesame seeds and a side of crisp fried spinach and nori. A tart, citrus based Ponzu dipping sauce completes the dish.  Using the tradtional Filipino Lechon Kawali or deep-fried pork belly as the base, the dish then combines elements of Japanese cuisine resulting in something new and refreshing, a pretty cool twist on crispy pork belly.




It takes three days to prepare a batch of pork for this dish, hence the "72", with one day for marinating, another for oven baking and air drying, and it's ready for deep-frying by the third day.


The pork is crisp, yet juicy and tender, and the Ponzu sauce provides a flavor contrast to balance the richness of the pork.


The rice rolls have a subtle vinegar flavor similar to sushi rolls, adding another flavor note to complement the pork, while the sesame seeds provide some texture and crunch.


The fried spinach and nori strips also provide additional flavor notes and textures.


I think this is one dish where fusion works, an interesting take on an old favorite. And that works for me.


The overall presentation and plating of the dish is pretty cool, a visual feast.


A clean sweep...it's that good.


I have yet to try the other dishes, but I was quite happy with the Skewered Pork 72. Maybe my doctor won't approve, so we'll just keep this a secret.

Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine is located at the Upper Ground BGC East Superblock, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. For inquiries, call 621-3196 for details.

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30 comments:

  1. Pork belly is the best, and lucky you to have it so carefully prepared. Gorgeous photos too. A.

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  2. You eat at the most wonderful places! This place looks like a winner.

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    1. Hi Ramona, this one was a surprise, will have to try the other dishes. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. This not only looks gorgeous, it really sounds amazing! Take care, Terra
    www.cafeterrablog.com

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    1. Hi Terra, thanks! It was really great, thanks for visiting!

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  4. woah 3 days to prepare! ang tagal pala. but this dish looks interesting indeed.

    -Hazel
    http://foodieshaven.tumblr.com

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    1. Hi Hazel, yup, three days, but I think they prepare huge batches so this dish is readily available. Thanks for visiting!

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  5. this looks interesting! :) now i'm curious about their other dishes! :)

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    1. Hi Berylle, I'd like to try their other dishes too, but this one's a winner! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. This looks awesome!! I bet it's sweepin' good :)

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    1. Hi mr. pineapple man, it was great! Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. i must agree with you. the presentation is cool! and well, it must be very yummy with that over due and long presentation. I can taste the pork from here, it really looks very crispy.

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    1. Hi nuts, it looked and tasted good! Thanks for dropping in!

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  8. What I love about Japanese food is not only that it tastes good, but it is so exquisitely presented also!

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    1. Hi Nicholas V., very true, Japanese cuisine is a feast for the eyes as well! Thanks for dropping by!

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  9. Japanese food is always beautifully presented. Delicious too! Happy Weekend!

    <a href="http://www.atwerpslife.com/breakfast-buffets//”>The Twerp and I</a>

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    1. hi Jellybelly, I agree, they first feed the eyes with the overall presentation. Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. i love the plating of this dish...Japanese food is always pleasing to the eye.:p
    how do you eat this? the pork and sushi roll in one bite?:p

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    1. Hi Luna, nothing like Japanese cuisine for plating and presentation, and it took me a couple of bites since the crispy pork is more than a mouthful! Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. Wow, this restaurant looks amazing! Love Japanese food and love your presentation! Great shots :)

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    1. Hi Anna, thanks! Like most Japanese cuisine, it's a visual feast, feeding the eyes first. Thanks for popping in!

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  12. What a sinful but lovely and delicious pork dish! I want! Here's my FTF entry: http://www.delightmyappetite.com/2012/05/mothers-day-celebration-at-city-buffet-restaurant/

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    1. Hi Tetcha, sinful and delicious it is! Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. the pork looks delish...it makes me drool too :-) Dropping by from Food Trip Friday

    http://www.homecookingwithjessy.com/mothers-day-celebration-with-my-friends/

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  14. Wow! That looks definitely appetizing I seriously crave lechong kawali right now...

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    1. Hi iska, this is one time where I think fusion works, nothing like lechon kawali!

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  15. Replies
    1. Hi Sandra, thanks! And thanks too for visiting!

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