Instagram Worthy Hangout in Cebu for Korean Drama Fans

Ain Restaurant and Bar 

Ain Restaurant and Bar (Blue Door)

Me and my friend went for a swim in one of the resorts in Mactan last weekend and decided to grab something to eat on the way back home. We thought of eating at Yamiga (Korean Shabu-shabu) but when we entered the arcade where the restaurant is located, we saw that the it was noticeably full of tourists and we didn't want get into that circus. So we went further in to the arcade to make a U-turn, and that's when I saw this stand-alone resto with white picket fences and a blue door. If you've ever watched a Korean drama recently, you would know that they often use these scenic locations for shoots.


I was in awe and I had to get out of the car to take a few snaps. The Instagrammer in me wanted to take artsy photos and post them right away! The place is instagram-worthy. From the moment I stepped into the garden, I knew that I wouldn't be satisfied with one photo alone. My artistic soul was telling me to go in and check out the place, and so I did.

There's a cool wallsticker beneath the AC more visible in daylight

Ain Restaurant and Bar, that's the name of this not-so-hole-in-the-wall restaurant (No, not named after Korean actor Yoo Ah In), and the owner is this lovely Korean ahjumma who was so sweet that she welcomed me when I went in and told me to take a few more shots. The interior of the restaurant was superb! Clearly, the owner paid attention to details and knew that Filipinos love taking pictures that she didn't leave a blank canvas in the room, everything was so picturesque. It was more like an American diner with lots of movie memorabilia, which reminded me of my favorite place in Dumaguete, Gabby's Bistro. 

Glamping tents outside are perfect for couples and groups of four

The bar counter and open kitchen (spot the ET)

We decided to have dinner there instead of going around Mactan and looking for another place to eat. Through our little chit chat with the owner, we learned that they just had their soft opening a few days ago and they are still trying out their recipes. We had a look at their menu and saw that the prices were reasonable and the dishes were more on American (steaks) and Italian (pasta and pizza). After a few discussions, we decided to have a go at Gorgonzola Pizza and Carbonara.

These daybeds were so comfortable that I felt like I could just lay there and look at the stars.

Maybe it was because the restaurant is still new and they were still on a dry-run that we had to wait an hour for our order, but we didn't realize it was that long since we had fun taking pictures of everything. The owner gave us a pitcher of fruit juice and a plate of salad on the house to ease our grumbling tummies. 

While waiting for our order, I wanted to go and do my business in the restroom and the waitress pointed me to the direction of a coca cola and sprite cooler/ fridge. I was confused for a minute and then it dawned on me that the fridge really was the restroom. I opened the fridge and thought that I was opening the door to Narnia. I found the set-up amusing and told the owner that she was really creative for thinking out of the box.

At last, the food has arrived! We gobbled it up in a jiffy. The Carbonara was good, not too salty, and not too sweet and it was served with pickled jalapeño on the side just in case you wanted an extra kick. The serving, however, is only good for one. The pizza was OK, but it needed a little more improvement. The owner had to apologize profusely since her assistants didn't prepare the dough before hand and it was not able to rise properly. I was a little bit more understanding than usual and assured her that it was alright since the pizza tasted good anyway.

Despite the food experience, I would still come here again if ever I'm in the area mainly because of the service and the Instagram-worthy interiors. Hopefully the food would improve soon.

AIN RESTAURANT AND BAR

Bagumbayan Uno, Maribago, LapuLapu City

near Yamiga, White Sands, and Maribago Blue waters

09157465595

Coming from Mactan Newtown on your way to Maribago, on the right side of the road, you will see a restaurant called Yamiga. Turn right and enter the arcade. You will see the restaurant on the left side of the cul-de-sac. You wont miss it!

Italian/Mexican/American Restaurant

Price range: 250PHP - 899PHP

Specialties:

Gorgonzola pizza

Ribeye steak

Steak hamburger

Hurricane french fries

Carbonara

Korean Spicy Bacon: Hot Hypertensive Heaven

I've always had a soft spot for Korean food. Next to that spot for Japanese food, and Filipino food, Italian….Okay, so I have a soft spot for food in general! But, there’s something about the dark red shades and distinctive smell of Korean cuisine that makes my mouth water. The hot and spicy soup bowls that make you sweat profusely. The fermented cabbage and radish that smells so bad, but tastes oh so good (it’s not that bad, really. It just takes getting used to). The smell of sesame oil in delicious Korean barbecue makes me feel like I’m in Korean heaven! Oh, and let’s not forget the FISH ICE CREAM!!! Better than that overrated Belgian chocolate crusted ice cream. And as my friend Xander always say, it’s better than sex (let’s hope my mom doesn't read this).

I was never really a fan of Korean food at first because I thought all of their dishes were fermented (forgive my temporary stupidity), but I tried a bite of kimchi in one of those over-the-top buffets, and It wasn't so bad. My friend Ozzie is a big fan of Korean cuisine and she would treat me to “Samgyupsal” every once in a while, I got hooked. Maybe it also helps that there are a lot of good Korean restaurants in the city.  

One of those Samgyupsal nights with Ozzie and Len.

It’s cold and wet out, a perfect day to make a fiery dish. So I decided to cook Daeji Bulgogi, its spicy bacon strips stir fried to hypertensive perfection. This will make your taste buds roar! If you think it’s too spicy for you, you can always eat more rice or drink cold water. Hahaha.    

KOREAN STIR FRY SPICY PORK “DAEJI BULGOGI”

Ingredients:

500 grams bacon

2 tbsp white wine

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp minced garlic

3 tbsp chili paste

3 tbsp bulgogi paste

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 green onion roughly chopped

Onion leaves chopped into one inch pieces

Chopped chili (for garnish)

Procedure:

1.       Combine all ingredients except onion, onion leaves and chili. Marinate for about 30 minutes.

2.       In a pan, saute onions and onion leaves until onion becomes clear.

3.       Add in the marinade and cook for 15 minutes with occasional stirring.

4.       You may add a little more bulgogi sauce if you find it a little dry.

5.       Serve in plate and top with chili. Serves 5 people.

DEUSEYO!

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