Revisits - Bann Cutlet & Teriyaki and Sarap Filipino Kitchen

A couple of revisits to places on Miramar Road that I posted on rather recently.

Bann Cutlet & Teriyaki:

**** Bann has moved to the H Mart Food Court

I think the freshly prepared food at Bann is a decent choice; the prices aren't bad, and while it's not outstanding, you do get what you pay for. During one of my recent revisits; I recalled that while I've tried the Chicken Cutlet here (nicely fried, but the sauce is not to my taste); I hadn't tried the Teriyaki. So why not? Also, the two young ladies who work here are really nice. And (maybe) because I waited for my Teriyaki Chicken so long, they gave me a fried egg for no additional charge.

Whatever the motive for the gratis egg was; I appreciated it. As you can tell; this is a fairly hefty lunch....man, so much rice. As I posted on earlier; I do enjoy the salad, and that mandu was still crisp when I got back to the office.

The chicken was on the rubbery side, but not bad.

Not a big fan of the teriyaki sauce; it's too sweet for my taste and texture is really gloppy. The rice was perfectly cooked; the bok choy (along with the salad) made sure I got my veggies.

Though it was too much food. I'll stick with a "bowl" next time which is still more than enough for me. Like the kimchi fried rice bowl...….

Bann Cutlet & Teriyaki
9506 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126  

Sarap Filipino Kitchen:

**** Sarap is now Gaya Gaya

After our visits to Sarap; the gang at work couldn't wait to revisit. And so; with one of the folks having a birthday, even though there were only four of us, we headed back to Sarap.

We ordered the Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings again.

While these were ok; they weren't as crisp as on my previous visits. Still, not bad. Also, not seasoned as much either.

The Lechon Kawale. I wanted to try this again after having a terrible version earlier.

The skin was much better this time around; though the pork belly was on the dry side, and the leaner portions were rather tough. I enjoy the lechon sauce here; it's on the fairly mellow side, with a nice balanced flavor.

Crispy Pata (of course):

This time around; the pata was chopped up; the meat taken off the bone and the two ends, with the nice gelatinous parts laying at each end. It was still good, perhaps a bit drier, but the skin was wonderfully crisp; the porkiness of the leg coming through nicely. It was also a bit smaller than last time as well.

Daniel from Georgia loved the Sinigang and the Bagoong Fried Rice (sorry no photo).

Not a huge portion; but the tamarind based broth was rich, had a nice sourness, and man; the okra (I do love my "neba-neba") was gooey goodness. The pork was moist and tender and this had that nice "aaah" appeal. I'd gladly have this again.

We ordered some white rice with this......but hardly touched a quarter of it......

So, there you go....still a mixed bag; but still closer than Villa Manila which I think is better. They also need to staff better....it's go early, or wait a while for your food.

I also heard that they have started serving breakfast on the weekends now.

We'll see how things go here.

Sarap Filipino Kitchen
7580 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126

Comments

[Derek R]

Still wanna go try Sarap for that crispy pata. I've only seen it on TV and have wanted to try it for ages.

[kat]

bummer hit or miss

[Kirk]

Hi Derek - It's pretty good at Sarap...or even better; get it at Villa Manila.

Hi Kat - Yes; still feeling there way through GRand Opening.

[soo @ hungryones.com]

I enjoyed the Lechon Kawale when I visited except for the dryness.

[The Office Goat]

So no Bicol Express, yet?

[Kirk]

Well, "except for the dryness" says it all Soo.

I was a bit disappointed ToG….no Bicol Express....

[caninecologne]

The Bicol Express was not that spicy, however, I liked their bagoong fried rice. The combination of the bagoong with the diced green mango is something I was introduced to my parents way back when. Having that flavor combo with fried rice is a no brainer.

[Kirk]

Yep, that Bagoong Fried Rice is a winner CC!