Best of both worlds

CEBU, Philippines - Anyway, the experience took place when we were treated in a restaurant where anyone would wonder what its name meant. My curiosity was satisfied as the accommodating restaurant manager answered all my queries from their appellation to their savory exotic dishes.

“Our restaurant’s name was derived from two different parts of the world. By its name, we will be reminded of Japan’s renowned Sumo Wrestling; on the other hand, United States of America’s icon Uncle Sam,” said owner Shanna Lopez. Indeed it is dubbed “SumoSam”, the gastronomic fusion of both unique western and oriental culinary tastes.

As my eyes and senses began to wander into the accommodating ambiance of the dining place, we are served with tempting and mouth-watering one-of-a-kind dishes.

Ibiko got first into my mouth, the Japanese rice stuffed with Vienna sausage and cream cheese. The taste was smooth, creamy and almost buttery, neutralized by the Japanese rice.

I then found myself lured to the sight of The Tournament, SumoSam’s mouth enticing presentation of served-together dishes that reminds me of our local budol fight.

On the right corner of The Tournament was the Chicken Yakituri made with chicken thigh fillets with green onions, barbecued the Japanese way and served with the sweet and tangy Japanese Teriyaki Sauce.

On the left corner were the Oyster Taipan served in clam shells, alongside the crispy Bacon-wrapped Dory with caramelized onion, and the Japanese Wagyu beef on-sticks. Its rich meat melted in the mouth while the taste lingered long after munching it.

I did not miss to take a bite of the Ika Shoga-Yaki (Ginger Squid Japanese Style), Ika Shoga-yaki is a very popular dish in Japanese Cuisine: ika means squid, shoga means ginger, and yaki means grill or fry Japanese fried rice and green vegetables completed the fulfilling experience of The Tournament.

The Tournament is complemented with SumoSam’s signature Seafood Ramen, the traditional Japanese noodle soup and the crispy Ebi Tempura made with huge tiger-prawn.  Just so you know, Japanese noodles are cooked and served uncut, the epitome of long-life as the tradition goes.

SumoSam captures the perfect blends and touches of Japanese spices and American tastes, evident in every dish.

The meal was splendid and completed with a kiss of a cherry on top of a frozen Chocó-coffee pastry dessert.

Only the best culinary elements in the world can imbue an inexplicable sense of pleasure. Spoil your senses with the extraordinary flavors of the myriad of dishes all served in The Tournament.

If you are on a quest to please your taste buds, try the unique fusion of SumoSam’s gastronomic best of both worlds!

SumoSam is located among the array of restaurants in The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu. Photo by Joseph Khem Anthony Requerme (FREEMAN)