Donburi

Being an Asian, I am extremely picky about Asian food, I have very high standards. Normally, I don’t “believe in” Asian food outside Asia as I doubt its authenticity. Japanese cuisine is definitely in fashion nowadays in every part of the world, Quito is not an exception. There are quite a few Japanese restaurants, yet most of them are “sushi” type of fusion bistros. I don’t mind them but they are just not authentic enough. For me, a real Asian restaurant almost has to have an Asian owner, with a few SIMPLE Asian home dishes cooked with Asian ingredients/sauces, and of course, very minimal “local adaptation”.

Donburi is one of these precious gems (authentic Asian restauranates) in Quito. Owned by a Japanese-Ecuadorian couple, Donburi only serves “Don” (means “rice” in Japanese, and Donburi means “rice bowl dish”). Don is so “homey” that almost any Japanese housewife makes it. When it first started, Donburi was not very popular with the local crowds as they stereotyped Japanese food with sushi. But over time, it has gained its reputation. For me, the authentic Asian food pursuer, it has always been my favorite place because they serve “real” Japanese food, the kind of food the Japanese in Japan have everyday.

And my duty is to go there from time to time to make sure that they don’t go out of business.

Comida Manabita

(dated December 31, 2010)

I will be due in less than a month, the “political family” decided to spend the new year’s eve in Manta since my papi managed to find this kick-ass all-inclusive package with a 5-star hotel.

I am so big now, cannot help comparing my belly with the local coconut. And my profile looks like the Grandpa in the Simpsons. It tires me out whatever I do and I cannot stop eating! I now weight 65kg, 13kg more than I normally weight. Almost certain that I could lose that weight in no time.

We had very high expectation of the “comida manabita”, expecting to have some really yummy seafood that we couldn’t get in Quito. Apparently the nicest restaurants are located in Malecon Murciélago, so that is our lunch destination. Funny enough, they are the exact same restaurant on Tomas Berlenga in Quito, only differs in prices, about 15% cheaper. So much for “Comida Manabita”. I suppose that is why “comida ecuatoriana” is never considered an important cuisine in the gastronomic world, but more of “national dishes.”