I could never count the number of times I dined at Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant, it is the "it" place for wedding reception, Birthday parties, random reunion of friends and family and most especially - my dad's association annual get-together.
I love the food, the ambiance, everything felt so familiar! The 8-10 dishes that arrive, bite after bite, the food seems to be endless. Then my favorite memory will always be: "I am stuffed! I don't want to eat anymore!" Then the almond lychee dessert or Mango Sago would suddenly arrive and I would stuff my face once again.
But after several years, we stopped dining there when more and more restaurants are popping around the Metro. I would look for newer dishes and newer flavors, Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant was set aside for quite some time.
Then, I got an invite to visit THE NEW Gloria Maris Restaurant as it is now managed by Choi Garden, I knew I had to be there, I had to reunite with the well-loved restaurant of our household.
Keep in mind that the lunch was a 15-course meal but I was able to eat only less than 10 as I need to pick up my son in school, nevertheless I was stuffed and happy!
Shall we begin
Two Tone Almond Seafood Soup
As for most Chinese restaurant, you'll see either Spinach soup or Sharksfin Soup served as starter. The starting point of The New Gloria Maris already gave me a lasting impression. This soup was unique in so many ways!
Firstly, I AM IN LOVE with Pumpkin Soup! For a Chinese restaurant to serve Pumpkin soup seems a bit out of the ordinary --- what made this dish oriental is the part Almond soup that comes with this. The waiter showcased his serving talent by serving each bowl with 2 sides of the soup! Yes, he managed to do it effortlessly which leaves the whole table in awe.
I love mixing both soup together and you get bits and pieces of seafood. I love how both flavors blended well without overpowering each other. It was a combination I never thought would be possible but it worked!
Two Ways Peking Duck
This dish was the highlight, Chef cut the duck in front of us and served it for us to wrap it. The rest of the duck will be served "minced" with lettuce - I left early so I wasn't able to enjoy it but I'm sure it'll taste really good as I've tried the dish so many times at Gloria Maris and they nailed it every single time.
The wrap is my favorite, you put a crispy skin of the duck, the meat, then vegetables and Hoisin sauce, wrap it and forget your poise! Eat it in one bite and you are in heaven!
Mini Taro Basket with Prawn Scallop
Another unique dish that you must order when you dine at the restaurant. I used to eat Taro with duck but this one is unique and has a "Choi Garden" style to it! I love the pasty-like effect of taro and the huge serving of prawn and scallop. This "basket" is huge but you don't feel immediately full due to the flaky texture of the exterior. Drizzle it with a bit of sauce that comes with the dish and I assure you, even if you are not a taro person you'll enjoy this dish nevertheless.
Fried Lamb Chopped with Mint Jelly
Not a lamb person but I gave this a taste as my table-mates were oohing and aahhing over the tenderness of this dish! I was impressed - it does melt in your mouth like Wagyu Beef, lamb lovers? You know where to go!
Steamed Apahap with Tongchay
A must for any Lauriat style dining! I love the freshness of this dish in between heavy meals - the fish is super fresh and the light soy is just perfect with the fried rice that comes next.
Lechon Kawali
If you think Lechon Kawali tastes the same in any Chinese restaurant. Think again, this one is extremely crispy yet the meat is tender and the fat remained intact in between with the juice. I am not into fat but I downed this one bite!
Steamed Live Oyster with Garlic
Another winner on the table. The oysters is larger than life - well I am obviously exaggerating but they are served fresh and the size really is big!
Frank Fried Rice
The owner is named Frank and if he puts his name to a dish, you know it is worth trying! This is a similar version of Fookien Fried Rice (usually comes with minced pork and sauce) but this one is more like a rice topping because you can eat this on its' own!
Braised Home-Made Spinach Skin Beancurd with Enoki Mushroom
I am so in love with this dish because I love enoki mushrooms and I love tofu! This is a light dish and the sauce seems "rich" but it isn't! I was able to finish this plate in no time!
Salt and Pepper Shrimps with Garlic
Thumbs up as this isn't the usual Suahe (Steamed Shrimps). Our whole table were grabbing the crispy garlic because garlic pa lang ulam na!
Australian Wagyu Beef in Black Pepper Sauce
I am so happy I was able to grab a bite to this before I left the restaurant. Another unique twist to the usual beef dish! I love how the beef is in bite size and it remains tender and melt-in-your mouth buttery smooth texture. More rice please!
Overall, I love the new twist of the dishes served. If you love Gloria Maris before, you'll love them even more!
Gloria Maris Shark's Fin Restaurant
Greenhills Shopping Center, Missouri street,
Greenhills, San Juan City.
Tel. No. (02) 8570-0921.
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