The Cook (BGC, Festival Mall)​​​​​​​

Fusion concepts are still going strong in Manila's food scene, and maybe this time foreign entrepreneurs are leading the way. When I saw "The Cook by Hongleepark," it's hard not to get intrigued because it's so out there/ unconventional. They have fused Korean cuisine with Italian and pulled out all the stops to get noticed. From their giant electronic signs to their replica food displays à la Japanese Sampuru, they give every reason for you to stop and look.

As advertised, the food looks great on my camera and in person. The food, like any other fusion concept, is perhaps more subjective. Don't get me wrong, I love both cuisines, but combining the two may be as tricky as one might expect. The good thing, though, is that some combinations are more aesthetic than the actual flavors you get from them—that is to say, for example, that the pasta and pizza don’t stray from traditional (but adapted) Italian-inspired recipes. Italian food in the Philippines is already "Filipinized." They are already fusion dishes in and of themselves.

Food titles/names are generic, so I’ll be more specific when I can with my captions. Enjoy!

The format/servings are interesting; all the dishes by category are priced the same and serve 2-3 persons.

Bulgogi Pizza

Rice Pilaf with Shrimp

Seafood Marinara on a Korean metal pan.