Yoree may sound a Japanese name but I'm referring actually to the newly opened branch of a Korean restaurant called Yoree Korean Barbeque Dining in Molito. For our international-based friends, if you happen to visit the Philippines and stayed in the Alabang area, Molito is a relatively new dining complex located at Madrigal Avenue, corner Commerce Avenue in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and it is just across the Alabang Town Center (ATC).

Anyway, we were gallivanting around ATC when June's HB challenged us to dine and try Yoree's way of preparing Korean dishes. We have been to other Korean dining places in Metro Manila but since this is a newly opened Yoree branch around the Alabang area, we accepted the challenge! I really don't mind spending more hours at Yoree as I've learned to love Korean cuisine during the past few years.

From the ATC area, there is a lane reserved for pedestrians going to Molito. As it was quite early when we arrived (the restaurants normally opens at 6pm for dinner time), we had to entertain ourselves with the dancing fountain on the park grounds, listening to the music orchestra comforting ourselves on the benches and tables with umbrella tents.

The time came for us to enter Yoree. The staff greeted us with a resounding "Annyeong Haseyo" (안녕하세요) which means "Hello" in Korean! It sounded like "Anong sayo"? Hahaha. I am quite a critical person particularly when it comes to cleanliness, service and food quality, particularly if there is an accompanying price to it! My eyes were rolling, but in fairness, my first impression on the resto was excellent. I liked the elegant and hip vibe of the atmosphere inside, the staff's way of treating guests, how they looked spic and span and its clean environment.

We were seated quite near the entrance door so we had the perfect view of who were coming in and out of the restaurant. Not that bad, as we were able to respond to the "smiles" of the country's concert king, "Martin Nieverra" when he entered Yoree's door together with a friend.

Just like other authentic Korean restaurants, Yoree's dining table has its own heating plate and grill but we opted not to avail of it at that time and instead we requested for the cook staff be the one to do the grilling and cooking for us using the restaurant's main kitchen.

Yoree has a wide list of Korean dishes in its menus. June's HB took charge of ordering the food. He was the one to foot the bill, anyway! But before the main entree was served, we were given a small bowl of  "Juk" or a Korean congee together with a bunch of "banchans" or appetizers which can be refilled, depending on your wants. This is what I liked in a Korean restaurant as you get a chance to have a taste of some small portions of Korean side dishes, which include the world renowned popular "Kimchi" and the sweet and spicy anchovies.

One interesting to note that when the main dish was served, there was an accompanying some kind like a vase filled with greens, different kinds of lettuce. Then followed by other food such as  Japchae, Galbijjim and Woo Samgyeop. Then we had a juice which capped off our sumptuous meal!

But what made my culinary trip to Yoree interesting was the 3 white rolled thing placed on a small platter, which appeared like a solid sugar or salt or a white mint candy. It really caught my attention. Good I didn't touch and devour it. (Laughing out loud)! The excitement went deeper when the staff poured water on it, and voila the white square like things expanded like budding tulips and turned out to be "moist white towelettes"! I thought that was magic and interesting!

Jalmokegotsumnida  (잘 먹었습니다)! 

Address: 

Yoree Molito

Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
894-0440

Yoree BGC
FORUM G/F 7th cor 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, 7th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila
866-0432

♥ Photographs by June