Location (3/5), Environment (3/5), Service (4/5), Presentation (4/5), Taste (3.5/5) = 3.5/5 Overall
Generally worth a try. Trending fusion and classic Filipino breakfast and lunch along with classic American fare is served no-nonsense style with an eye towards flavor and tradition, for better or for worse.
If it's not evident already through past reviews, it is curiously located within a golf course clubhouse. It presents well as the space is beautifully decorated and modern, though trapped within, say, rustic conditions of the rest of the clubhouse. There were ants at the counter during ordering: unsure if going for true Filipino experiential immersion, unsure if it can be attributed to a larger issue from the property management. Either way it was a red flag I couldn't exactly place total blame on the food establishment unless they were also the course owners. There's plenty of seating offering great views of the driving range along with outside patio seating if that tickles your fancy. Feel free to bring or buy a cigar as there are smoking pots. Restrooms are clean.
The food menu is simple, familiar, and reasonably priced. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, pancakes but that's not why we're here. Certainly not why you're reading this review, but we'll discuss that shortly. That said, we ordered what was recommended or tried in previous reviews: Ube Waffle, Spam Fries, Longanisa Egg'n'Cheese, side of Garlic Fried Rice.
First up: the Ube (aka Purple Yam) Waffle, a mildly sweet and fluffy Ube-based batter grilled in a macaron-shape pattern, allowing for easy tearing with the fork. However, it was a bit saggy where I had anticipated a crisp, fresh exterior and a fluffy interior. The syrup was similarly not overpowering and poured smoothly along the waffle. Along with the strawberries, little blueberries, and ube spread, the waffle didn't suffer being overpowered by sweets and cream on top, and instead provided a harmonious mix of freshness, light creaminess and a fluffy sponge to soak it all in. A must-try for sure.
The Spam Fries and Garlic Rice side. Although the presentation was eye-catching within the Spam can (certainly for the Instagrammers), the Spam Fries were a great idea but a bit of a let down in taste. A dense crust combined with over-fried Spam led to a very bready - and salty - fry. Densely over-fried foods are one of my pet peeves in general, particularly with Chinese Take-Out General Tso's: all bread texture and no sense of meat, leaving me with a greasy, sinking feeling that's not pleasant. Made worse with Ketchup, made marginally better with Mang Tomas AP sauce. I would suggest perhaps a sear to seal the moisture in, keep that meatiness, and contrast with a lighter crust, like panko, flash fry just enough to keep that fry structure. Definitely something I'd like to play around in my own kitchen sometime. As for the Garlic Rice, it's on the oily side, the rice was still a bit dry though the flavor was on par with most other garlic fried rice. I might pass on these.
The last item was the Longanisa, Egg'n'Cheese. I generally love the idea of converting sausages into patties in a burger, and for sure Longanisa is a top contender in my mind. My frame of reference is Flip'n'Patties in Houston though I'm still looking for Longanisa to be the highlight rather than the accent. Here, we have the idea of a classic breakfast sandwich with a Filipino twist. One bite and I immediately notice the egg is PERFECTLY cooked. The yolk is soft enough to induce creaminess, but not runny to create a mess and loss of texture, not hard enough to be chalky. That is great attention to detail. The cheese was barely noticed. Salt again does pervade from the Longanisa, giving credence to the Filipino relationship with high-blood pressure. I would try again with an added tomato.
Overall, I'm conflicted as this fusion experience brings to mind the balancing act to please two different audiences under the same roof. Who is this place for, exactly? Is it a vehicle to celebrate the best of two cultures, a sort of "greatest hits" of lunch and breakfast? Is it a soft introduction to Filipino food through popular American food? Or is it a vehicle to combine elements from different cultures to produce something truly delicious? There's definitely room for the latter, but ultimately Egg Karne, to me, walks the line among the first two upon first visit. This is why its location certainly brings much debate surrounding my impression. For sure, that does bring out a larger discussion on the relationship between Filipino and American culture.
I'm glad I did try the Ube Waffle, because it does seem a bit daring (albeit successful), and will have to return for the rest of the menu, particularly with the Adobo Fries, EK Deluxe and Arroz Caldo balls. There is potential in Egg Karne's concept, and I do look forward to its evolution over time. read more