Don’t judge the first photo. This is not a Japanese restaurant ok?

That day I visited was not my first time, nor my second, nor my third at the restaurant but it was my first time to catch that wooden tray on my table. Many of you might wonder what that smoking tray is, just like how I wondered at first.

Gloria Maris is the most famous Chinese restaurant in Greenhills. No survey involved, that’s only according to my observation and sources. I know they are famous for their authentic Cantonese cuisine. I actually assumed our round table to be served with authentic Cantonese recipes like Sweet & Sour pork, Stewed beef brisket and the like. The least I expected was not that kind of unknown but amusing tray. If you were in my place and you know you entered a huge 3-storey Chinese restaurant, the typical Chinese set menu was what you probably expected as well.

This Abalone Sashimi on our table gave me a positive impression. It was a surprise that looked very dashing to everyone’s eyes. The wooden tray with Abalone Sashimi was smoking for several minutes, making it look attractive to everyone. A picture perfect type of dish. I didn’t want to lay my chopsticks on it while it was still smoking. Together with my seat-mates, we waited for the smoke to stop before grabbing a bite. Although Abalone Sashimi is not on the list of authentic Cantonese food, I give an A score for Gloria Maris for being innovative and creative. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all about the presentation but the judgment of my taste-buds. Abalone is not my usual cold cuts order yet I love the sashimi feel and taste of it.

My sister and I were exposed to Rice Krispies growing up. We often go to the groceries with our parents to get a big box of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies treats for our daily snack. I remembered my sister while I was at Gloria Maris and I was weirdly staring at those Prawns & Pop Rice with Strawberry Sauce. From afar, I imagined the sweet rice krispies treats to have the same taste as the Pop Rice on the plate. In reality, it had the same texture as I expected though the taste of pop rice is more bland. That didn’t come out as a problem since the strawberry sauce was already too sweet, giving it a kick of sweetness & sourness to these huge prawns. New on the menu, which I really love at Gloria Maris.

Getting away from the traditional plate of cold cuts? This is another way of modernizing the way of eating Chinese cuisine. Gloria Maris is once again proving that they are not the typical Cantonese cuisine restaurant anymore. The efforts to accelerate its dishes to this modern decade are showing via their presentations and menu itself. On this Chiu Chow Cold Cuts plate: California Maki, Crisp Pork Belly, Enoki Mushrooms and Bacon Roll. Just notice that it’s not your typical Cantonese platter anymore, more like an Asian appetizer platter.

My favorite cooler to freshen me, Green Mango Shake. Any restaurant with sour and sharp tasting Green Mango shake gets an A mark from me. 🙂

Elegant, one word to describe Gloria Maris.
Their interiors say it all!
Gloria Maris is also known as a venue for weddings, parties and other banquets. For private functions, you have the option to rent their private VIP rooms.

Name labels always adds impact to me. I feel special in a way. 🙂

This verse came out to the picture when I saw my labeled name on where I was supposed to sit. God reminded me that if people on earth like my parents, sister and Oliver, already makes me feel special, how much more God? He is the King of all kings, Lord of all lords yet He exerts effort to pursue me day by day to be in His presence. He made me ponder how awesome eternal life will be as He already prepared a place for me up there. I can just imagine my name to be written in His book of life and my name to be recognized by my Creator and Savior. I am just so overwhelmed by His grace on me. I am such a brat who tends to be selfish and proud but He never fails to constantly remind me that He cares for me and He is mindful of all my anxieties. This love from Him is simply heavenly. 🙂

In case you want to check out Gloria Maris, better do it NOW!

Cheers,

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Location: Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Ave., Missouri St. cor. Connecticut St., San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact: (+632) 570-0921 / (+632) 570-0923 / (+632) 570-0924

Budget: PHP500++

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