Visit World Resort’s ‘famous house’
- A Myung Ga restaurant staff arranges the different vegetables offered at the salad section of the lunch buffet. (PHOTOS BY JON PEREZ)
- Different flavors of Korean punch are made inside traditional clay pots.
- One can try rice cakes and other Korean desserts.
- Chef Moosub Kim, second left, is joined by sales and marketing manager Mike Babauta, right, and some of the restaurant and kitchen staff.
- From left, assistant executive chef Roman Neri, food and beverage manager Rogelio Caruana, and sales and marketing manager Mike Babauta.
Conversations in Korean slowly grow louder as hungry in-house guests of Saipan World Resort slowly fill up the once empty tables of the newly re-opened Myung Ga restaurant in Susupe.
Myung Ga loosely translates to “famous house” in English.
As the buffet lines get longer, a loud crashing sound was heard twice—in separate occasions—the last one involving a boy not older than 6 years old, who quickly ran frightened toward his mom and the mother trying to calm her scared son.
In both instances, Myung Ga staff were quick to respond, sweeping the broken pieces of plate and food on the floor “Things can get pretty crazy during lunch time. We open at 11:30am but the peak hour is at 12:30pm,” said World Resort sales and marketing manager Mike Babauta.
“We’re always on our toes during this time because anything can happen. Our staff is always ready to assist our guests and know their other concerns,” added Babauta.
Food items are also replenished quickly with dining staff informing the kitchen that a particular dish is halfway to being consumed. Restaurant chef Moosub Kim is the man behind the scenes at Myung Ga and is supported by six staff composed of two Koreans and four Filipinos.
Kim, who joined World Resort last year, has a long list of hotels and restaurants that he has worked in Korea making him one of the most experienced Korean chefs on Saipan.
“He revamped our menu ever since he arrived here but it changes everyday. He made it better and made sure all are authentic Korean dishes. From the appetizers, salads, main course, desserts, and even the drinks. There are flavored punches made from cinnamon and sweet rice, said Babauta.”
Babauta said the continuous flow of hotel guests, and from time to time local clients, is no longer a problem as the newly renovated interior can accommodate up to 208 people. The management revamped the entire facility giving it a fresh new look.
Myung Ga has two VIP rooms, a terrace for a better view of the Wave Jungle water park or the beach and a spacious dining area. It also has an elevator for old and disabled guests.
“The only thing that we did not replace is the staff. We have an awesome staff that we are truly proud of,” Babauta said. “We received a lot of positive reviews ever since we reopened. Most are from local clients.”
The lunch buffet is everyday and from 11:30am to 2pm and at a local rate of $22 for adults and $11 for kids ages 6 to 11 years old. Myung Ga also offers an a la carte dinner and barbecue from 6pm to 9pm.
Their fine dining restaurant Tapochao, where a wine cellar that has a wide selection is located, is also situated in the same facility where a divider has been put in place for a more private experience. “The Tapochao sits about 60 people and is catered to date nights or special occasions like celebrating Valentine’s Day and wedding anniversary,” said Babauta.
He added that reservations are needed for local clients at Myung Ga as hotel guest easily fill up the restaurant. “There’s a slim possibility that we can accommodate walk-ins, but our guests usually eat fast since they have other places to go and sites to see.”
For more information and reservations, call 234-5900 extension 333.