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DINER MONROE
A diner with dual influences
Maki rolls, a Japanese dish derived from “maki,” which means to wrap or to roll in nori (seaweed). Fillings vary, from fruits (avocado, mango, etc.), to meat (tuna, salmon, crab, etc), eggs, and more. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Fusion cuisine is not for everyone.
Diner Monroe, a restaurant that opened last Nov. 7, recognizes that.
Instead of infusing Japanese cuisine with Filipino influences or vice versa, Diner Monroe opts to offer both cuisines in a buffet, which works surprisingly well.
Located in Chalan Kanoa, Diner Monroe dining supervisor Angel Perez said that the concept is the brainchild of owner Rika Yamaoka, who idolizes Marilyn Monroe—hence the name.
Perez said the diner targets the Japanese and Filipino markets, in which the latter is more dominant on Saipan. The diner offers a lunch buffet Monday to Saturday starting from 11am to 2pm, and the same buffet later in the evening for dinner from 5pm through 9pm for $10, with the option to avail of the sukiyaki/shabu shabu buffet for $20.
Sukiyaki and shabu shabu are two popular Japanese style hot pots in which diners submerge thinly sliced pieces of meat into a serving of boiling broth. The difference between sukiyaki and shabu shabu vary per region in Japan. Sukiyaki is more of a complete meal compared to shabu shabu.
Being closed on Sundays, Diner Monroe is planning to extend its menu to provide choices for those who wish to control their food intake. The menu, which will be based on Marilyn Monroe’s favorite dishes, is still under development, said Perez.
Kids always get the better end of the deal. Children aged 10 below get a 50-percent discount, meaning that it costs $5 and $10 for the lunch/dinner buffet and sukiyaki/shabu shabu buffet respectively.
The seven-staffed Diner Monroe seats 33 customers and has a bar that serves wine and beer.
For more information, contact Diner Monroe through their Facebook page Diner Monroe Saipan or by calling 234-5151.
