sushi Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Sensei Sushi by Chef Bruce Ricketts

March 11, 2014 by Janey

A tip off can lead to the arrest of a high-powered official or it could help the most venerated African nationalist leader be seized by agents of South African police special branch in 1962. This valuable tip I got came from Sanju of Table for Three, Please. The website is one of my top favorite reads when I need to enliven my passion for glorious food or writing. Sanju is the same guy who had me seek out a restaurant specializing in octopus dishes and consume a moving, partially-live octopus in Korea. That was quite an experience.

While dining at Elbert’s Best of the Beast dinner in July 2013, Sanju and the rest of us prisoners of fantastic food exchanged notes on the latest in the Manila food scene. And he talked enthusiastically about Sensei Sushi. Eugene and I looked at each other and knew, we’d pay top bill to be there. The three of us set a date and ended up with 2 more in tow.

No undercover agent was placed in the inner circles of influential gatherings. And no, this tip didn’t lead to any covert ops. It piloted to a spectacular culinary journey.

RELATED POST:

Robot Restaurant and Lounge

The Best of the Beast Dinner

Sensei Sushi is quite a drive for us Northerners but the 20-seater restaurant in BF is worth that early Saturday drive. Our 6-man group reserved ahead and went for the Degustacion (P2,000 per head).

We arrived at the restaurant and got welcomed by Chef Bruce Ricketts. I’ve met Chef Bruce very briefly during his stint at Robot in Makati and now, he has opened his own. Sensei Sushi’s interiors are very simple with their ala carte menu written on a blackboard for the walk-ins.

The degustation menu is omakase-style. Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it to you” which also means to entrust. Don’t you worry child, we are not talking about love. On this front, everything about the degustation menu is left entirely to the chef who creates the dishes based on what is available fresh in the local market and on his culinary thrust or creativity that very moment.

On the Table

Tuna Soy, Pineapple with Kangkong Tempura

The dish came out looking like a garden patch freshly watered and kissed by the sun. The tuna cuts seared on the sides with roasted brown sugar and pickled scallions are brimming with brightness, freshness, some nuttiness and a sweet citrus taste.

The black sesame seeds make it reminiscent of Japanese cuisine but it’s not entirely pacific rim. The kangkong tempura adds texture to the somewhat melting tuna with all the stark flavors sweating in your mouth.

Salmon Belly Kushiyaki

The second dish was the salmon belly cubed, skewered and grilled skin side down, then finished with Jap mustard fusion and touch of truffle oil, garnished with bonito flakes that looked like wood shavings.

I snatch a bite of the light-orange-pink salmon –delicately plump, juicy and moist, and the grilled skin almost peeling off of it –crispy, salty and smoky.

Ebi with Flour Tortilla Aligue

Another beautiful looking plate and structural dish with two shrimp heads standing on guard while peeled shrimps balance on the tortilla bridge with a drizzle of aligue cream. The shrimps were cooked in chili oil, infused in glaze with chili bean paste. The shrimp, ever slightly undercooked, allows it to disappear almost instantly after a bit of munching, except when you use the tortilla as spoon, it gives you a textural crunch after the fragile shrimp.

The shrimps’ curled up flesh is creamy yet scuffling with some heat. I pursued that spark of intensity hunting it down the shrimps’ heads sucking what delicious fat I can. Unrestrained, I bite off the soft parts of the head where all the superior flavors are – and scrape the caramelized glaze with my teeth until it’s cleared off it.

Hokkaido Scallops

Dirty Dancing at Diamond Hotel Manila – Cast

March 19, 2013 by Janey

Diamond Hotel Philippines is proud to be the official residence of the cast and crew of the worldwide smash-hit musical Dirty Dancing as it comes to Manila this July 4^th for 22 shows only.

Seen by over five million people across the globe, the phenomenally successful musical tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny who come together in the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. The show will feature hit songs performed by a rocking live band including the famous “Time of My Life”.

From July 4-21, 2013, the hotel will offer various perks for guests who avail of the special ticket promo packages from Ticket World dubbed as: Double Date or Family Package, Ladies Night Package, and Barkada Night Package.

Yurakuen Again and Again

February 19, 2013 by Janey

Another long overdue blog post I’m posting today. They say you can’t keep a good thing a secret forever and although I’ve written about Yurakuen a couple of times and yapped about how I LOVE LOVE their Teppanyaki menu countless of times, I haven’t featured their ala carte dishes yet.

If you haven’t set foot at Yurakuen at Diamond Hotel, other than you’re missing half of what’s really good and swell about Teppanyaki grills and Japanese cuisine, it has this cozy modern ambience with stark dining interiors. Its center piece is this beautiful Cherry Blossom mock-up tree.

READ MORE:

Yurakuen, A Teppanyaki Paradise

On the Table

Chuka Wakame Salad

This starter of a seaweed salad had that light and refreshing taste, the seaweed carries a slightly natural sweetness that balances with the sliced tomato, cucumber and lettuce.

Nigiri Sushi Moriawase

Looking like an artwork, I love the many beautiful natural colors of the ebi, tamago, maki, cuttlefish, salmon, unagi, fish roe and tuna. You know how the Japanese take their food seriously especially their sushi, from sourcing to cutting to preparation to plating. You get a taste of precision here. It’s a fresh selection of the best sushi to order at Yurakuen. If you like variety in sushi, this is your best bet.

With the different textures and fresh simple flavors, it’s a sushi banquet laid before you.

Yurakuen, A Teppanyaki Paradise

January 9, 2012 by Janey

While Yurakuen has been an authentic Japanese culinary lair since 1993 under the masterful hands of Chef Junichi Sekiyama, my “ignoramus self” was only able to visit last November and I couldn’t help berating myself for not discovering it sooner. Diamond Hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Yurakuen is the Japanese word for paradise and true to its name, the restaurant is a dining oasis for all things deliciously Japanese.

I’ve mentioned in this blog several times in the recent years that I’ve grown tired of buffets where the chafing dish sits lazily under a strobe light for all people to poke and exhale to. I don’t mind going once in a while but in a year, 2 visits is my maximum and I’m very choosy when it comes to which buffet to go to. If you are hungry for a different type of eat-all-you-can experience, Yurakuen offers a Teppanyaki Eat-All-You-Can that is cooked upon order, and I’m absolutely gaga over it. You know me too well that when I like a restaurant after the initial visit, I will not let 2 weeks pass and visit again. Sometimes one week even, but I had a short vacation in Dakak that time so I went the following week.

Photo Credit to one of my favorite food photographers: Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurant

May 12, 2011 by Janey

If you do a backyard survey among your friends on their favorite cuisine, Japanese cuisine will definitely be on the top 2 list. And what’s there not to love about the Japanese? Er, except for territory invasion and similar events, Japanese are well lauded for their love for their country and most especially, the wonderful dishes they introduced to the rest of the world.

Sushi, don buri, tamagoyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, yakiniku, and the best quality of beef, need I say more? In Japanese cuisine, quality of ingredients and presentation are dealt with heavy importance.

Yes that’s me with the children of the foster family that adopted me for 4 days 🙂

The Michelin Guide supposedly awarded Japanese cities by far the most Michelin stars of any country in the world. Tokyo alone has more Michelin stars than the combination of Paris, Hong Kong, New York, LA and London.

I have about 25 Japanese restaurants in my list but the 10 below are what I have compiled for my TOP 10 at this time. Please don’t look for Seryna, Tsukiji, Yuu Jin, Haiku, Sushi Kappo Kobikicho and Nihonbashitei first and will have a different list for those. I can’t find my photos for Senju 🙁

10. Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance. The very long sushi bar seals the deal.

Nagomi sometimes has that old smell but it doesn’t stop Japanese business men from the Ortigas area to frequent the place. This Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer. It shows in their extensive menu.

If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price.

READ MORE:

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546/ (632) 632 1736

9. Konbini

Before Royce Chocolates formally opened in Manila, Konbini Store is our easiest access point to Royce chocolates.

What’s interesting about Konbini Store is the way a customer has to order his/her meal. They have this rack of cards with photos of the dishes and price tag.

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You just get the cards (dishes) you want and pay for them at the counter like paying for grocery at a convenience store. Then they will serve the food on your table.

Miso Chasiu Ramen PHP 220

I was going to opt for the Shoyu Ramen but changed my mind and went for Konbini’s Miso Chasiu Ramen.

I wasn’t expecting much but was delightfully surprised that the Miso Chasiu Ramen was really a warm hearty bowl of yum. In degree of taste and cheaper price, it can actually rival Ukkokei Ramen Ron in my book.

READ MORE:

Konbini Store’s Chasiu Ramen

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut Street,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

(632) 722 4263

8. Nanbantei of Tokyo

Nanbantei is a Japanese restaurant located at the 3^rd level of Greenbelt 3. It looks smaller from the outside but the inside is very spacious with three divided dining sections. The open grill stands in the middle of the first dining area with a table outlining the front grill section.

The grill section is where yakitori happens. Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for.

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Beef with special Nanban sauce. Square cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch of tender beef that has a peppery and smoked flavor. The beef was tender, buttery and flavorful. The sate sauce can append another layer of taste.

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste. The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer.

Nanbantei’s strength lies on their grilled dishes. Order the platters that appear to have more value for money.

READ MORE:

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3^rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

7. Hana and Kagura

Hana is a rather small restaurant, probably 30-32 sqm floor area that had a narrow bar on the right side and 3-4 tables inside and a private corner at the far end. Hana is known as the best place to get the biggest and most delicious Takoyaki in town.

Takoyaki PHP 120

Hana is quite famous in the block because of their Takoyaki. They have a takoyaki stand set up outside of the restaurant and you’re ensured that you get the freshest of their Takoyaki balls right of the hot iron grill. Takoyaki to some is considered as the best street food in Japan.

6 pieces of giant dumpling, shaped like a ball, is from a Japanese batter with diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion.

READ MORE:

Hana Restaurant, Little Tokyo

Hana Restaurant

Little Tokyo Compound,

Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

(632) 339 3855

Open from 10 am – 11pm

Kagura

Kagura is in the same compound as Hana Japanese restaurant and they are actually right beside each other. Kagura was actually our first choice but it was fully booked for that day. Kagura is known to dish out the best Okonomiyakis or Japanese pizza.

6. Izakaya Kikufuji

As usual, Bubba and I found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal. Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji is a favorite alternative.

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant. The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

It’s better to visit Kikufuji during lunch than dinner. Prices are cheaper, for one. Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill. The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all. There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time being a small fan. Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste. The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent.

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki was like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks. It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side.

READ MORE:

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

5. Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Ukkokei Ramen Ron is located along Pasay Road in Makati but it stands out from the rest of the scene since it garnered reputation as the best ramen in town, taking out Shinjuku who held the fame for the longest time off the top spot.

Ukkokei serves Ramen with three (3) different soup bases. This is the best place to start –choose from Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt-based) or Miso (miso-based). Then pick out the option you want under each soup-based category depending on the ingredients you want on your soup.

Miso Butter Corn Ramen PHP 360

Get served with a bowl of piping hot ramen that will bring you much comfort –both in taste and texture. Ramen is freshly made with just enough bite but still retains its softness and excellent elasticity. The miso-based broth tastes delicious but others might get turned off by the oiliness of the soup.

I love Ukkokei’s Miso Butter Ramen. There is generous amount of corn kernels and bean sprouts that adds a different crunchy bite while the butter adds creaminess to the whole deal. If you find the pork slices or chayu too few like I did, order an extra plate for PHP 120.

READ MORE:

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building,

822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road),

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 856 4588

4. Chibori

Chibori is a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu. In 2008, this was where my tongue lost its virginity to Uni. Thanks to Norman who specifically booked that Japanese dinner for me to taste my first ever sea urchin experience.

Norma and Chris

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One of my favorite Cebu photos, this one with Travel Factor

Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+

6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad. It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like too much “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture. The boys let me finish most of it.

Sushi Moriawase

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Tempura

Sukiyaki PHP 600++

Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles. The broth has a sweet note to it. Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately.

Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef. The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it. One of the best Sukiyaki’s in the Philippines!

READ MORE:

Chibori– Cebu

Chibori

G/F CJRS Bldg., Asiatown IT Park,

Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

3. Tsumura

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt of enthusiasts of high quality and equally priced sushi. Some have dubbed Tsumura, “Tsu-mahal,” because prices of certain dishes here can go up the wazoo! A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

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Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni. The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

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Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Uni PHP 80

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive. The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef. It is simply an indulgence in fine food. The taste is divine.

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza, Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

2. Inagiku

Inagiku was awarded as Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret (MBKRS) Winner of Best Japanese Restaurant in 2010. It’s no surprise since Inagiku is known to serve world-class Japanese cuisine with its delicate ALWAYS FRESH sushi and sashimi.

Sushi Platter

Tempura Sushi Roll

Grilled Gindara

Make sure that you always have room for Wasabi ice cream! It’s a favorite ice cream flavor of mine, next to Pistachio and Blueberry.

READ MORE:

Inagiku

Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati, Metro Manila

(632) 813 8888 loc. 7588, 7599

1. Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Japanese is what Bubba loves best and the first time I brought him to Urameshiya for a dinner date, he fell in love with the restaurant. The setting strongly reminded me of my Japan trip. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan have a lot of character and produce mouthwatering dishes as those in the upscale ones.

Urameshiya Entrance

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Urameshiya Yakiniku serves the best Yakiniku in Manila. I’m biased because I love my meat in its smoky grilled/semi-charred condition. Bubba and I usually order the Tarafuku Set but their Wagyu set is also one of the best.

On the Table

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Enjoying my Japanese BBQ!

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This was a wonderful date spent with Bubba

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And another one 🙂

Tarafuku Set PHP 1,850

With the economic crunch, it’s definitely not easy for everyone to shell out almost 2K for a beef set that’s good for a hungry couple. However, I really recommend burning (literally) 2K for Urameshi-ya. I feel that every peso of that set is worth the quality and quantity of meat you’re getting.

Urameshiya definitely tops our list at this time! 🙂

READ MORE:

Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

(632) 819 5008

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Sumo Sam’s Bacon Wrapped Kani

June 1, 2010 by Janey

Last month’s visit to Sumo Sam had us ordering our usual favorites and one that is new.

Bacon Wrapped Kani PHP

It was our first time to order the bacon wrapped Kani. It’s a good size Kani or artificial shrimp wrapped with a generous strip of bacon and drizzled with teriyaki sauce

California Maki 189

What I love about Sumo Sam’s California Maki is the substantial amount of kani strips placed on top of the sushi and the ample amount of fish roe.

I think Bubba ordered Katsudon or some kind of mushroom chicken rice topping dish. I now forget what it was.

I liked the bacon wrapped kani but I consider Sumo Sam’s beef enoki a better order.

Beef Enoki PHP 208

Generous amount of enoki mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced beef with a touch of brown semi-sweet soy sauce. Enoki are golden needle mushrooms with silky texture and mild almost fruity flavor.

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Now, that’s a wrap! 🙂

Read Sumo Yum at Sumo Sam entry in February 2010. 😉

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1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, bacon wrapped kani, branch, chain, dish, Japanese restaurants, John and Yoko, Marvin Agustin, menu, price, prices, sashimi, Shangrila Plaza, Sumo Sam, Sumo Sam beef enoki, sushi, what to order

A Sushi Paradise and More -Hubert Young’s Diverse Sakae Sushi Selection

May 4, 2010 by Janey

Sakae Sushi broke into the scene being the first restaurant to introduce the sushi conveyor belt or “Kaiten” in Manila. Hubert Young collaborated with Singaporean entrepreneur Douglas Foo and brought in the Philippines, Sakae Sushi, which offers Japanese cuisine infused with a bit of Filipino twist. It’s basically Sakae Sushi’s Japanese cuisine made accessible to the Filipinos’ palate.

“Establishing the brand’s distinct identity does not mean that one should stop introducing new innovation to diners – it’s actually a call to expand the range of options to offer variety for the customer’s palate,” said Hubert Young, a restaurateur who introduced some of the most distinctive dining destinations where foodies can find unequaled dining fulfillment, “An enriched selection of offerings provide an accessible yet gastronomic experience, which is an initiative that all dining brands should perform to add assortments to the list of diners’ favorites.”

Hubert Young is also the great mind behind the chain of UCC Cafes in the Metro and Cafe 1888.

Having established Sakae Sushi’s name in the food industry, Hubert Young’s penchant for providing diversity to Filipino foodies is evidenced by the brand’s expanded offerings and the way it’s being delivered.

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One distinct culinary experience that our group very much took pleasure in is Sakae Sushi’s conveyor belt concept where we kept choosing from an endless parade of Japanese delights fresh off the automated sushi-making process.

Tuesday night, we come to discover that Sakae Sushi does not only offer delectable sushi and sashimi within your table’s reach, but they also present a variety of dishes in different flavors that discerning diners will surely enjoy.

On the Table

Tropical Roll

A mixture of ham, mango, spring onion, red bell pepper and kani salad on a roll –the first of the Superior Rolls introduced to us

Ebi Salad Roll

The second Superior Rolls option is a roll with the combination of asparagus, ebi salad, spring onion and lolorosa

Chicken Skin

Everyone just got addicted on these crispy chicken skins drenched in sweet citrusy vinaigrette

Salmon Sashimi, Maguro Sashimi and Kajiki Sashimi

Fresh, fresh, fresh and prepared well

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Gindara Teriyaki

Black cod marinated in lightly sweet Teriyaki sauce. The sauce does not overpower the clean delectable fish meat, which I really liked. It definitely added the tasty flavor particularly in the charred skin portion that slowly crumbles in your mouth in a flavorsome delight.

Ebi Tempura

Lightly battered and deep fried ebi tempura. Noticeably, Sakae Sushi’s version does not scrimp on the ingredients as one can get a real bite of the prawn.

Samurai Steak

Sakae Sushi’s version of Beef Teppanyaki –tender beefy goodness!

Tempura Fried Ice Cream

Japanese tempura batter serves as a crispy crust around vanilla ice cream. Hot crunchy tempura crust amidst the cold creaminess of the ice cream –the yin yang of dessert!

Watermelon Shake

Refreshingly sweet!

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With Sakae Sushi’s diversified offerings, Hubert Young’s global expertise for providing a distinctive culinary experience has transcended from bringing diversity to the brand’s menu to an accessible yet enriched Japanese indulgence. There’s more that meets the taste buds than Sakae Sushi’s unique conveyor belt (although it’s definitely an experience on its own). Taste their main dish offerings and treat yourself to the rest that sushi paradise has to offer.

With the group.

I had bowls of laughter that night with all the bloggers’ impersonation 🙂

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Sakae Sushi

SM Mall of Asia

Main Mall Bay Blvd., Pasay City

(632) 556 0150

Sakae Sushi Album

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The Way a Sashimi Should Be at Tsumura

February 27, 2010 by Janey

Bubba took me out on a dinner date late last Saturday night. Destination: Tsumura.

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt for enthusiasts of high quality and reasonably priced sushi. A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

It’s not that difficult to find Tsumura once you’ve located the building. Just go straight pass the elevators and walk up the stairs leading to the doors of Tsumura.

On the Table

Free Appetizer

Bubba says it’s eel… *shrugs* beats me, I’ve never tried breaded eel in a light sauce.

Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni. The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Unfortunately, other than the usual sashimi suspects of salmon, tuna and sometimes mackerel, I’m not really a big fan of fish –particularly raw fish at that.

Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Notice that the beef glistens…

Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Grilled beef –Bubba’s order and this seems to be the standout dish for him that evening.

Served with potato salad

Uni PHP 80

I just got to order it

Rice PHP 80

Sake Shot PHP 220

Like in any other Japanese restaurant, one can opt to have it hot or cold.

There’s nothing to harp about the service since wait staff is attentive and efficient. They are very knowledgeable about the menu and comfortably easy to joke around with in case you want to break the stiffness.

Authentic Japanese food that highlights fresh imported sashimi and wagyu beef, Tsumura has really made its mark in the Makati scene as one of the best Japanese restaurants around. From good food to laughable sake moments, I had a fantastic Saturday dinner with Bubba last weekend. Thanks Bubbs! *BIG BUBBALICIOUS HUG*

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

Tsumura Album

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Nanbantei of Tokyo

August 13, 2009 by Janey

Bubba, Jayme and I arrived at Greenbelt just in time to have a quick dinner before SKY Cable’s The Hangover premiere at Cinema 2 last Monday.

The grill section is where yakitori happens. Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for. The tradition supposedly started not with the Japanese, but with the Dutch who had settlements at Dejima, Nagasaki, during the Edo period.

Nanbantei has the same vibe that transports one to the restaurants in Tokyo -simple minimalist interiors with low lights, wooden tables and brown and cream color palette.

On the Table

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste. The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer. Quality meat but a bit pricey for its size.

Shiitake Mushroom PHP 90 (2 sticks)

Japanese mushrooms that have a beefy taste and silky texture grilled yakitori style. 2 pieces of mushroom per stick seem pricey for 90 bucks.

Miso Soup PHP 75

Bubba didn’t want to order one but I insisted because he needed hot soup to warm him up. He wasn’t feeling well and his runny nose (due to allergy) was bugging him all day. This is the ugly part since the waiter accidentally bumped the small container, 3/4s full, and spilled the soup on Bubba’s pants, which was okay because it wasn’t intentional. What was amiss was when they didn’t ask if we want it replaced. Moreover, when we got the bill, it included the Miso soup. I had to call their attention to scratch it off.

Gohan PHP 75

Plain Japanese sticky rice served on a brown bowl. The sticky white rice is perfect with the grilled beef.

Fried Rice PHP 95

Japanese fried rice

I think we should have ordered the platters that appear to have more value for money. Their ala carte items seem to be more expensive than their set meals or platters. I was still hungry after the dinner having eaten only 4 pieces of meat. Nevertheless, the meat was tasty and food was overall satisfactory. Nanbantei of Tokyo combines the best of the Japanese and Dutch traditions to give a thoroughly enjoyable Japanese food experience. It is a cozy Japanese restaurant that offers authentic delicious yakitori cuisine.

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3^rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

Nanbantei of Tokyo Album

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Misato

July 15, 2009 by Janey

It was a rainy evening last Friday and we set out for Metrowalk because Madz invited to hang. It was supposed to be a poker night at Metro Card Club with Jody but at the last minute, he begged off. I wasn’t also up for it that much anyway. The schedule was at 9pm but traffic looked pretty bad that evening with the rain and all, that Bubba and I decided to have dinner at Metrowalk as well.

Misato was the pick of the night. It’s a Japanese restaurant parallel to Starbucks’ location at Metrowalk, which means that both are at the tip of the U-shaped area. Service was fast and pretty adequate, even the manager takes our orders.

On the Table

Freebie

Gy-Saikoro Steak PHP 365

I deliberated whether to get Beef Sukiyaki PHP 480 since the hot semi-sweet broth will temper the cold weather but decided on getting the Gy-Saikoro Steak, which is basically their version of Beef Teppanyaki. Notice that beef teppanyaki is not included in their menu but when I asked for it, the wait staff pointed to the “Entrée” section and directed my attention to Gy-Saikoro Steak.

The beef was tender to the bite but Bubba wasn’t too impressed. It was served on a sizzling plate with sautéed bean sprouts on the side. The mild sweet salty brown sauce gummed to the beef and vegetables were tasty.

Baked Salmon PHP 305

Of note is the salmon served inside a foil. It was very fresh and serving was generous. It had a mound of cheese on top of it and some onions making the baked salmon dish anything but boring.

Japanese Samurai Gohan Rice PHP 88

Japanese Gohan Rice PHP 55

We were in the middle of our dinner when we saw Eric Tang outside the window. He went to our table and asked if I was going to play at Metro. Bubba shook his head before I could so I just said, “I might” with a smile. It all depends if there is waiting time before my friends arrive. Eric and I have been chatting about Metro Card Club, rules and the crowd, the day before. Eric asked me a few more questions about Metro “rules” since it was going to be their group’s first time there.

We also saw Jayvee and Kring walk inside the restaurant and we said our hellos. It was a slow dinner as Bubba and I took our time knowing that with the heavy traffic, Madz, Pat and Eric will naturally be late. We both talked about our recent projects –but mostly I did the yapping about this project that my team and I are going to present the following week. He had some inputs and talking about work without the pressure and stress was really a breathe of fresh air.

Madz followed soon and feasted also on the baked salmon and rice. She liked the salmon as well. Not long, Patrick arrived and we all decided to transfer for drinks and meet Eric Lopez at the next venue.

Misato

G/F Metrowalk, Meralco Avenue

Ugong, Pasig City

(632) 638 7951

Misato Album

3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, baked salmon, beef teppanyaki, cheap, contact, dinner, Eric Lopez, Eric Tang, expensive, food, food review, fresh, gohan rice, how to, Jap, japanese, Japanese fried rice, Jayvee Fernandez, July 17, Kring, list of restaurant, location, Madz Alsola, menu, metrowalk, Misato, number, Pat Velarde, phone, price, recipe, restaurant, Restaurants, resto, review, service, sushi, sushi bar, Venue, wait staff, where to eat

YuuJin

January 15, 2009 by Janey

Chris’ birthday lunch was spent at Yuu Jin. Since I was on half-day sick leave due to feeling feverish that morning, Chris picked me up from home. While waiting for him, I couldn’t resist eating brunch. When we got to Yuu Jin, I was already full.

(Yes, Chris was sporting a plump pimple during his birthday… Maybe he thinks it’s fashionable)

On the Table

California Maki PHP 180

6 pieces of California Maki, which were gone, like a flash.

Uni Sushi PHP 130

The first time I tried Uni (sea urchin) was at Chibori in Cebu. I remember liking the taste so I went ahead and ordered one. Two pieces of sushi topped with generous uni. The ones I tried in Cebu were smaller and tasted fresher, but it doesn’t discount the fact that I’m beginning to get fond of eating uni. For P130, Yuu Jin is the nearest and most affordable place to go to when craving for one.

Katsudon PHP 220

Katsudon served with Miso soup. I don’t understand why Chris never gets tired of ordering this whenever we eat at a Japanese restaurant. YuuJin’s version was better than the usual fair.