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Thursday, June 29, 2017
IZAKAYA SENSU: New Japanese Dishes to try in BGC

With more and more Japanese Restaurants opening left and right, it seems that authenticity has declined. Some restaurants tend to have a more dominant sweet Filipino flavor in their Japanese dishes just to cater to its market. Thankfully IZAKAYA SENSU in BGC has decided to put it in the middle. Without sacrificing too much, a balance is achieved with each dish they serve.
As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by a small sushi bar. Here, different rolls and sashimi are prepared fresh for everyone by their master Japanese chef. Drinks are also a must as IZAKAYA SENSU is the other half of CHOTTO MATTE. Known for their Japanese cocktails, their SAKE offerings are no different either. The ASIAN BEAUTY is great way to start a meal. Very smooth and aromatic, the sake has one of the highest grade. The rice used was 50% polished so the extracts are right there where you would want them.
New dishes were prepared for their JULY LAUNCH. There was a set of rolls that were created to make use of the fresh ingredients. The first thing that would catch your attention would be the colorful RAINBOW ROLL. A mix of blue fin tuna, salmon, white meat fish, and horse mackarel, variety is the name of the game. Another variety that would interest you would be the ABURI UNI and IKA. Sea urchin is mixed with squid and a number of garnish are torched to create a creamy outer layer. The ika or squid might be a little slimy at first but the texture compliments the entire dish.
If there was only one roll to pick, it would have to be the dynamite roll. Salmon and blue fin tuna are mixed with chili powder and tempura flakes. This gave it a bit of crunch and punch.
Surprisingly, IZAKAYA SENSU has brought out a couple of soup dish that are cooked table side. The first would be the "CHAN CHAN" NABE - SHAKE MISO. It's a shabu-shabu that uses Norwegian Salmon. Fresh vegetables helps flavor the broth. From here, one should dip the salmon  for less than a minute to produce perfection. The liquid in itself is a bit salty but with go well with the accompanying noodles. It actually makes sense to have this with rice.
For meat lovers, the WAGYU SUKI-YAKI would be perfect. Delicately sliced wagyu and other fresh ingredients are mixed in a sweet Japanese soy sauce broth.
The meat in itself has great marbling and could be cooked in less than a minute. After such, drown it in the provided freshly cracked egg. This in turn, adds sweetness and brings out the flavor of the meat really well.
Dessert is very similar to a green tea parfait. Having different toppings, the ANMITSU is a refreshing end to a heavy meal. With red beans, fruits, and even mochi balls, you won't go wrong with having this spoonful after spoonful.
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Aside from these new dishes, happy hour occurs everyday. Guests are able to try out more drinks as they offer buy one take one on selected cocktails.

RELATED LINKS:


IZAKAYA SENSU and CHOTTO MATTE
Ground Floor, NET PARK,
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City, Metro Manila

Note: Valet Parking is available at the basement. Entrance after 5pm is at 80Php Flat Rate. Otherwise, it's 80Php for the first two hours then 50 Php per hour thereafter.




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Wednesday, June 28, 2017
PAMANA in QUEZON CITY: A Legacy of Filipino Cuisine

A transformation into something familiar yet up to date, this is what PAMANA does. Known for its heirloom recipes, PAMANA has been sharing all the goodies that the ONGPAUCO clan has been known for and more. With multiple branches around the Philippines, PAMANA has been a landmark of good food and great company.
 As you enter their restaurant in QUEZON CITY (just across ABS-CBN), you are greeted by lots of family photos and memorabilia. This sets the theme of how the food would be. Family style and perfect for everyone gathered.
 For starters, you could mix and match. Since this too is an outlet of their famous HAWAIIAN BBQ, you get the chance of enjoying more dishes from their extensive menu. Appetizers like the SPAM and FRIES and the OKOY bites gave out contrasting flavors and texture but compliments each other. The SPAM and FRIES are on the sweet end because of the glaze. On the other hand, the OKOY is very crunchy and gives off a salty note perfect with the vinegar on the side.
 The CRISPY ADOBONG PUSIT CALAMARES seems quite different as it is coated with a black batter. Don't get fooled by its looks as it is devilishly good. With a side of aioli and crab sauce, you could dip to your heart's content.
 Made with a special sweet and tangy sauce, the HAWAIIAN BABY BACK RIBS is a joy to eat. With a number of variants, you are given options and choices when it comes to flavor profile.
 One thing not to be missed would be the CRISPY PATA. From the original maker of this dish, you won't go wrong with the way they masterfully cooked this heavenly dish. Crispy skin and tender meat, it's definitely a must order.
 To clean up everything, the CHICKEN BINAKOL might do the trick. Cooked with coconut juice, chicken is served right inside a fresh coconut. The soup is on the salty side but the chicken is tender and well marinated.
 For big groups, they also offer platters that could be best in terms of being able to try a lot. Aside from deep fried dishes, you could also go for their grilled ones as well.
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The PAMANA restaurant across ABS CBN could get quite full especially on weekends. With the level of service and the quality of the dishes, you'll definitely have a great time visiting this restaurant.


RELATED LINKS:

Mother Ignacia Avenue
Tomas Morato, South Triangle, 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Just across Abs Cbn









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Thursday, June 22, 2017
WATAMI GRILL and SUSHI BAR in GREENBELT MAKATI: Darn Good Japanese Food

There's nothing like having the best of both worlds in one restaurant. At WATAMI GRILL and SUSHI BAR, they expect you to have one heck of a Japalicious time by getting access to different skewered meats and fresh sushi and sashimi rolls all under one roof.
 WATAMI GRILL and SUSHI BAR has a number of outlets around the metro. One of their newest branch would be located in Greenbelt 2. Under the helms of the BISTRO GROUP, you get to see their hands on approach when it comes to serving the needs and wants of their guests. New dishes are added ever so often that sometimes, you tend to loose track.
One could start out with the ASSORTED SASHIMI SALAD. Here, cuts of salmon and tuna are mixed with various greens and vinaigrette to whet the appetite.
Another new dish would be the HOMEMADE ROLLED OMELETTE. It's quite similar to tamago yet has a distinct difference. This one was quickly cooked in a pan to give it a slight burnt edge. A variant of this has mentai and cheese as fillings.
Of course, rolls are a big part of Filipino Dining in Japanese Restaurants. Here, they created the ANGEL ROLL. An ebi tempura is used as the main ingredient while it is then topped with kani and Japanese Mayo.
For grilled items, they have a lot to choose from. Different skewers are there for you to indulge in. One should definitely get the BEEF WAGYU and the SALMON BELLY. The wagyu is perfectly cooked that it is tremendously tender and juicy. Lightly topped with salt, flavors greet you with each mouthful. Healthy eaters would enjoy the SALMON BELLY. Grilled, the meat is not overly flaky. There's the right amount of seasoning that makes you want to order more rice just to eat with it.
RICE BOXES would be perfect for a quick lunch. One could check out the BEEF SUKIYAKI and the SKEWER RICE BOX. The beef sukiyaki has glazed meat partnered with noodles, mushrooms and some green leafy vegetables. Each bite would give a sweet surprise. For someone more into bbqs, the SKEWER RICE BOX would be perfect. Topped with different chicken parts, meatballs and even a flavored egg, you'll definitely have a great time devouring this meal.
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WATAMI GRILL and SUSHI BAR is a welcome addition to the Japanese Dining Scene in the Greenbelt area. Being able to offer tons of variety and choices for its guests, it's no wonder why people keep going back for more.

RELATED LINK:


WATAMI GRILL and SUSHI BAR
Greenbelt 2
Makati City, Metro Manila

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Tuesday, June 20, 2017
PERFECT PINT: A NEW BEERGINNING in GREENBELT MAKATI

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  When one talks about beers, it's usually about a night out and with good friends and family. At PERFECT PINT, they create more of these liquid gold just to give you a good time. With a few branches around the metro, one can't help but wonder what is there to enjoy in PERFECT PINT.
 To have a great idea of what they are, visit one of their bigger branches in GREENBELT 2. Here, we could see that they have a nano brewery on the 2nd floor that creates different mixtures and concoctions that they put on tap. Not just one or two or three but as much as 20.
For the uninitiated, they could get a flight or a sampler of sorts. Picking 4 different beer flavors, you are given a lot of leeway. From there, one could order more of what they like with full sized glasses.
Fries are a different matter when it comes to PERFECT PINT. Here, you could try go for their POUTINE. Not your traditional version but it does the trick with its huge serving of cheese and gravy smothered on top of the fries.
Aside from their PIZZAS (which are a sure hit between drinkers and foodies), you would never go wrong with the KAPAL FACE. Thick cuts of pork face is deep fried to give you that crunchy yet juicy beer partner. It's like crispy pata on steroids.
If that isn't enough for you, the HEAP OF BACON would do the trick as well. This home made version was marinated and given a lot of tender, love, and care to get that amazing bite. It isn't too salty and had the right texture and ratio of fat to meat. Something like 50:50.
PERFECT PINT also have something "healthy" for seafood lovers. Aside from the surf and turf, which has ribs and huge shrimps, they have this sizzling OYSTER SISIG. Crunchy oysters that is given the sisig makeover. Oily and deadly but still somewhat perfect for everybody.
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Not to be missed would be these TUNA TENDERS. Grilled tuna that are delightful on their own. Try to eat them first and judge the texture and flavor before you ask which part of the fish they are. Believe me, it's worth it.

PERFECT PINT started in a small place in BGC and now has grown into multiple branches and with its own brewery. There is no other way to go but up.

RELATED LINK:
PERFECT PINT in BGC

PERFECT PINT
GREENBELT 2, MAKATI,
METRO MANILA
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Friday, June 16, 2017
BURGER AND LOBSTER in RESORTS WORLD GENTING: SKY AVENUE'S SEAFOOD DELIGHT

It seems normal but it wasn't. It was a special experience only you could have at RESORTS WORLD GENTING. Stepping out of the limo, dropping the bags at the hotel and being escorted straight into to a packed restaurant with a long line seems too good to be true. But, it was! It was the start of my MALAYSIAN RESORTS WORLD GENTING ADVENTURE.

The restaurant to enjoy first in Malaysia's Genting Highlands would be the BURGER and LOBSTER. The first and only in Southeast Asia, this pub-like joint does things incredible good yet simple. No reservations though as they have a strict lining up policy. Hence, going at an off peak time might be best.
As you walk inside, you are greeted by huge lobsters. A gigantic cage is right by the entrance enticing guests to get one and have them cooked based on their preference. As the name of the restaurant implies, this is a place for all of your seafood dreams. LOBSTERS to be precise. First thing first though, drinks are a must.
After coming off from an almost 2 hour ride from the airport, arriving in GENTING GRAND (check out my experience of this great hotel here), one would definitely need a drink or two. Signature cocktails would definitely hit the mark but for something refreshing the SOFT SHELLS option would work. The TIME KEEPER made with black tea, calamansi lime, kafir lime leaf, and palm sugar is genius. Sweet but not overly so.
If there was only a couple of dishes that you would have to try out, it would be the BURGER and the LOBSTER ROLL. For the burger, you should go with the B and L BURGER. A combination of BEEF and LOBSTER MEAT, it is topped with lettuce, tarragon and Truffle Sauce. It may be a bit of a bite but they meat compliment each other.  Served in a toasted Brioche roll, the LOBSTER ROLLS are also their best sellers. One could go for something chilli but the ORIGINAL would work best.
A dish that was created and is served only for Malaysia would be the CHILLI LOBSTER. Served in a clay pot, the lobster is drowned in chilli sauce. Making the flavor very authentic and familiar with the local guest. Not overly spicy, you could use the brioche to scoop up the sauce.
But to properly taste the LOBSTERS you could go for them either steamed or grilled. In this instance, the GRILLED version seems more delicious. Partnered with either clarified butter of B&L's famous lemon and garlic butter sauce, you can't help but to keep on getting those meat of of those shell. Delicious.

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BURGER AND LOBSTER is but one of the many food establishments inside the newly opened SKY AVENUE. It is here that you could get a chance to feel, taste, and enjoy everything to your hearts content. The lobsters are all flown in and are delivered alive and fresh.



RELATED LINK:
GENTING GRAND: ONE AMAZING STAY



BURGER AND LOBSTER
Level 1, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting
69000 Genting Highlands Resort, Pahang, Malaysia







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Thursday, June 15, 2017
BAWAI'S: VIETNAMESE CUISINE in BGC'S UPTOWN PARADE

Since it seems that the rainy season has started, having something hot and steamy like noodles and soup would hit the mark. At BAWAI'S VIETNAMESE KITCHEN, they make sure you get your money's worth.

A new branch of BAWAI'S has recently opened in BGC UPTOWN PARADE. Almost infront of one of UPTOWN MALL'S Entrance and just underneath the foot bridge connecting parade and the mall, you won't be able to miss it.
One could start off with some drinks. Aside from the usual coffee, you might want to try out the lime mint shake. One sip and it would give you a jolt. A perfect wake me up if you will.
A visit to a BAWAI'S would not be complete without having the GOI CUON. The traditional Vietnamese fresh spring roll, pork and shrimp goes well together. Having it dipped in the sauce and nuts give it more texture.
When one talks about Vietnamese dishes, it would usually lead to having noodles. the PHO BO is the traditional take of Vietnamese cooking to beef noodle soup. Granted that it might taste a little too bland for some, having lime, vegetables, and sauces on the side would do the trick. Here, is the deconstructed version.
For something heavy, the COM SUON CHA would do the trick. This is grilled pork belly with a glaze of caramel and lemongrass marinade. Served with a mushroom egg pie, this goes well with a hot bowl of rice. To end the meal, you could go for their home made brownie dessert topped with ice cream or something traditional. The BAND DA LON is a yellow mung bean and pandan cake with coconut paste.
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BAWAI'S in BGC'S UPTOWN PARADE has recently opened it doors to the public. Serving healthy dishes that are perfect for the weather, we get to see how VIETNAMESE cuisine has evolved over the years. From their main branch in Silang Cavite to the other one in White Plains, this expansion to BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY is a welcome treat.


BAWAI'S VIETNAMESE KITCHEN
Ground Floor
Uptown Parade 9th Avenue Corner 36th Street,
Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila

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