First Bite: Tenya Lokal Menu

It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic hit the Philippines. With new variants coming in, it doesn't seem like the battle is ending anytime soon. Sadly, for many, this is not the only war they face each day. Thousands of Filipinos have lost their jobs and livelihood because of the pandemic. Countless faces struggled each day to make ends meet. But it was through dark times when the true essence of Bayanihan shines. And one stellar example is how restaurants uplift the local producers. Tenya did just that and more.

Hello, Tenya!

Tenya launched its farm-to-table initiative, where they complemented the Japan-sourced ingredients with those from our local farmers and fisherfolk. 

Takeout Favorite: Ooma's Ebi and Soft Shell Crab Tempura Aburi Bake

It has been seven months since I last dined in and traveled. And as much as I tell myself that it's better to stay cooped up indoors, I can't help miss the "old" normal. Thankfully, many restaurants made it a lot bearable for us by making takeouts a bit more interesting, just like Ooma with its bento meals and its lip-smackingly good aburi bake!

Hello, Ooma.

Ooma is no stranger to those who love Japanese fusion dishes. Its wide array of maki and entrees guarantees that there's something for everyone. And for me, it has always been its soft shell crab taco maki and hanger steak.

Food Delivery: Salmon HQ's Sushi Bake

Sushi Bake is one of the hottest food trends that emerged during Manila's lockdown. Several shops started selling this sushi spin-off. From the classic California Maki-inspired sushi bake to fancier pans made with scallop and uni, there are a lot of options to choose from depending on your budget. And if you are more particular with quality over price, Salmon HQ is one brand you should consider.

Hello, Salmon HQ.

Salmon HQ is one of the many new businesses that opened during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. It originally focused on offering different kinds of fresh sashimi. But with the craze for Sushi Bake getting stronger and no sign of slowing down, Salmon HQ decided to join the hype. And it launched its Crunchy California Sushi Bake (PHP500, 6.75" x 5.75" pan | PHP1,000, 8" x 8" | PHP1,200, 8" x 10" pan) and Aburi Scallop, Salmon and Ebi Sushi Bake (PHP700, 6.75" x 5.75" pan | PHP1,400, 8" x 8" | PHP1,600, 8" x 10" pan) last June.

First Bite: Yoshimeatsu's Sushi Bake and Tebasaki

Manila's community quarantine gave birth to many home bakers, chefs, and first-time entrepreneurs. Every day, our social media feeds get filled with photos of baked goods, handicrafts, and items for reselling. It felt like a trap as I couldn't help myself from trying a lot. Sushi bake was no exception. Just hearing my friends gush about it makes me drool. And I was happy to be able to try the one from Yoshimeatsu a few weeks back.

Hello, Yoshimeatsu. 

Yoshimeatsu is one of the popular Korean-Japanese restaurants in Manila. Known for its wide selection of Korean BBQ meats and Japanese staples, it grew to multiple branches in just a short period. 

My First Lash Extensions with Ayumi

I've always wanted to have long eyelashes. But my lack of patience to put on falsies or  learn how to properly apply mascara left me with sparse eyelashes for decades! Though I had those moments of being made up with long lashes to boot, I never really considered having lash extensions because of my fear of having my already few lashes fall off. And it took a lot of research for me to finally give in. And the best one that came out was Ayumi. 

Hello, Ayumi.

Ayumi is one of the pioneers in the lash extensions industry in Manila. It has been around for over 5 years and have been known as a reliable fairy godmother in making one extra glam. 

Restaurant Love: Ippudo

Ippudo has always been my number one ramen joint in Manila. With its light yet umami packed broth, I could easily finish a bowl. And after weeks of not having a decent Japanese meal, I figured that it's time to end it and indulge in my favorite Shiromaru Tamago.

Hello, Ippudo.

One of the things I love about Ippudo is its impressive service. I used to frequent its Uptown Bonifacio branch and the staff never fail to give me a pleasant dining experience. And I'm glad that same is true with its Ayala Malls Vertis North store.

Restaurant Favorite: Yoshinoya

Dining out can be very tiring. Aside from squeezing your way through Manila's horrendous traffic, you're also bombarded with so many options where to eat. And the fact that there are restaurants opening left and right every week doesn't really help. At most times, I end up finding myself going back to one of my classic favorites--Yoshinoya.

Hello, Yoshinoya. 

Yoshinoya has been one of my go to places when I couldn't decide on where to eat. With its no fail Beef Gyudon Rice Bowl, I'm set to have a filling and satisfying meal! 

First Bite: Hakata Ton-ichi

Ramen never fails to brighten up the gloomiest day. Just thinking about slurping tonkotsu broth and munching on thin noodles topped with chasiu is enough to motivate me to get out of bed and head to the nearest ramen joint. And last weekend was the perfect day to check out the newest ramen shop in town--Hakata Ton-ichi. 

Hello, Hakata Ton-ichi. 

Bright and fresh out of a manga book, this is what I felt when I stepped inside Hakata Ton-ichi. Neon signs, wooden furniture and colorful graphics ornate this ramen shop's massive space at SM North Edsa's newest wing.

First Bite: New Hatchin Grocerant

Japan is a happy place for me. I always look forward to supermarket runs where I get to grab all my favorite Japanese goodies and more. And when R's parents asked if we'd like to go to Hatchin, a Japanese grocerant, I quickly said yes!

Hello, New Hatchin Grocerant. 

New Hatchin Japanese Grocerant is a grocery store and restaurant in one. It has been around for quite a while in Makati and it finally opened a store along Katipunan last April. 

The Common Good Launches Lunch Sets

Enjoying a meal or two at a hotel always sound fancy and rather expensive. But more and more of these lavish establishments come up with options that appeal to yuppies and to those who want good value food with great ambiance to match. And this is exactly what I'm Hotel's The Common Good did with its lunch packages. 

Hello, The Common Good.

The Common Good is I'm Hotel's food playground which showcases different cuisines to satisfy everyone's palate. It has been one of the bang for the buck dinner buffet options in Makati and it has further pushed the envelope by offering lunch sets to cater to the Makati professionals. 

Beat the Heat: Shari Shari Kakigori House Philippines Opens this June 2019

With summer coming to an end, the heat still lingers and there's no stopping us from wanting cold treats. Thankfully, a new shaved ice dessert shop reached our shores and is up for the challenge to keep us cool. And it has legit matcha to boot!

Hello, Shari Shari Kakigori House!

Shari Shari Kakigori House from Hong Kong is finally opening in Manila this June and will be serving its bestsellers Japanese Tofu Kakigori, Matcha Cream Special, Earl Grey Milk Tea and Strawberry Special among others. As a Manila exclusive flavor, Shari Shari Philippines will also serve Cantaloupe Melon. 

Tsuke-Men: Dipping Ramen at The Grid

The Grid is one of the best food markets in Manila right now with its lovely selection of concessionaires. We have the likes of Bun Appetit, Risa's Chocolates and La Chinesca to satisfy our growling tummies. But there are also stalls that may have been unheard of before and made its debut at The Grid and one of which is Tsuke-Men.

Hello, Tsuke-Men.

Tsuke-Men is managed by the people behind The Grid and I managed to get first dibs (or should I say dips?) on its tsukemen or dipping ramen concept when The Grid opened last year.

Lazy Bug Chronicles: Uma Uma Hakata-Style Ramen is now available via Delivery

Who says you can't have your ramen to go? Well, a lot. Ramen joints refuse to have its delectable noodles for take out even if it's your own leftover. I've seen several customers who went ballistic and argued with the staff when they found out that they can't have their leftover noodles to go. Though I understand that the restaurant just want to ensure product quality, I feel that a simple warning would suffice and just let its customers have their half eaten noodles packed. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it anymore. In fact, I can even have some Hakata-style ramen delivered! 

Hello, Uma Uma.

Uma Uma has been quiet these past months while all other ramen joints have been launching new products here and there. Turns out Uma Uma has been brewing something cool for us. So, anyone up for ramen at home? 

Makati Chronicles: Katsu Sora

I could never say no to tonkatsu and dinner at Katsu Sora is always a good idea. After all, where else can you grab more than shredded cabbage and more than one option for rice while indulging in crunchy yet succulent pork cutlets? 

Hello, Katsu Sora. 

Katsu Sora is one of the best spots to get quality pork cutlets and I was glad that the Tefal team treated us there for dinner after the launch of its spherical pot rice cooker. 

First Bite: Ebi 10

Poblacion was starting to wake up from its slumber when we headed to our next stop. With the sun almost down and traffic starting to build up, we scurry our way to Tambai Alley and headed straight to the last store which is Ebi 10. 

Hello, Ebi 10.

You might have seen a bunch of posts of Ebi 10's ginormous tempura on social media. Its name alone is a play of ebi tempura. (Well, I just assumed that so don't take my word for it.) But this Japanese store has a lot more to offer. 

McDonald's Philippines Launches The Flavors of Japan

McDonald's Philippines just launched something new that would bring Japan's Sakura Festival to our shores. And it is delicious! 

Hello, McDonald's!

I was lucky to be invited to the sneak preview of McDonald's latest offering-- The Flavors of Japan last February 26 and I had a blast indulging in these new products.

When in Tagaytay: Aozora Japanese Restaurant

It has been a long while since R and I drove to Tagaytay. As much as we would like to have a quick getaway, the horrific traffic discourages us from heading anywhere on weekends. But this long weekend's festivities sure made us change our minds. Our first stop, Aozora Japanese Restaurant.

Hello, Aozora. 

Aozora has been one of the popular dining options in Tagaytay that it finally expanded and opened a second branch, across One Tagaytay Place.

Tokyo Tokyo Launches Sisig Ramen

Tokyo Tokyo is one of my go to places for affordable Japanese food. I still recall my college days when I'd grab an order of its tempura and pair it with its refreshing red iced tea. And Tokyo Tokyo continues to remain relevant in the food industry by innovating and offering new products to the ever growing demanding market. This time, this popular Japanese restaurant chain came up with something quite Filipino. 

Hello, Tokyo Tokyo. 

We all know Tokyo Tokyo for its crisp tempura and bang for the buck bento meals. It recently launched its Nori Tempura which tickled seaweed lovers' taste buds. And just a few weeks later, it launched a new dish that would pique the interest of ramen lovers. 

First Bite: Taisho

Ramen never fail to make my eyes sparkle. Just thinking about twirling noodles and slurping its rich yet delicate broth brings so much happy vibes. And last Tuesday, R and I visited an off the radar ramen joint in SM North Edsa.

Hello, Taisho.

This ramen and teppanyaki restaurant has been around for a few years now at SM Light Mall. It recently moved to SM North adding more Japanese selection to the bustling mall. 

First Bite: Minami Saki

I rarely go out on January 1st as I'm usually sleep deprived from all the jumping and eating the night before. But last year's festivities ended early and I went to sleep right after I welcomed 2019. Thinking that most would be lazy to go out due to the long night prior, I thought most would stay in to catch some sleep before greeting reality the next day. But I guess everyone was itching to go out for lunch as I couldn't secure seats in any of R's parents' favorite restaurants. Luckily, Minami Saki offered to save us seats at Astoria's cafe lounge and that we could still order its dishes from there. 

Hello, Minami Saki.

I've heard of Minami Saki from some foodie friends and they kept raving about its sushi. I've been eying to visit this gem along Escriva Drive but the traffic and R's unpredictable schedule always keep us away from dining here. I wasn't supposed to go for lunch here with R's parents as I just had breakfast then. But the curious foodie in me was itching to take a bite of Minami Saki's offerings. Needless to say, I joined last minute.