Nono's Launches New Favorites

July was a stressful month for me. I had to learn new things for work and keep up with having new content for my blog. I'd often find myself sleeping so late just so I could have everything done. Now that I'm starting to get the hang of it, there's no better way to reward myself than with good food at Nono's. 

Hello, Nono's.

I used to think that Nono's is just a place for desserts knowing that the person behind this dainty shop is the wonderful Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto of Classic Confections. But I was totally wrong when I got a bite of Nono's Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons. Crunchy and packed with umami, this amazing starter made me smile from ear to ear! And I couldn't help myself from wanting more. My sister also had a Cooking Master Boy moment with Nono's when she had its cheesy Mac N Cheese.

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. 

DIY Ramen: Yosuke Ramen

I love ramen. But there are days when the lazy bug bites me hard. So hard that despite having intense desire for ramen, I couldn't find the energy to go out and satisfy what my taste buds yearn for. Thankfully, I came across this DIY ramen that allows me to have ramen any time I want. 

Hello, Yosuke Ramen.

I got a random email from K last month asking if I would be interested to try her DIY Ramen. She mentioned that they just started a few weeks ago back then but have been shipping out an average of 250 bowls per day. Now, that's an impressive number for a brand that was just starting out. 

Now Open: Tsuta, Michelin-Starred Ramen

Tsuta has been one of the most anticipated brands this 2017 by food enthusiasts, or more specifically by ramen aficionados. I fall under both categories and I can't help but salivate whenever I read reviews on Tsuta's signature and Michelin-starred ramen. Just picturing its rich broth with truffle oil makes me uneasy. I just have to try it as soon as it lands here in Manila. And finally, I did. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta Ramen is no stranger to those who frequent Tokyo. As the first ramen shop worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Star, Tsuta has become a destination for good ramen. 

Tsuta is opening in Manila!

The world's first Michelin-starred ramen shop is finally coming to Manila! And it is opening just in time for Christmas. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta is one of the most talked about ramen shops since 2015 when it earned a prestigious Michelin star. The very first in its category to earn such recognition, it has drawn so much attention that lining up at 6 a.m. whereas the store opens at 11 a.m. became normal. 

First Bite: Yayoi Philippines

It is so hard to resist good food especially when your foodie godfather invites you to the media launch of a Japanese restaurant. This time, the invite was for Yayoi, a reputable Japanese restaurant with branches all over Japan, USA, Australia, and now in Manila. 

Hello, Yayoi! 

I've heard about Yayoi from one of my friends working in Ortigas. He was quite excited to try this place out since he was starting to get tired of the usual restaurants in one of the busiest malls in Manila. And finally, it is open to the public! 

After crawling our way out of EDSA for half an hour, we finally reached SM Megamall and scurried towards Yayoi. And we made it just in time! 

We were greeted by the friendly PR team and owners of Yayoi. We were quickly ushered inside and I couldn't help gush over the mix of traditional Japanese ambiance with its wooden walls and technology through the iPads stationed on each table. (The iPads serve as the menu and platform to place your order.)

After feasting on some Edamame (PHP120), we headed to the photo table and joined other bloggers, media personalities and Instagrammers take some mouthwatering photos of Yayoi's highlighted offerings. 

Our orders were served after the welcome remarks of the hosts and we soon indulged in some serious Japanese dishes. 

First served was the Mix Toji Teishoku (PHP425) or breaded pork loin, deep fried shrimp and sukiyaki beef simmered in special sauce and egg served with rice, miso soup and two sides. 

I loved the sweet and salty taste of the sauce which complemented the succulent katsu and breaded shrimp. I also enjoyed eating the egg base with Japanese rice while slurping some hot miso soup. The tofu side dish helped balance the taste and avoided the main dish from being cloying. 

First Bite: Maisen

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart. But the very next day, you just made me fat. Yep, it was the season to get fatty two weeks ago and I have done nothing but munch, chew and munch some more. And when I was invited to tag along to visit this "most famous" katsu place (in Japan), I just couldn't say no. 

Hello, Maisen!

The place looks a lot classier than the other restaurants in SM Megamall. Not sure if it was the yellow lights but the ambiance sure was nicer.

There were a lot of katsu to choose from. R went with Maisen's bestseller Kurobuta Tenderloin Katsu Set (PHP630) while I ordered the Salmon Katsu Set (PHP550). Both comes with cabbage, rice, miso soup, pickle set and fruits. 

It took about 20 minutes or so to prepare our orders so I was quite famished when my dish arrived.

First one served was R's Kurobuta Tenderloin Katsu and it was perfectly golden brown. 

The set includes a katsu sauce specially paired with kurobuta. It was slightly thicker and lumpier than the sauce from other katsu places. 

Ramen of the South: Ramen Yushoken

It has been quite a while since I last did a food trip. I have been super busy lately that I had no time to explore and visit new places. (Goodbye food trip Saturdays! I miss you so much!) But God has been so good to me. On our way to visit my all-time favorite grandma, something caught my eye. MOLITO. It’s the foodie hotspot Molito! As soon as I posted it on Facebook, I got some really good foodie advice.

Right after a quick trip to the Alabang bazaar, we visited our first Molito stop, Ramen Yushoken.

I’ve actually heard of Ramen Yushoken from several people when I tell them that I’m scheduling a south food trip. But it always gets cancelled or end after one stop.  Anyway…

The place is quite small but could easily sit around 25-30 people. I heard that there is always a long wait during dinner. Good thing we came in around 4:30 p.m..

We ordered three ramen bowls: Shoyu Ramen (PHP350), Miso Ramen (PHP380) and Hiyashi Chuka (PHP370). We also ordered two plates of Gyoza (PHP150).

Kapitolyo Food Stop: Ramen Cool

As part of my 2012 plans, I will be visiting all restaurants in Kapitolyo. I have already tried Nav, Cafe Juanita, St. Geralds, Share Tea, Soho, Three Sisters, Poco Deli, Mad Marks, and Rub Ribs. Just a few more to go. Food trip anyone?

I love checking out new restaurants. I’m sure that I have mentioned this several times already (but the three words “I love salmon” must have been repeated way more). Disclaimer: I will say these again… very soon.

 

I got so excited when a colleague told me that there’s a new restaurant that recently opened near my place and where I work. (Convenient!) I-just-have-to-try-it!

Restaurant Discovery: Ganso-Shabuway

I am an official sucker for new places. As long as I see an “opening soon” sign, I make sure that I’ll try it before it turns 6 months old. Yes, even if I am not fond of the food it will serve. That’s how addicted I am to new places. Don’t get me wrong though as I love old places too as long as I have never been there (with the exemption of Intramuros for that’s just too classic not to visit again).

 

Irashaimase!

 

That was the first thing you’ll hear once you step inside Ganso-Shabuway. 

The place was packed when we arrived. But the turnover was pretty fast. We just waited for ONE MINUTE before we got a table. Fast, isn’t it?

I have a confession to make… I do not like shabu-shabu. In fact, I hate it. (It shocks me that I do not like this Japanese dish considering I am a Japanese wannabe who is in love with everything Japanese […food related that is].) But since I’ve never been to this place, my I-just-have-to-try-it-even-though-I-might-just-waste-some-hard-earned-money mentality prevailed.