First Bite: Tori Ichi

I once passed by this new yakitori restaurant on my home one time and took a mental note to visit it soon. But food gods had other plans and made my visit sooner. And sweeter too as it was a sponsored eat up by Epicurean Partners Exchange, Inc. and looloo. We were told to skip lunch as it was bound to be a very festive night for the tummy and it sure was!

Hello, Tori Ichi!

It would be easy to miss this two-story Japanese restaurant located at the corner of 4th Avenue across Kuppa as a huge metal sculpture blocks its facade. But no art can go in between me and my love for Japanese food.

First Sip: Chotto Matte

A trip to Izakaya Sensu is not complete without visiting its neighbor Chotto Matte which means "wait a minute" in Japanese. I failed to ask why they named it such but I think it has the same concept as Brotzeit (which means break). The idea is to slow down and have a drink or two. And this is why Chotto Matte is open from lunch till dinner. 

Hello, Chotto Matte! 

This speakeasy bar seemed to attract a slightly older crowd with its dim lounge-like setting. 

With a huge selection of Suntory beverages, Japanese liquor lovers would go crazy over the wide selections! They have beers, cocktails, mocktails, sake and whathaveyou concoctions like Sakuratini. 🍸

I went with Chu Hi Sours line of beverages which is marketed as great light afternoon drinks. I initially ordered Melon (PHP195) but Andrej (one of the owners of Izakaya Sensu and Chotto Matte) insisted that we also try Grapefruit (PHP175).

Melon was served first (as Grapefruit was requested after I ordered my drink). 

It was basically a melon-flavored shōchū. (Shōchū is a Japanese traditional hard liquor that typically contains 25% alcohol by volume. It is usually distilled from rice, barley, buckwheat, sweet potatoes or brown sugar.) 

It had a nice hint of melon and it was like drinking a refreshing glass of light beer. Personally, I think that it would have been better if the melon taste was a bit stronger so that I'd have a sweeter drink to pair my meal with. 

Second Bite: Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant

I’m so thankful that I could visit Kapitolyo anytime I want. I witness it bloom from a quiet residential area to a busy foodie district. I still can’t say I conquered Kapitolyo as every time I’m just a restaurant or two away, a bunch of restaurants open! (I’m not complaining though.) Last Saturday, I was supposed to go on a food trip with E but my tummy didn’t want to cooperate so we ended up having a quick lunch at Haru.

Hello, Haru!

Haru is one of my favorite restaurants in Kapitolyo. Charming décor and delicious food is always a winning combo!

E’s assorted sushi

Since it was quite warm that day, I opted to get Zaru Soba (PHP180), Seafood Teppanyaki (PHP335), Sake Sashimi (PHP308), and Guyabano Shake (PHP84). E went with a bowl of ramen and a plate of assorted sushi.

My salmon sashimi was served first; and as before, it was love. Thick cuts of fresh salmon… it was heavenly!

Second Bite: Ogetsu Hime

Japanese food is LOVE. I have said this too many times but I want to say it again… Japanese food is the best (for me)! Salmon sashimi, teppanyaki, tonkatsu, tempura, maki, sushi, ramen… *sigh* <3 And so one Saturday, I visited one.

Hello again, Ogetsu Hime!

I’ve been to this place before when I had a Black Saturday food trip with some friends. I recall though that we only had an hour to enjoy the food as we were waitlisted at Ramen Nagi and we were told that we have to be there when a table becomes available for us. This time though, I had more time to enjoy the salmon.

R kept on recommending Ogetsu Hime as he was in love with the Matsusaka beef and it was on sale (50% off!!!). So when we met, it was pretty obvious where we’ll head after the “mysterious activity” (which was ice skating).

We got the following: Matsusaka beef (PHP3,900 regular price but at PHP1950 when we visited), Salmon Sashimi (PHP350), Anago Sushi (PHP510; sale price PHP255), Hotategai Sushi (PHP420; sale price PHP210). R also got warm bottle of sake.

The first dish served was the salmon sashimi  and as before, it was fresh and made me one happy foodie. R was generous too to give me the last piece. (I wouldn’t if I were in his shoes. Well, unless the person does the Puss in Boots eyes.)

Shopping Destination: Marukai Market

I have expressed my love for anything Japanese in several blogs entries. The word sashimi alone makes me smile for hours! So just imagine my thrill when I stepped inside a Japanese supermarket. I was beyond ecstatic! 

The first thing I saw inside the market are some clothes for older women. It shows, I guess, the target market of the shop. There are signature bags as well though I'm not really sure if those are popular brands. Being a person who cares more about what to eat, I went straight to the kitchenware and I had a blast!

Ceramic knives!!!

Plates everywhere! 

 

There are a lot of sushi and sashimi plates though I find it a tad pricey at $1.25 and higher. 

There are a lot of cute figurines too and those kimono dolls. 

I also saw the Aquazinger thermos bottle my colleague T brings to work.