First Bite: Soru Izakaya

There's a new Japanese restaurant in Maginhawa that's making a lot of buzz since it opened last month with its beautiful plating and Instagram-worthy spread. I was a bit iffy to try it myself as I've been to several restaurants that focused more on design than taste. But curiosity hit me bad and soon I found myself in front of Soru Izakaya one Saturday afternoon. 

Hello, Soru Izakaya. 

We were welcomed by dark and warm interiors as well as Japanese inspired murals and wall designs. There were not a lot of diners too at 4:30 p.m. but the place was quite warm as not all A/C units were on. 

Restaurant Love: Nihonkai Tsukiji

R suddenly message me, “What are you craving for?” around 5 p.m. last Thursday. (No, I am not pregnant in case you’re wondering.) I wasn’t really craving for anything in particular but it has been a while since I last had uni sashimi. So I replied saying I want a gooey piece of heaven. He then told me that his dad wants to eat out and we’ll eat wherever I choose. Woohoo! Thank you, Uncle H!

Hello, Nihonkai Tsukiji!

It has been quite a while since I last went to this Japanese restaurant! It may not be as popular as other restaurants like Tsumura, Seryna or Senju but this place serves great food!

We were all famished and quickly ordered a bunch of Salmon Aburi (PHP95/piece x 16), Uni Sashimi (PHP320), Salmon Sashimi (PHP375), Sukiyaki (PHP450), Spicy Tuna (PHP360) and Ebi-Ten Roll (PHP375). Auntie and Uncle also ordered Agedashi Tofu (PHP170), Salmon Belly (PHP320), Chicken Teriyaki (PHP275), Salmon Head (PHP275), Nihonkai Special Bento (PHP1,050) and ramen bowl which I failed to take note of. 

Service was quick as always and our salmon aburi was served first. 

It was so fresh and the type that melts in your mouth. I loved that it was torched and the warmth of the salmon was so harmonious with the slightly cold Japanese rice. 

The uni sashimi was the best! Its freshness was evident with its lovely sweet taste and smooth texture. It was love at first bite. I wanted to order another bowl but I was afraid I might get an upset tummy. 

Restaurant Love: 12/10

I’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback about 12/10, a hip Japanese restaurant owned by the young couple who operates The Girl + The Bull. Knowing that The Girl + The Bull is such a hit with the foodie community, I wanted to try 12/10 too. (I gave up on the idea of going to the couple’s first venture because it’s far from my place.) One night, R told me that one of his friends is celebrating his birthday at 12/10 and we were invited. My tummy went crazy (in a good way).

Hello, 12/10!

The adorable and artsy restaurant is pretty small and parking is quite limited (unless you do not mind a bit of walk).

12/10 has a short list of dishes available. (This restaurant only has 11 dishes in its menu.) R and I went with Blowtorched Salmon (PHP280), Katsu Sando (PHP260) and Onigiri (PHP410).

First served was the Blowtorched Salmon and serving was quite small. Basically, one piece costs PHP140. But it was worth the price. It may be one mouthful but it was oozing with flavor! The uni, caviar, nori and ponzu sauce all went together. The shiso leaf and panko (bread crumbs) added texture to the dish and made it even more delightful.