First Bite: Wagyupsal

We can't deny that Korean culture and cuisine have seamlessly assimilated with ours these past years. With more and more of us loving Korean shows, music and food, it's not surprising to see pockets of Korea Town in almost every city. And just when we thought we've had too much of Korean BBQ, the newest joint in town serves wagyu! 

Hello, Wagyupsal.

Wagyupsal opened a few months ago in the foodie haven Kapitolyo. 

First Bite: Motto Motto

I just visited Japan a few weeks ago and I'm already itching to go back to bask in its beauty and feast on the freshest sushi and succulent wagyu I could grab from the market. But I know that the soonest I could head back would be some time fall. Thankfully, there are several restaurants that serve good Japanese dishes. And one new favorite of mine is Motto Motto. 

Hello, Motto Motto. 

This new Japanese dining concept by Raintree Restaurant has won the hearts of many in just a few months. Known for its Special Wagyu Gyudon, sushi, fluffy pancakes and Japanese pastries, expect this place to be busy day and night. And to spice things up a bit, it launches new mouthwatering lunch sets this month! 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Snake River Farms (SRF) Gift Box

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and many are stressing out on what to give their significant other. Thankfully, R and I are not too big on buying each other gifts and prefer to spend time with each other. And there is no better way to spend quality time than over a good home cooked meal. 

Hello again, Snake River Farms. 

My favorite steak brand came up with the perfect Valentine's Day gift idea. It bundled several favorites--Wagyu Strip Loin, Wagyu C. Cut Sirloin, Wagyu Flapmeat, Wagyu Ground Beef and Wagyu Frankfurter. Each pack weighs 330 grams with the exception of Wagyu Ground Beef which weighs 500 grams and Wagyu Frankfurter with 454 grams. 

First Bite: Katsu Sora

R's impeccable taste never fail me. Every single restaurant he mentioned to be great is indeed a haven for foodies. And when he mentioned that one of his favorite katsu restaurants is Katsu Sora, I was giddy to give it a try. But it felt like I have a curse with this place as all our planned visits to Katsu Sora gets cancelled. Then again, I guess 9th time's the charm. 

Hello, Katsu Sora. 

Known as a premium katsu restaurant offering four kinds of pork tonkatsu--Japanese Kurobuta, Spanish Shimofuri, Canadian Sakura Pork and Spanish Iberico, it has been a favorite by many. Unlike most katsu places that offer unlimited cabbage, Katsu Sora offers a bit more with its salad, soup and rice buffet bar filled with various kinds of greens, dressings, two types of miso soup and three kinds of rice. 

One Stop Shop For All Things Scrumptious: Alternatives Food Corporation

As much as I love to travel, I also enjoy being at home and making a mess in the kitchen. Though cleaning up afterwards is not as fun, seeing the pleased faces of the people I cook for is very rewarding. And a couple weeks back, I tried some of Alternatives Food Corporation's (AFC) products which made our weekend extra special.

One of the dishes R and I love to indulge in on a lazy weekend is freshly made potato crisps. 

First Bite: Scott Burger

Don't you just love it when a brand you used to love make a comeback? Several memories come rushing back and one can't help giggle about all those fond moments. And great news, especially to the 80s and 90s kids! A well-loved brand is back and found a new home. 

Hello, Scott Burger.

Known as a burger joint with branches located near LRT stations offering Buy One Get One burgers in the 90s, Scott Burger has been loved by many locals and commuters who frequent Manila area. 

First Bite: Teppan Okochi

We've been searching for good wagyu places for almost a month now ever since our favorite Buta + Wagyu closed. We've been to Wagyu Japanese Beef which was said to be very close to our love but we found it different and underwhelming. This time around, we decided to go with Teppan Okochi, a new Japanese teppan restaurant raved by many. 

Hello, Teppan Okochi. 

It was a sudden decision for us to dine here as we originally planned to have dinner at Edsa Shangri-La's Senju. However, R's dad suggested that we try something new so I thought of Teppan Okochi which is just two months old. 

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. 

Love at First Bite: Toast Asian Kitchen and Tasting Room

I really love how our food scene evolved throughout the years. These days, we don't have to board a plane just to get a taste of other cuisines. And with restaurants and malls popping here and there, sometimes we don't even have to drive around. The residents near Meralco Avenue have it good as they are near the newest Ayala mall and one of my new restaurant favorites, Toast.

Hello, Toast Asian Kitchen and Tasting Room.

Restaurant Love: Buta+Wagyu

Buta+Wagyu is one of our favorite restaurants as its succulent A5 wagyu are just too good to be to enjoyed once. However, it’s also too pricey to be enjoyed on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. But when there’s something to celebrate, one of our top picks is Buta+Wagyu.

Hello, Buta+Wagyu!

Knowing that this is R’s favorite restaurant to date, I suggested this Japanese wagyu place as the venue for R’s pre-birthday dinner. R’s parents and sisters were okay with the idea and I quickly placed reservation as soon as I got a go signal. We decided to have dinner there on a Thursday night.

I was the first to arrive and I ordered a few appetizers for everyone to munch on as we decide on which mains to indulge in. I got Organic Pork and Wagyu Gyoza (PHP280) and Organic Pork and Wagyu Kimchi Mandu (PHP320) for sharing. When R and his family arrived, we ordered two Double Stone Grill Samplers—Ohmi (PHP8,500) and Kagoshima (PHP7,000), and three orders of 200g Steamed Wagyu (Rib Eye Hida, PHP1,640/100g). There is also a cooking charge of PHP300 on top of the cost of the wagyu dishes.  

First Bite: Nikuya by Buta+Wagyu

I have been excited for Nikuya’s opening ever since I found out that it is the baby sister of Buta+Wagyu, one of our favorite restaurants to date. Marketed as the more affordable version of the upscale wagyu place, this Japanese Korean restaurant focuses more on yakitori, shabu-shabu and a handful of rice dishes. I was invited to its media event but couldn’t make it given the Christmas rush. But thanks to a work holiday, I finally got to visit this place with R. 

Hello, Nikuya!

We were warmly greeted by its hostess Erica and were quickly ushered us to our table. 

While appreciating the restaurant’s interiors, I realized that Nikuya has very limited seating capacity. Given that each table is equipped with smokeless grill and induction cooker, even solo diners will end up occupying a table good for four or six, especially if they would like to order grilled and/or shabu-shabu dishes. I also noticed that there are no tables  available without griller or induction cooker for those who would just like to order ready to eat dishes like bibimbap or rolls. In short, it is best to book a table before paying this place a visit. 

Aside from the usual kimchi and dilis, Nikuya also serves pickled radish as part of its wait snack. 

While munching on it, the staff was busy preparing our Shabu-Shabu (PHP598) with Sukiyaki and Pork & Chicken broth. 

First Bite: Raging Bull

I was so curious about Raging Bull ever since A mentioned it during our lunch at Canton Road. As a steak lover, I just have to pay the restaurant a visit. And two weeks later, I finally did. Thanks to Zomato!

Hello, Raging Bull. 

Just like its Chinese restaurant neighbour, the facade of this restaurant is fancy with its touches of dark browns and gold. 

The interiors of the dining area is equally elegant with its dark finishes. I could imagine the cast of The Godfather dining here. 

First Bite: Shaburi

After our fun dice game at R's place with his family, his siblings teased Uncle R, the chongwan winner, to treat the whole family (and I) to dinner at Buta+Wagyu. Unfortunately, the SM Aura Sale and traffic made us change plans. Eventually, we decided to try this new Japanese shabu-shabu place in Uptown Mall instead. 

Hello, Shaburi! 

Since we were a party of nine, R's sister H, took the initiative to place reservation so that we are guaranteed a table to fit everyone. The place though seems to be doing very well on its first two weeks as the earliest reservation slot was 8 pm. We just took the slot and had light snacks so that we won't turn hangry. 

We got to the place a few minutes before 8pm as R's family is strict with time. However, it seemed that Shaburi doesn't share the same value. There was no table available for us and we were told that it'll be available after half an hour. WHAT THE HECK?!? So what is the point of reserving a table if we have to wait outside the restaurant basking in humid Manila air and wait for half an hour for our table to be ready? 

We approached the front host and told her that we do not find waiting half an hour acceptable and that they should also respect the customers' time as we did with theirs by taking the effort to be there by 8 pm. Dazed, she told us that our table was being prepared. She told us that at 8:10 pm. 

As I grew even more impatient and hangry, I approached the front host again seven minutes later and found out that the table they were preparing for us was imaginary. The area supposedly reserved for us was still being occupied by other diners and it didn’t look like they will be done anytime soon. In short, she did a terrible blunder, lie to upset customers. 

Love at First Bite: Urameshi-Ya

It has been months since I saw J's Urameshi-Ya Instagram post and I can't help dream about unlimited wagyu, oysters and scallops. The best part is that it only costs PHP500 (plus service charge). Thankfully, some loolooers were game to brave the Makati weekday traffic to visit the Little Tokyo's not so hidden gem. Since most are free today, July 4 (which also happens to be a Monday, the surest day that Urameshi-ya has wagyu), we decided to go for it! 

Hello, Urameshi-Ya!

Little Tokyo was a ghost town when we arrived as most restaurants open at 5 pm. While waiting, we enjoyed some ice cream from Dojo which I will review separately. 

It was just 4:30 pm when Che Che of Urameshi-Ya approached our table asking if we're complete as we could already start if we want to. We were pleased as it means that we could eat earlier as I was famished! (I only had SkyFlakes in preparation for this feast!)

Soon, we were given tongs and griller. (We were given two but the other griller was placed on our table after 10 minutes or so.)

Love at First Bite: Buta+Wagyu

I have read a few reviews about this wagyu place in SM Aura that serves A5 wagyu beef. All reviews say that the place serve quality beef but it comes with an expensive price. I told R about it but we didn’t really bother going as even with us two, I’m sure that we have to shell out around PHP10,000 for a nice and filling meal. But then R’s dad wanted to bring one of their business suppliers there for dinner and R told me to tag along. So we got to try it for free! Yay!

Hello, Buta+Wagyu!

The wagyu restaurant is located at the Sky Park of SM Aura, beside Kettle. I didn’t notice it at first as the entrance of the place is flushed inside the walkway and is right beside the escalator going to Niu. It has another dining area right across where we dined. R, his dad and business suppliers were already there when I arrived. 

Since I was the resident foodie that time, I ordered for us. We got a Stone Grill Sampler (PHP8,500 + PHP300 cooking charge) and 300g of Sirloin Hida Steamed Wagyu (PHP1640/100g + PHP300 cooking charge). I also got a glass of Apple Cucumber Shake (PHP250) while R got Cantaloupe Shake (PHP160). 

While waiting for our dishes, I munched on the complimentary side dishes—anchovies and kimchi. (I hate kimchi but I was too hungry to be a picky eater. I actually finished the whole thing!)

Soon, our steamed wagyu was served. 

It was so soft and perfectly cut. I enjoyed dipping it in Ponzu sauce and putting a bit of wagyu spice and garlic chips for extra flavor. It was so good that we ordered rice to go with it and we also ordered another 300g right after we finished the first serving. That was another PHP5,220 to our tummies.

The platter of raw wagyu cuts was presented to us while enjoying the steamed wagyu. We asked the servers to prepare it medium and to just provide us with a hot stone grill for us to cook the meat even more if needed as some do not like seeing blood in their meat. 

It took about 10 minutes after we finished our steamed wagyu when the platter came. The Ohmi platter comes with Rib Eye, Sirloin, Chateaubriand and Chuckroll cuts. All were amazingly good! 

Gastro Park Kapitolyo Find #4: Tolyo's Soup n' Grill

While waiting for our orders from Brick Plate and El Phante, T and I checked the other kiosks in Gastro Park and we spotted something interesting... Mexican Bulalo. 

Hello, Tolyo's Soup n' Grill.

We were convinced to try the Mexican Bulalo when we saw "bone marrow" (PHP165, regular | PHP180, with bone marrow). Unfortunately, they were out of the delectable marrow. But since we were still curious with how Mexican Bulalo tastes like, we ordered a bowl. 

The soup was served in less than 10 minutes and my first impression was... it was a small serving for PHP165.

The dish was quite oily and though the broth had a bit of spice, it was still on the bland side hence the need for condiments. (Tolyo's provided us with spiced fish sauce for additional taste but it didn't help much.)  

Wondering why this is called Mexican? There were some beans too in the soup. But it didn't give the dish a distinct taste. 

Sadly, I was not impressed and will not be back to try the other dishes. 

Tolyo's Soup n' Grill is located at Gastro Park, 1st Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Love at First Bite: Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro

Getting to know fellow foodies have perks. I would have not heard of Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro if it wasn’t for K. And after some stalking, I discovered that this is one of the newest restaurants in BGC. The location alone made me interested since it’s relatively near where I work so… I decided to pester one of my friends and dine there ASAP.

Hello, Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro!

The place, where the entrance is along 6^th Avenue, looks bare from the outside. There are about 8 tables inside with high ceiling making it look very spacious. The place is dimly lit hence it made me think right away how I’ll manage taking photos especially since I didn’t bring my other phone as additional light (for dramatic purposes).

I walked all the way from SM Aura to get here and I was hungry since an hour ago so I was already in my hangry state when I sat down.

Still in its soft opening, the server who assisted us had no idea what are being offered. He did suggest the “bestsellers” which happen to be the two most expensive dishes in the menu. When I asked him what makes it different, he just read the menu to me which, admittedly, annoyed me and made me snap.

Before losing it, I ordered Tuna Turner (PHP285) and Pink Floyd (PHP230) while J went with Noli Me Tangere (PHP495). [Side note: After telling the server my order, I think he spaced out and asked for my order again. He sure tested my patience.]

Service was quick though and in less than 10 minutes, Tuna Turner was served. And it was difficult to shoot it!

When Adaäm and Yves said it was a sashimi grade tuna loin, they were not kidding. It sure was fresh and delightful! The tangy taste from the lemon juice and slight oiliness from the olive oil made it a great appetizer to start the meal. 

The taro chips reminded me of the blue potato chips I usually get from flights.

Restaurant Discovery: Oudon

Every time someone tells me that a restaurant serves good food, I get curious. (And more often than not, I get too curious that I pester some friends to try it with me.) Luckily though, it wasn’t hard to convince my colleagues to try new restaurants and one Thursday afternoon, we decided to go to…

Oudon.

Oudon is a new Japanese restaurant at The Forum at Fort Bonifacio. The place, adorned with sakura, had a charming and welcoming vibe.

The dishes though are pricey as most are around almost PHP400 while the really good ones are at PHP700 to PHP800. And since I was feeling stingy that day, I opted to get Zaru Oudon with Tori Gomoku Gohan (PHP320) and Hiyayakko (PHP160).

After 10 minutes, our orders were served.

I was surprised with the size of my bowl of noodles. It was big enough for me to wash my tops! (I was a bit worried with it at first because the menu shows a small serving of noodles. But I found out that they give one free refill of noodles so I gave in.)

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.)

Love at First Bite: Pink Egg Episodes' Mayura Wagyu Burger

I love burgers! I eat it with my hands and not utensils. (Well, fine, except when the restaurant is too posh or when the burger is too darn fat that even my widest *aaaah* will not make half of it fit in.) And I got so giddy when I saw the post of J about this Mayura Wagyu burger. The photo alone made me drool and since they only have limited quantity of the patties, they have to pre-sell tickets. Limited burger patties? Too tempting to let it pass. So I bought the last two tickets! And I sure had a hard time finding another person to get the extra ticket from me given it cost PHP1,000. (Thank you, N!)

Mayura Wagyu is known to be a brand of full-blood Wagyu beef. These cows stay in a 5-star cow hotel and sleep on comfy sawdust-cushioned floor while listening to soothing music and are fed with Cadbury chocolates and gummy bears. By living the good life, these happy cows make our tummies happy too.

It was Pink Egg Episodes' turn to make foodies happy the second time around when they had a part two of their pop-up event that features this top grade burger at Yardstick in Makati.

I arrived a few minutes after 11 a.m. and the place was packed! There were no tables available so I was forced to get a bar seat instead after getting my ticket.

After 20 minutes or so, I finally got my burger and it sure was big hence the need to use the utensils.