First Bite: Chibo Okonomiyaki

I have been curious about S Maison ever since foodies bombarded Instagram with dishes from Uma Uma and Chibo Okonomiyaki. Since S Maison is not exactly walking distance from where I work, I decided to wait it out a bit. But food gods know better and organized it for me. 

Hello, S Maison!

The place is pretty posh with its high etched ceilings. Most of the retail stores and restaurants are still closed so it’s not fun to visit the new mall just yet. But if you can’t wait to get your hands (or tastebuds) on the talked about ramen and okonomiyaki, then do visit this place… soon. My first stop during my visit is Chibo Okonomiyaki. 

This okonomiyaki place is an upscale version of the well-loved Dohtonbori. The plush couch seats and shiny walls were elegant yet still exude a Japanese ambiance. 

Since this will not be my only stop and because I still had an event to attend to after (and I planned to visit Uma Uma! and Horse’s Mouth), I only ordered Butatama Okonomiyaki (PHP190) and Gyoza Teppan (PHP150). It was so hard to choose as they have a wide range of okonomiyaki and teppan dishes. 

I sat across the teppan area to see the chefs prepare my meal. Unfortunately, since there were only a few guests, they only used the teppan in front of the other diners near me. I had to move to another seat to see my orders get flipped and do all those delectable acrobatic moves. Knowing that it’ll be served a couple of steps away from me, I asked the server to signal me when my food was about to be prepared. After a few minutes, I got the signal from the server and I moved a few seats from mine.

The gyoza was already on the teppan plate and it sure looked flat and sad. This dish was ready in less than 5 minutes. 

It was on the dry side and despite its small size, it cannot be enjoyed in one bite. The thin crispy sides were a bit too wide for the mouth. Believe me, I tried and ended up hurting the sides of my lips. 

First BIte: Uma Uma!

After getting a few sips from my Aphrodisiac drink from Horse's Mouth, I moved to Uma Uma's bright dining area for some yummy treats. 

The interiors of this area is different from Horse's Mouth. It was a lot warmer and brighter. They made use of lighter colored wood and it had a stronger Japanese vibe to it.

After a few minutes, A arrived and we ordered the Uma Uma Ramen (PHP360) and One-Bite Gyoza (PHP140). A also asked for House Tea but he was informed that there is a PHP35 charge per glass. 

While waiting, A mentioned that he's curious with "Hakata-Style." I told him that it must be referring to the area in Fukuoka called Hakata. Perhaps it originated there. Not really sure as I'm just after the food and I don't really care where the food comes from or what cooking style was used as long as it's good food! *uncultured foodie*

First Sip: Horse's Mouth at Uma Uma!

I have been seeing a handful of reviews about this new ramen player in town and it sure made me so curious! I wanted to try it ASAP but the location of this restaurant made me hesitate. Then again, the food gods love me. I got invited to attend this Lifestyle Asia Thanksgiving dinner at Sofitel and I saw this as an opportunity to drop by Uma Uma. 

Hello, Uma Uma! 

Located at the second floor of the new and posh S Maison of Conrad Manila, it was sandwiched between Chibo Okonomiyaki and Rossini. 

I entered from the outside door so the first thing I saw was the ramen joint's bar called Horse's Mouth. The interiors were dark with an interesting Japanese painting decorating the dark wooden wall.

I browsed through the cocktail list of the bar and noticed that the drinks are not cheap at all. Most are over PHP300 with a few under it. Clueless of what to order, I decided to ask the barista who happens to be one of the owners, I think. 

He suggested a few drinks but I was sold with Aphrodisiac (PHP360) which he mentioned to be the most photogenic and refreshing. 

Also, the alcohol level isn't that high, making it the perfect pre-event drink. I gave it a go and it was prepared right away! 

I must say, the drink was pretty good.