Bubba took me out on a dinner date late last Saturday night.  Destination: Tsumura.

 

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt for enthusiasts of high quality and reasonably priced sushi.  A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

 

 

It’s not that difficult to find Tsumura once you’ve located the building.  Just go straight pass the elevators and walk up the stairs leading to the doors of Tsumura.

 

On the Table

 

Free Appetizer

Bubba says it’s eel… *shrugs* beats me, I’ve never tried breaded eel in a light sauce.

 

 

 

Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni.  The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel.  Unfortunately, other than the usual sashimi suspects of salmon, tuna and sometimes mackerel, I’m not really a big fan of fish –particularly raw fish at that.

 

 

Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

Notice that the beef glistens…

 

Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Grilled beef –Bubba’s order and this seems to be the standout dish for him that evening. 

 

 

Served with potato salad

 

 

Uni PHP 80

I just got to order it

 

 

Rice PHP 80

 

 

 

Sake Shot PHP 220

Like in any other Japanese restaurant, one can opt to have it hot or cold.

 

 

There’s nothing to harp about the service since wait staff is attentive and efficient.  They are very knowledgeable about the menu and comfortably easy to joke around with in case you want to break the stiffness. 

 

 

Authentic Japanese food that highlights fresh imported sashimi and wagyu beef, Tsumura has really made its mark in the Makati scene as one of the best Japanese restaurants around.  From good food to laughable sake moments, I had a fantastic Saturday dinner with Bubba last weekend.  Thanks Bubbs! *BIG BUBBALICIOUS HUG*

 

 

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

 

 

Tsumura Album

 

 

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Bread Bag Pandesal is a product of the Casa Marcos customers’ constant raves about their freshly baked bread served as an appetizer before each order comes in.  The bread is made the traditional way in a brick oven using wood as fuel.

 

 

On the Table

 

Soup of the Day PHP 66

Cream of Potato  -for some reason, it reminded of KFC gravy (not that I don’t love my KFC gravy.  In fact, I used to order extra gravy large and extra dinner rolls.  When I dunk my roll in the cup, it soaks up the delicious fat-laden gravy and I’m simply in… heaven.)  Notice the color and the pepper (I love pepper!).  

My only small grumble is that the soup was like a 3^rd of a cup in measurement

 

 

Pan Ala Cubana PHP 122 (Go Wheat PHP 5)

Sautéed ground beef with tomato sauce, onions, raisins, fried banana, and sunny side up egg served with camote chips and dip –it’s a bit salty but noticeably generous topping of ground beef and other ingredients.  It could be better with more semi-sweet-acidic tomato flavor.

 

 

Adobo Flakes with Kesong Puti PHP 122 (Go Wheat PHP 5)

Fried stew of pork and chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic with Laguna cheese served with camote chips and dip –Bubba’s order but I ate half of it because I liked the crunchy bite of the adobo flakes with an interplay taste of vinegar and garlicky soy sauce.  The generous bits of Laguna cheese balanced the dish.

 

 

Camote Chips PHP 33

Thin crispy lightly salted sweet potato chips.  We didn’t realize our orders came with potato chips but we finished everything anyway.

 

 

Want some light but hearty lunch, breakfast or dinner?  Troop to Break Bread Pandesal Bar in Ortigas Home Depot for their scrumptious sandwiches and Pan de Plato dishes that will surely hit your taste buds but not break the bank!

 

 

Bread Bag Pandesal Bar

Unit 20A/21A Ortigas Home Depot,

J. Vargas St. Pasig City

(632) 703 7784

 

Bread Bag Album

 

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Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance.  The very long sushi bar seals the deal. 

 

 

On the Table

 

California Maki PHP 200

I don’t know why I don’t get tired of ordering California Maki.  I also like the crunchy versions and other variants of maki.  Other than the freshness of the mango and the shrimp flavor of the kani, I love the rolling texture of the orange “fish roe” on my tongue –I guess that’s my ultimate reason.

 

 

Cold Green Tea Soba with Tempura PHP 280

I like their cold green tea soba set with tempura that also comes with sweet pickled potatoes. 

 

 

Uni Sushi PHP 80

This has been a staple order for me in our Japanese restaurant raid lately.

 

 

Sizzling Salmon Belly PHP

Bubba’s order

 

 

Beef Yakinuku PHP 90

 

Zero in on Bubba’s shirt. 

 

Nagomi Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer.  It shows in their extensive menu.  If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price. 

 

 

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546

(632) 632 1736

 

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday:

Lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm

Dinner from 5:30pm to 11:30pm

Saturday & Sunday:

Lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm

Dinner from 5:30pm to 9:30pm

 

 

Nagomi Album

 

 

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With summer fast approaching, travel plans and summer getaways are coming up. It’s nice to know that when you use your Metrobank Credit Card to book flights or shop for your summer essentials, you’ll also get free treats from Greenwich!

 

 

As early as February, you can enjoy a Greenwich Beefy Baked Macaroni for a minimum spend of P2,000 and Greenwich Solo Pizza for a minimum spend of P3,000. Plus, for an accumulated spend of P10,000 get a Greenwich Family Thin Crust Pizza, perfect for takeout on the way to your summer outing!

 

PROMO MECHANICS

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. ____, Series of 2010.

For the latest promos, visit www.metrobankcard.com

This promotion is open to Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard, and PSBank MasterCard cardholders.

 

Cardholders must surrender their charge slips to get FREE Greenwich Products.              

 

For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P2,000, get ONE of the following:  

 

Free 1 order of Beefy Baked Macaroni                                              

Free 1 order of Meaty Spaghetti                

For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P3,000,    get ONE of the following:

Free 1 order of Solo Pizza                                                             

(Available variants: Greenwich Special, Hawaiian, Ham & Cheese)

Free 1 order of Lasagna Supreme                

For accumulated charge slips worth a total valid spend of P10,000 get ONE Family Thin Crust Pizza. Available variants:                                

Ultimate Hawaiian Overload                                                                                                               

Greenwich Special Overload                                 

Triple Ham & Cheese Overload                                 

Philly Cheesesteak Overload                                               

Extreme Cheese & Sausage Overload                                               

Hawaiian Classic                                 

Ham & Cheese Classic

 

Valid spend includes all retail transactions (examples of retail transactions are purchases at groceries, department stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc.), and merchant installment transactions (examples of merchant installment transactions are installment purchase of appliances, jewelry, etc). Online or internet credit card transactions are excluded from this promotion.

To redeem the free Greenwich products, cardholders must surrender their      original valid charge slips, and present their Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard at any of the participating Greenwich branches.

 

For the charge slips to be valid for redemption:                    

Name and card number on the charge slip must be the same as the name and card number on the Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard Credit Card presented.                            

Transaction date of the surrendered charge slip must be within the promo period.                      

Unreadable charge slips are not valid for redemption. Cardholders must redeem Greenwich products using their charge slips before they fade.

 

 

Promo period is February 1 to April 30, 2010; redemption period is from        February 1 to June 30, 2010. Cardholders can avail a maximum of three products per day.

Redemption will not be allowed on the following dates: February 14, April 1, and April 2, 2010.

Should it be proven that a cardholder was able to redeem Greenwich products without adhering to the above mechanics, the cost of the Greenwich products will be charged to the cardholder’s credit card account.

 

 

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Ever since I read about Arpee’s post on Ya Kun Kaya, it’s been a breakfast I’ve long coveted.  That’s the reason I was really bent on trying Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore last October 2009 when I went there for the Nuffnang Blog Awards.  Our schedule was too tight that I only had the travel back from IKEA to Link hotel in Tiong Bahru (30 minutes before our private bus supposedly leaves for the airport) to find the most popular all day breakfast place.  Jen and Kate were with me during my quest. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to cut it so we just settled for another Kaya place in SG.

 

 

Fret no more because Singapore’s Favorite Coffee Chain is now in Manila!  Taste the very best of coffee and Kaya breakfast in the heart of Ortigas Center.  Lucky me, this is only a stone-throw away from my office. 

 

On the Table

 

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread.  Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. 

 

 

There are different hot drinks available.  Get conventional with the Coffee “O” or Tea “O,” which is black (as pronunciation of O in Chinese means black) or try it with a bit of milk and order Coffee “C” or Tea “C.”  Other drinks in the menu include Hot Milo, Hot Mocha, Hot Chocolate, Ginger Tea, and Japanese Green Tea.

 

Yummy soft-boiled eggs –I got the set meal so I got two eggs.  I seasoned with a bit of special Japanese soy sauce and pepper.  Richard did notice that I love pepper.

 

 

Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts.  My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight.  There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

 

 

Hankering to slurp more yellow-k goodness, Bubba stopped me from ordering another set because eating 4 eggs (I already had two) will ruin my diet for the Bali trip.

 

 

Cheezy French Toast Kaya Set Menu PHP 150

1 slice of cheesy French toast with Kaya –for people like Bubba a.k.a the Cheeseman who likes their toast with cheese, this is the must-order.  They also have cheese toast with kaya (PHP 140) if you’re craving for grilled cheese sandwich.

 

 

Yin Yang –fragrant coffee and tea drink

Richard let us try the Yin Yang, which is not part of the menu (but feel free to order this during your Ya Kun Visit).  Yin Yang is part coffee and half tea –get that stimulating coffee flavor and the calming effect of tea.

 

 

 

Start your day right with the breakfast of champs at Ya Kun Kaya Toast.  You missed to start the day with that delicious breakfast?  Ya Kun Kaya Toast is open from 7AM to 11PM so get your breakfast fix even way after breakfast time –all day everyday!

 

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast Album

 

Related Post

Singapore Day 3: IKEA

 

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Looking at celebrating Valentine’s Day beyond the cookie cutter?

 

This year, step out of the chocolate box and sail off  into the sunset.  Romance your date on a very special Valentine’s cruise and express your love in a unique way.

 

They can accommodate up to 10 couples (20 pax). Price per couple is Php 4,000 (Php 2,000 per head), inclusive of buffet dinner and drinks.  Available dates are February 12, 13, and 14.

 

FEBRUARY 12 (Friday)
EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

 

FEBRUARY 13 (Saturday)
SUNSET CRUISE
Assembly Time: 4:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 4:30 PM
Arrival: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club

EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

 

FEBRUARY 14 (Sunday)
SUNSET CRUISE
Assembly Time: 4:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 4:30 PM
Arrival: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club

EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

 

For inquiries and bookings, Call or SMS Raymond at 0917 5808800. Reserve your slots now!
*Reservations will be accepted starting February 1, 2010.
**Reservations will be held up to 2 days only. 50% downpayment is required to confirm your slot.
***Pictures from our past cruises available upon request.

 

 

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Bubba first found out about this secret place in a magazine.  Bubba called the number trying to place a reservation but it was a packed night –as the usual in most days.  Bubba tried calling again right after mass last Sunday around 830pm and fortunately as fate would have it, we were advised that we can be accommodated that evening. 

 

 

After hearing mass at Sanctuario de San Jose and running quick errands at Shangri-la, Bubba and I headed out to Maginhawa St –the famed street laced with interesting foodie discoveries.  It wasn’t very difficult to locate VGIB (Van Gogh is Bipolar), just tread along Maginhawa St. in Sikatuna Village and look for the landmark, Redbuck’s.  That pathway going to the inner duplex will lead you to an evening you would definitely remember.

 

 

There is a sign on the door that says, “Welcome!  Please remove your shoes.  Thank you,” which reminded me of my own “Shoe Stop” sign (thanks to my good friend Mon for the artwork!) I placed by the door of my condo several years ago.  I held intimate dinners with groups of friends frequently in my small rental condo unit and was really anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive about the grime that “shoes” bring in.  That’s why I’ve asked guests to remove their shoes and if possible, disinfect their feet with the wipes/alcohol before coming in.  All my friends can attest to how squeaky-clean my condo was and how spotless the floor was.  It wasn’t only my neat freak attitude kicking in, but also, engaging with a clean “base” (feet) makes for a fresh and raw/natural ambience –open and free.

 

Van Gogh’s Front Door

 

Replica of the “Shoe Stop” sign I had at the condo

 

 

Back to Van Gogh, my jaw dropped at the sight of the living art space –make that art and food space.  The span of art in every corner and inch of the room emits so much energy that one can’t help but be stirred. 

 

I seriously love this old-fashioned cabinet (reminds me of my Grandma’s cabinet)

 

The bell clonked and our attention immediately shifted to the face behind the little kitchen window placing newly cooked dishes on the counter.  We meet Jetro, a travel photographer and the creative director behind the art and food of Van Gogh is Bipolar.  He good-naturedly welcomed us to his rousing abode.

 

 

Upon my probing, Jetro shares the story behind VGIB and alludes that people misconstrued this sanctuary of his as a mere “restaurant.”  It is not.  This is, first and foremost, Jetro’s private refuge, where his most intimate of thoughts and talents weave into a creative spin.

 

 

Before anything else, read the House Rules.  Key word: Self-service.  No one waits after you.  After perusing the nonconforming menu that informs one about ingredients that release happy enzymes, Bubba wrote our orders on a sheet of paper and gave it to the kitchen.

 

 

As we patiently wait for what the kitchen offers, we stuffed ourselves visually with the artistic splendor of his apartment.  Unique is probably the word that guests usually mouth off stepping into VGIB.  Other than being distinctive, I would say that the place is quite engaging.  The naked eye sees the red graffiti wall at one end of the room, 2 regular coffee tables with seats, 2 low coffee tables with rugs/pillows for sitting/lounging, and a main dining table for groups of 5 or more.  But other than the obvious, there is so much stimulating vibe in the whole room radiating from the different quirky art pieces hanging, etched, written, deconstructed, and basically pieced together.

 

 

I wish I had my own boudoir that channels my very own energy and thoughts in the spaces between.

 

On the Table

 

Spanish Plum Mint Tea PHP 55

The engagement doesn’t stop with the furnishings and art fixtures –it stems to the food as well.  When you order tea, you choose your own pot from the table decked with teapots, shot glasses and tea/coffee jars.  Tagged on the menu as an “Extra Upper,” it is mint tea with blend of premium quality organic Spanish plum tealeaves.  The teacup is decorated with a lone fresh mint leaf.  Pour yourself a warm start to an elevated food experience. 

 

 

Axl Rose’s Egg Shot PHP 25

Organic egg submerged in hot water for 5 minutes served in its eggshell and with honey mustard or Jetro’s special black sauce.  The shot glass is already filled with the wild honey and special black sauce.  The food in itself is again very interactive.  You crack your own egg, carefully pour the yolk and whites inside, stir the mixture and do the shot.  Bubba valiantly tried the shot and said that it can perk you up immediately.  Texture wasn’t slimy and was more of a soup shooter full of protein with a hint of balsamic sweetness that perks the mood.

  

Egg is an excellent source of protein that gives that “extra kick” you need especially when soft-boiled.  

  

 

Pres Clinton’s Meal – Van Gogh Rice PHP 275

Grilled Aussie Lambchops with organic black mountain rice with olive oil/bagoong sauce and olive oil/soy sauce base.

 

 

Despite having read (in another blog) a not-so-good feedback on the lamb chops, I boldly ordered it, knowing that one man’s claim might be another woman’s tasty treasure.  Boy, am I so glad that I didn’t let that stray me away.  The lamb chops were brimming with flavor, balanced out well by the organic black mountain rice that’s full of texture.  Add a distinct layer of flavor by dabbing a bit of the black mint/rosemary semi-sweet sauce.  Try a shade of saltiness by dabbing it in the bagoong with sprit of calamansi sauce. 

 

 

There’s a slice of orange as garnish.  Take a citrus route and get the pulps on your rice.  I also loved the fresh herbs such as the stalk of marigold and basil in the dish –giving a fresh minty note that pulls the dish together. 

 

Emperor’s Fish PHP 255

Bubba was supposed to order Roosevelt –a salmon dish that’s a house specialty but they ran out.  Bubba opted to get the Emperor’s Fish.  It was a special of the day.  I wasn’t able to note what kind of fish was served but it tasted clean and light like sole.  The fish was moist and cooked perfectly.  The Emperor’s Fish was also accompanied by organic mountain rice. 

 

 

Jim Carrey’s Sardines PHP 99

This is usually accompanied by mountain rice but since they ran out, we were asked if we wanted it served with pasta instead –of course!  Variety is always welcomed.  Bubba and I both liked the sardines that had a tinge of spiciness that wakes up the senses.

 

 

Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sins (2) PHP 125 each

It’s a vodka shot deep in dark chocolate with walnut and almond.  When you take the shot, get wonderfully overwhelmed with the dark chocolate… slowly and smoothly, a shadow of bitter liquorish flavor travels in your buds… and steadily, you feel warmth in your mouth, then feel the heat or intensity crawling up to your throat and nose, surrendering a fervor inside.  An hour later on your way home, the impression it left you is still vivid.

 

 

 

Thanks Jetro for welcoming us in your “world”.

 

In the coming weeks, Jetro will no longer accept walk-ins and will fully focus on by-reservation format only.  Cooking is a fondness of his and he wants to be able to share this in a happy busy kitchen but not a frenzied one.

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar is an almost full encounter of Jetro’s senses –from visual art to textural and taste experience of his food concoctions.  The dishes are bright and delightful.  Place is charming, the food are innovative and on the whole, experience is utterly memorable.  It is already a treat in itself to meet someone as passionate as Jetro.

 

Leave with an inspiration.

 

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar

154 Maginhawa St.

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

(632) 394 0188

0929 163 8592

 

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar Album

 

 

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There’s going to be a fight on March 14, 2010 (Manila Time).  Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will stand at one corner.  The question is, who will stand at the other corner?  Will it be Ghanaian Joshua Clottey  or Floyd Mayweather Jr.?  After weeks of negotiation circus, Top Rank’s Bob Arum finally decided to set the WBO welterweight title fight against Clottey.  The negotiation fizzled out between the two dominant American boxing promotional companies when Mayweather Jr’s camp demanded for a rigorous drug testing procedure –random examination like the Olympics that can be really close to the fight night.  

 

 

The boxing commission only requires urine testing but the stringent drug testing will call for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight.  Team Pacquiao couldn’t agree to the blood testing 30 days before the match concerned that this might affect Pacman’s performance.  Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Mayweather’s camp last month, claiming several members had defamed him by intimating he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

 

 

The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was supposed to be one of boxing’s biggest revenue-generating fights.  There’s still time before March to reopen talks but Arum has closed his doors to Mayweather for March, more especially that he feels Mayweather will start the nonsense media talk again about the testing and regulations.

 

 

Pacquiao’s new opponent in Clottey is a strong, aggressive African that beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June.

 

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Status Magazine Photo Issue Release Party

December 18, 2009

Encore Main Room

Open Bar from 9-11

 

 

 

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Top Rank promoter Bob Arum made a trip to the Philippines to talk to Manny Pacquiao, who broke records of being the only champion with 7 world boxing titles under his belt.  After Pacquiao’s clear welterweight win over Miguel Cotto last November, everyone is slating Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the next in line to face the formidable Filipino boxer.

 

March 13, 2010 is the date they are eyeing.  This can be the biggest boxing event of next year since people have been anticipating this match-up.  Pacquiao is the top pound-for-pound fighter while Mayweather is currently No.2 –although the No.1 position is not new to Mayweather since he was No.1 before he retired in June 2008.

 

 

The public has been clamoring for this fight to happen but according to Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s coach, March 13 is too fast a turnaround.  Remember that Pacquiao suffered a broken eardrum during his duel with Cotto.  Roach wants Pacquiao to be in his best possible shape before he steps again in the ring.  Roach is looking into a May 2010 bout but that will coincide with the election month.  Pacquiao already filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) this week to run for Congress.

 

Ticket for the live fight is expected to cost around $2,500 (P117,500) while the cheapest seats at around $500 (P25,000).

 

Will Schaefer and Arum get this deal done and set a fight date before the 2^nd half of next year?  The public will have to wait and see.

 

 

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