April 10, 2008: Jem’s birth date.  The birthday dinner was spent at In Yo restaurant, which she frequents with Fidel.  This restaurant has been on my hit list since early this year but I haven’t had the chance to visit the place because I thought it was far.  I was surprised that only after a few blocks from Bubba’s place, we hit the long street where In Yo is located. 

Upon seeing In Yo, I was enthralled.  The garden that serves as the garage and parking lot was huge, big trees herd around, and the old house covered with illuminated vines was enchanting.  As you enter the door, you will notice that the old house also has a Japanese element to it with the water and glass detail.  We made our way to the second floor where two small rooms were converted to two private dining areas for more intimate dining or for small parties.  The room that we were occupying had green walls but one wall was covered with banig wallpaper, which is quite inventive.  Three quirky Inday paintings decorate one wall while old and contemporary furniture pieces are placed at the corners of the room.  Our table was neatly dressed with a red knitted cloth that looked old and used.  The candles give that romantic vibe to the room. 

The staff is very attentive and well versed in all the menu items. 

Jem recommended the grilled salmon.  I hesitated since she was ordering the same but went for it nevertheless.  Amusingly, Aunt and Bubba had the same orders too.  They ordered the US Hanging Tender Steak on Mushroom Risotto.   On the Table: Amuse Bouche: Cheese Pimiento Bread served with butter (with chives?)Bread was served warm which is the best way to serve it.  The bread in itself is good without the butter (how many “freebie” breads can disrespect butter?)

Raspberry Romaine Salad

The raspberry romaine salad was a delicious jumble plate of egg slices, beets, Romaine lettuce, onions, cherry tomatoes dressed in raspberry dressing.  I think it also had watercress (because I see watercress on my notes but I’m not sure which dish I got it from.  No I do not have the actual leaf staining the paper, but yes I’m a messy eater.  I scribbled watercress with a question mark and I do not remember now why)

Grilled Salmon with Wasabi Mashed Potato (2)

It was dressed with a Miso citrus sauce that gave a slightly sweet taste.  This is the first time I almost mistaken a salmon for an actual meat steak.  It was tender but it didn’t easily break apart like any usual salmon would.  It had volume like cutting through beef but swiftly and with so much ease.  In Yo’s salmon is now competing with Café Verbena’s salmon for a place in my heart.  The brown sauce that accompanied it made fish look more macho than beef.  As for the wasabi potato salad, I wish I were able to order another serving.

US Hanging Tender Steak on Mushroom Risotto (2)

I had only a piece of the steak but that one bite made my eyes dilate.  This is what I’m going to order next time.  Bubba grades the mushroom risotto as so-so.

 What a Dessert!

As for the sweetest portion of any meal, it was ended on a sweet and satisfying note.

What a delicious meal we had.  I imagined myself going to the other room and plopping myself to bed.  That’s how comforting the ambience and the food make you feel… (okay, okay, my sister who eats and sleeps take after me.  I’m so unladylike that sometimes right after eating, I lax on the seat or couch and even rub my tummy after eating! Gross huh?)

On our way out, we saw big fishes swimming about underneath the wooden-glass porch.  There were fish feeds in a ceramic bowl in front of us so we couldn’t help ourselves (we didn’t eat the fish feeds!) and fed the fish with the minuscule red fish food.

This delightful contemporary Japanese-French restaurant has generated quite a buzz in the Katipunan area, not only because it makes you feel transported to a Spanish era, but also the much talked about dishes that they whip up should really be talk of the town. 

In Yo Fusion Cuisine

66 E Abada St. Loyola Heights , Quezon City

4260301/09209607202.  Tuesday – Sunday 11am-2pm.  6-10pm

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/405/08_0410-_In_Yo