The tenderest loin is at Saboten

Lately, I have this compulsion to eat everything that's Japanese cuisine. My first love really is sashimi. Maybe it's rooted from my childhood memories of eating kinilaw (fresh tuna in vinegar and cucumber) on weekends. That was the usual fare.

And then my palate got introduced to the explosion of flavors of ramen. And the difference in provenance puts a spin to its taste. And then, Yabu came along. Suddenly, Katsu is no longer just one of the dishes in a Japanese cuisine. It has become a specialty in the Filipino palate. Of course, I went and checked it out. 

Am not a gourmand but I do know how to appreciate good food. I also do not impose my taste on others. But I get excited about sharing my fondness for certain types. When about a month ago Saboten opened, the hype and fuss that came with it are astounding. 

Uncharacteristically, it took me a while to brave the crowd. Until two Sundays ago. Tyrone and I had a long leisurely late lunch. When the belly is empty, anything is usually palatable. But I kid you not, it's not the case here. 

At four in the afternoon, you would think getting a table is easy. But no. We were wait-listed. About 20 minutes later, we were shown our table. Ah, the thrill of anticipation.
 
Once seated, the first activity to keep your hands busy is to grind the sesame seeds for the dip/sauce. 

Sesame seeds for the dip/sauce.

 

 While waiting for the main course, you can feast on a cabbage salad.

Refillable.

It is yummiest when paired with sesame dressing. Scout's honor. I didn't know cabbage can be really this good. The secret is all in the dressing.

Cabbage Salad dressings: Citrus and Sesame

Or you can munch on pickles. Refillable, too.

Now, the main course. Truth be told, we chose to order its original -- the signature menu.  The tenderloin set has 3 sizes: Small (P375), M (P395) and L (P425)

Large size.

Small size.

 Any order comes with a cup of rice (refillable) and miso soup (refillable). House Tea is also provided should you want it. You can take it hot or cold. 

I think it's wise not to order dessert or another main course if you order this set because it's really filling. The cabbage salad alone takes up a lot of belly space. But it's hard to say no to it naman kasi nga masarap. 

I must say that the pork (katsu) is the tenderest that I have ever tasted. It's love at first bite. Flavor is very subtle; it makes you want to chew leisurely to savor the taste. That good. In fact, two nights later am back with Mara who eats there on average, at least once a week.

In a few weeks of operation, it already claimed the number 1 spot in Spot.ph Top 10 Tonkatsu. So, don't just take my word for it.

If you're curious check it at the G/F Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

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Sheng  

Dipping Noodles at Mitsuyado Sei-Men

Oftentimes, everyday life takes over and you put on a later shelf (to-do) the important stuff like seeing friends and re-connect with them. It's been more than a year that I haven't seen my good friends Jaye and her hubby Jeck. 

We have a nice history, all three of us. Jaye and I lived as neighbors in Batangas when we were on provincial assignment. It was like being in a set of FRIENDS. We lived in the same building about two doors away from each other. We go home together, eat dinner, have breakfast. We even shared one harrowing typhoon! Very neighborly. 

On days off, we would explore places and restaurants. A lot of times, I played third wheel on their dates! We watched movies, dined and had countless coffee dates. I even tagged along in their dives (I did my intro dive with their prodding), wind surfed and climbed mountains (Mt Kinabalu). 

These were the things and more that we reminisced last Saturday when we finally met to have that long overdue lunch! And fitting to have it done at Mitsuyado Sei-Men (the house of tsukemen).  Ah, perfect because am on a Ramen mission. And fitting because we had always been alike in exploring new food haunts.

What is tsukemen?  It means "dipping noodles". The noodles and soup are served in separate bowls. The diner dips the noodles in the soup before eating... Interesting, eh?

How do you eat it? First, you choose what kind of noodle you want -- hot or cold. Am told that the cold noodles retains most of the soup's flavor. Then, quickly dip it into the soup/sauce then, slurp it. 

Double Cheese Tsukemen (P340/regular & P380/large)

The best noodles I had so far. Very al dente.

 

Krashi Tsukemen (P250/regular & P290/large)

Marutoku -- charsiu, Japanese Egg, nori & vegetables (P80)

Gyoza (P180)

The price points are really easy on the pocket. Honestly, I was expecting it to be more expensive. So, pleasant surprise. It's atmosphere is very relaxed. And inviting.

My lunch at Mitsuyado Sei-Men was a gastronomic feast; happy belly. I believe that I am going for more. Thank you to my beautiful couple friends who traveled all the way from Sta Rosa to share a lovely meal with me. 

Thank you, guys! Next luncheon is on me :-)

 Until the next Ramen adventure!








Mitsuyado Sei-Men

22 Jupiter St Bel-Air, Makati
(02) 511-1390

Photo Credit: Jeck Simbulan


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Sheng

Breakfast at Antonio's

I get excited about birthdays. I really do not mind getting older. I feel that the more years I have tucked in, the more that I need to celebrate. Life should be celebrated for the blessings, chances and relationships built through the years. 

And this year, I especially looked forward to it because for the first time am celebrating it as a married woman. Oh, the romance of it. 

So, in spite of the rain and storm signal we drove to Tagaytay. Of course, the brat in me sneaked out. For the better (worse) part of the drive, we gave each other the silent treatment. Funny though, in a stop light in Sta Rosa, we both turned towards each other and hugged. Spontaneously. Aw. Ha ha ha. Pardon the mushiness. 

All is well. Then, we arrived at our destination: Breakfast at Antonio's . I fell in love twice over. The interior of the restaurant has a quiet elegance to it. Exposed beams, soft lighting and open planned. Mesh wires instead of actual walls around the dining hall -- it accomplishes two things: ventilation and view.

Hello, fog!

Charming.

Breakfast with a view. Imagine waking up to this backdrop.

We learned that the menu changes on a weekly basis. The restaurant only serves the freshest ingredients coming from the local farms so the chef adjusts to what the pantry has. Organic.

I love the uniform. It's very dignified. And old world.

We were drooling for the smoked baby back ribs. Sadly, it was out of stock. But the wait staff suggested this tasty roast chicken. It's on the dry side. If you're used to having the usual roast chicken, this might disappoint you -- no fat drippings. But I loved it! It was absolutely delish!

Roast Chicken (P600). It comes with a really yum roasted potatoes flavored with rosemary.

 

Turkish Bread (P150).

These spreads came with the bread.

 I had the most satisfying Eggs Benedict, ever! This can even be shared. The serving portion is good enough for two people. I had just learned that it's the Chef's recommendation when I checked its website days after I had this. What a delight!

Eggs Benedict Pancake (P270).

Took our time to enjoy the food, the company, the ambiance, small talk and social media on the side. It's the kind of meal and place, you want to linger and savor. 

On a date like this, make sure that you save room for dessert. We did.

TWG Jasmine Tea (P180) and New York Cheese Cake (P245)

 The rest room has swag.

A huge painting by the bath room by some local artist. Swell, eh?

In strategic areas of the restaurant, this signage is displayed. 

RESPECT.

We bid adieu with a loot and a silent promise to come back. Hopefully with friends. It should be more fun. Here's the To-go counter. The raisin bread we bought was yum.

fresh greens to go!

 

Go to Breakfast at Antonio's for money well-spent on food and date.

Breakfast at Antonio's
Brgy. Neogan Purok 138
Tagaytay, Cavite 
 +63 (917) 899.2866

Dress Code: Casual

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Sheng

Lorenzo's Way

Dinners during the rainy days are best spent in the company of family and friends with comfort food. To me, comfort food is any Pinoy dish. The metro is peppered with many  restaurants serving variations of Pinoy dishes. One of my favorites though is Lorenzo's Way.

The preparation, the taste, the price points are easy on the palate and on the pocket. 

Onion Soup Gratinee (P145)

Dilis-cious Rice for 2-3 pax (195)

Binukadkad na Pla-Pla(P395)

Adobo

Gising-Gising(P220)

Rainy night so we chose to sit outside only without the view. Al fresco dining area is drenched :-)

If you like no-frills, savory food I think other than Abe, Lorenzo's Way is the go-to place. Everything on the menu is good. But my ultimate favorite is the adobong baby squids. Too bad, it's too good I've never been able to take a photo.

Its branch at the Bonifacio Global City in High Street Central has a nice al fresco dining area. It's lovely because it overlooks the amphitheater. The wide expanse allows you to enjoy the view -- the surrounding buildings and even the faint twinkling of the stars when you look up.

Lorenzo's Way
Level 2, High Street Central

7th Ave cor 29th Ave Fort Bonifacio, Taguig  

(02) 621-3163

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Sheng

Catching up and Poco Deli

You know how it is when you're friends with someone yet you seldom go out with? Or talk with? Yet there was never anything that mired it except that you belong to different circles. And you just know that the friendship is there, firmly rooted. 

I think Mira and I have that. I don't remember exactly when we became friends. But I know that it was in the early part of my transition from the province to the big city. We played badminton, climbed a mountain (once), and had the occasional dinner. And shared many cuppas. And she set me up with my now hubby, Tyrone. Wheee!  

And as always, when we set the time to chat or bump into each other anywhere in the workplace, we just pick up things where we left off. It doesn't matter how long ago the last time we actually had a long chat. 

My pretty and talented friend, Mira.

After so many false starts, missed/tangled schedule, we managed to catch up over lunch at Poco Deli in Ayala Triangle Gardens. I think that it's always a good idea to reconnect over food. 

The first time I was there I was too hungry to take pictures. This time, I didn't want to interrupt our conversation with my constant need to click away. We only have a little over an hour for lunch break :-) (So, I promise to update this post in the next few days with more photos.)

 

This is Mira's. Australian Steak Sandwich (P220). 

 

Mine. Bacon Slab (P320).

Let me talk a little bit about the bacon slab. It's only two pieces and yet I was only able to finish one. It's about an inch thick, very juicy and tasty. I realized that this is the second time I ordered this. That good.

Poco Deli is a deli that offers artisanal sausages, comfort breakfast food, pasta, pizza, cakes and wine. 

Reconnecting with friends can be had in this homey restaurant. Unlike other delis, Poco Deli does not come out as a stop-and-go place. It has this certain pull that lets you sit down and talk while you savor your meal.

Poco Deli

Unit 9 Ayala Triangle Gardens

Paseo de Roxas Ave., Makati City

Thanks, Mira for sharing a wonderful meal with me. Great lunch!

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Sheng