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

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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Juju Eats: A New Spin on Salad

We finally got to eat at Juju Eats last Sunday! I've learned of it on Twitter as I follow Juju Cleanse but has not found the time to go. Am a Juju Cleanse fan so I was really looking forward to get a bite of Juju Eats. I must say it did not disappoint. 

I admit this is the first time that I have been to a restaurant that is more of a stand alone salad bar. True to claim, they're putting a new spin to salad. But the array of choices are dizzying and dazzling. See, over 5000 combinations to try? 

Once inside you'll find the place vibrant, light and appetizing. You have two options: order a la carte or create your own salad. If you choose to create, you can easily accomplish it in 5 steps: choose your size (half/regular) + base (romaine, house mix) + freebies (toppings), extras + dressing (Italian, Balayan,Caesar, etc).

Since it was our first time, we opted to be on the safe side and chose from the a la carte menu. 

Menu Board

All fresh ingredients

Food server measures your order in a large industrial-looking bowl

There is a rhythm to the food service. It's like a dance. One picks, measures and organizes the greens and toppings. Then another server mixes the dressing. I like it. Important to me is the preparation of the food. And am happy to report that they're very careful in handling the ingredients, gloved hands and face mask on. I think you can never be too careful with raw food. I, for one, has a very sensitive stomach. So, am really glad. 

Tyrone ordered Chicken Caesar (regular). 

Chicken Caesar (P260)

I, on one hand, ordered Inasal Salad (regular) because I wanted to taste how a distinctly local flavor turn out in a salad. 

Inasal Salad (P185). Spicy and salty. One of their best-sellers!

We do not normally eat just salad. More often than not, it's the prelude to the main dish. So, we ordered an extra salad. 

Tuna Nicoise Pasta (P260)

We just have to Instagram it!

Your salad can be paired with their bottled juices. 

We tremendously enjoyed our bowls of salad! We realized though that a bowl is insanely filling. Enough to feed an empty stomach. So, we went home with a to-go. 

Branding.

Plus, I bought six (6) bottles of solos (juices) for my lunches at the office. Juices range from P80 (sugar-free fresh buko juice) to P165 (atomic carrot, Qcumber Quench, etc). 

See for yourself the healthy goodness of Juju Eats. Am sure that like us you'd be planning your next lunch date there before you even leave. That said, even if it's out of the way.

Juju Eats

G/F BCS Building, 2297 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City

Tel: 551-3968 

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Sheng

Slice High Street at BGC

Back when High Street Central was still taking on its shape, landscaping-wise, Slice High Street was already giving those with sweet tooth a run for their money along with fellow new comer Jamba Juice. 

I remember the cart that sold yummy cupcakes. We kept on bugging the crew when the resto would finally open. A few months later, it opened to the delight of many. It offers not just desserts but healthy menu, as well. 

Mongo with tofu and highland Red Rice. My all-time fave!

Quickly, the cafe became our favorite hangout place. It's here where I met up some of my wedding suppliers. TweetUps, too with social media friends. I've written a few blogs here while munching on my dessert. 

Yema Caramel and Banana Carrot cupcakes. (P65 each)

On rainy nights when you want to wax nostalgia even when you're not home, you can sip the time away with a really good hot chocolate. 

Belgian Hot Chocolate.

Here we are in February 2012.

And this is how a night cap, al fresco in Slice does it. 

You may try the all-day breakfast menu and the salad bar. You can also bring home with you packed trail mix. 

This is a place that you also want to hangout with friends to catch up and truly enjoy al fresco casual dining. The great news here: it's NO SMOKING! Kudos to Sen Pia for sticking it out.

If you want comfort food, Slice is the best place to be. You may even be rubbing elbows with local artistas (celebrities) who dine here on any non-event night.

Slice High Street
G/F High Street Central
Bonifacio Global City
(02) 5537783

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Sheng

Ramen Night at Ukokkei Ramen Ron

Lately, am having this fixation with ramen. Whenever I have the chance to dine out, my first option is to go to a ramen house. I think I'd be filling this page with all things ramen in the next few weeks. 

The next stop on my ramen quest is Ukokkei Ramen Ron. I must say that this house is just one of the many Japanese restaurants that line the length of Arnaiz Avenue in San Lorenzo Village in Makati. It's easy to miss. It's very nondescript. 

But there's nothing forgettable about the food, I must say. My girlfriends and I went there armed with the knowledge that its bowls are not for sharing. And it closes early in the night (9pm). 

Looking at the menu, you'd have to (almost) order by faith. There's no English translation except for the name of the dish. 

Seated at the bar, we took turns giving our orders. Josette went for Tantanmen. 

Tantanmen is moderately spicy (P390)

I had Ukokkei Miso Chasu. I love the richness of its soup. It has the right mix of saltiness and creaminess. The ramen is not soggy which is what I like. Plus, it comes in a large bowl. The pork that comes with it is thinly sliced that adds flavor to the already rich ramen. So far, this is my best. 
 

Ukkokei Miso Chasu (P380)

 

Lunch Set: Ramen, Rice, Salad (P380)

If you're looking for your next ramen stop, you may check out Ukokkei Ramen Ron. It's located at Paseo Tesoro. Please, please don't make the same we made. We went to the Tesoro's building towards EDSA. Both building are on the same side but Ukkokei Ramen Ron is towards Don Bosco. 

Ramen should be perfect for the rainy season, don't you think? 

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Sheng 

Happy belly at Romulo Cafe

I have been intrigued by this restaurant for sometime now. It's en route going home. Whenever I see its facade, I have this incredible feeling of happiness. You see, Romulo Cafe along Jupiter Street in Makati, at the outset looks like an oversized gift. The wrapping is so beautiful, you feel either intimidated or excited to see what's on the inside. 

Romulo Cafe. 2011 Best Restaurant Awardee.

From the street, the lighting and decor are so beautiful, it manages to invade your mind and leave a mark there. To me, it's a special place. I've been telling my friends about it for sometime but we never seem to agree on a date. Life gets in the way, you know. 

So, on Thursday, August 16 we found the special reason for our first encounter with this much-anticipated cafe. We bid adieu to our former boss, TJ who is off to start a new life as an entrepreneur. 

When I walked in at the cafe, I had this heady feeling of meeting an old friend. It's like walking into a dream. The restaurant owner(s) took great pains in creating a relaxed atmosphere. You'd know that here you can have great conversations and quiet dinners. 

As starters, we have two dishes. In the excitement, I forgot to take a picture of the lumpia. 

It's unconventional, yes. But I found it too difficult to chew. (Pinoy Nachos)

Sinigang na salmon sa miso. Absolutely divine.

These were followed by mouth-watering dishes that delight the senses as well as our sensibilities. By the middle of the courses, we have just surrendered to the fact that this is not a night for eating like a bird.

Laing. Just the right bite of hot chili and an agreeable amount of coconut milk.

Sigarilyas with tinapa. Am not a fan of sigarilyas. But it did surprise me. Yum.

Pancit na puti. The absence of color will deceive you. It tastes heavenly.

Beef Caldereta -- melts in your mouth goodness.

Pork Binagoongan in a bed of grilled eggplant.

Rice cake dipped in native chocolate.

I'd say that although am adventurous when it comes to cuisine, I have always been partial to Filipino food. I'd pick it anytime over fancy European or continental dishes. Lately, I've caught myself enjoying more and more fusion Asian cuisine or even the rare authentic hole in the wall cafes.

At Romulo Cafe, one would shell out about P500 per person to enjoy great Filipino dishes. When there, you'd wish your kitchen and dining area are just like it back home.

Whether dinner for two or for big groups (ours was a party of 30), you'd find that Romulo Cafe is up to the challenge. The dining experience will be a good conversation starter. Service is excellent. So, no grumpy moments or grumbling stomachs.

I would even go as far as recommend it to friends who have family relations coming home from abroad or for fellowship nights with colleagues and a foreign visitor, in tow.

If you want a happy belly go to Romulo Cafe.

Romulo Cafe
148 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Makati
(adjacent to Corner Tree Cafe)
Tel. Nos. 822-0286, 478-6406
Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. daily

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