japanese restaurant | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘japanese restaurant

Nov

TOKYO STREET

With the sight of that giant Japanese lantern, there was a flashback. Vivid memories of my day in Asakusa (blog post here : http://docgelo.com/2010/04/06/letters-about-tokyo-12-asakusa-temple/ ) after I rode the train in Tokyo from Gotanda to its tail end just to experience that much celebrated temple and my very first glimpse of cherry blossom. Fourteen long days in Tokyo back in the first quarter of 2010 were already etched in my cerebrum and shall never be forgotten. Cue dramatic music here! Toinks!

Reality instantly kicked in and I lost that state of being surreal. I wasn’t in the Land of the Rising Sun any more and it’s no longer Asakusa but Tokyo Street -the Japanese themed precinct located at the 6th level of Kuala Lumpur’s premier mall – Pavilion.

Vibrant colors of gold, red and green decors greeted shoppers and tourists like me at Pavilion’s lobby.

15th November 2012, Thursday. It was a public holiday in Malaysia; exactly a day prior my filed-work-leave to renew my passport at the embassy. My stomach was still empty; I can almost hear its borborygmi growling after that 4-hour-bus-ride from Penang. Well, not actually since I munched on a hotdog sandwich and drowned myself with a bottle of Coke on the bus en route to KL. But that was hours ago! It was way past lunch time and I needed to hail a taxi cab to Pavilion Mall in Bukit Bintang from my budget hotel after a quick check-in-and-drop-the-bag- plus a hurried shower.

SUCCESS! At 2:45PM, I was already strolling around Tokyo Street and snapping my cam on a whim. I was even a bit early to the 3PM call time with fellow Filipino bloggers who work in Kuala Lumpur and requested for a casual meet up. When I was about to make a call, I found out that my mobile prepaid load expired already, and I had to hunt for a shop that sells top up in a jiffy.

Just before I went down to resurrect my mobile again, I was happy to take all those photos around Tokyo Street. Apparently, the place is a pretty slice of Japan in Malaysia’s metropolis. Everything from food, gadgets, bags, toys and even potted bonsai remind you of Tokyo! It certainly adds to the infinite reasons why people should troop to Pavilion Mall!

As I reached the 6th level again and stepped out of the escalator, I easily spotted Sky and Summer -the Filipino bloggers who invited me for this meet up. After cordial greetings, we didn’t waste a second and went to Tokyo Teppan for that much-needed-lunch.

SILENCE. We immediately browsed the menu and ordered something to eat. Not long enough and we’re talking about our experiences adapting to living and working in Malaysia. Glad we shared almost the same views and insights about being OFWs.

I was a happy diner once more with my two lunch plates. Yes, you read it right. I had two plates. Perhaps, this clearly proved my delusion that I’m a half-blood Japanese in the past life! ;) I thought it so because I believe, when in Japanese, must eat sashimi!

Those freshest slices are one of my kryptonites! Indulge in another shot…

Then my second plate was Chicken Teppanyaki. Tender, tasteful, terribly delightful!

Except for the next photo, the bloggers -Sky and Summer together with their friend, Leo ordered their own which I didn’t photographed. I was too shy to do so! *insert evil laugh here*

Aren’t those fish roe embracing each maki’s a visual feast? Mouthwatering to me!!!

Meet Sky and Summer, the bloggers behind Boundfortwo.com. Thanks, Leo for taking the pic!

After that shot for posterity, I thought everything’s done with the nice meet up and great lunch, not after Sky brought out a printed copy of my photo that was fortunately published on LONELY PLANET ASIA MAGAZINE (blog post here : http://docgelo.com/2012/07/17/surreal/) a few months back. I honestly didn’t expect he was serious when he mentioned he’ll ask for my autograph on it. Imagine, he even brought a permanent marker for my signature as if a simple ink would not suffice! It’s an oh-em-gee-facepalm-moment for me!

*photo of the print out by Sky and Summer.

What can I say but THANK YOU! According to them, this photo that they actually saw on a page of Lonely Planet Asia Magazine in Popular Bookstore in Kuala Lumpur inspired them to travel to Hat Yai via crossing the borders of Malaysia and Thailand on foot.

Maraming salamat for that kind words and gesture of respect!

Hope they get to visit Penang soon!

____________________

Jul

ASIAN INDULGENCE

By docgelo 14 Comments

My family and I have been busy the past few days attending to our friends and family gatherings. It’s always nice to reconnect with them especially when long and casual talks and delicious foods are involved.

Since my mom-in-law is here until end of this month, with my brother-in-law from San Leandro, California, there has been a lot of eat-outs almost every weekend since they arrived 3 weeks ago.

One blog-worthy feast we had was held at ZONG, at the Fort. For one, it was our first time to dine there that made me and my wife a bit excited to try their specialties that were much raved by its loyal patrons.

Sister-in-law sponsored this dinner making it more fun! LOL!

Finally, we got to taste the much talked about pan fried chicken cooked with salted egg and served on a bed of crispy prawn chips.

CHICKEN in SALTED EGG YOLK. Classic chicken leg quarters pan fried with salted egg. SARAP! I love how the chicken was fried to perfection and fused with saltiness of the red egg. It was heaven every bite! Definitely, a-must-try!

clockwise : Yang Chow Fried Rice, Braised E-Fu Birthday Noodles and Sauteed Beef and Broccoli in Black Pepper Sauce.

It was absolutely love at first bite at ZONG. My wife and I like every dish we ordered. The Sauteed Beef and Broccoli in Black Pepper Sauce is another hit! I like its mild kick of spice perfectly blended with the crunchiness of the broccoli and the tenderness of the beef slices. Yum!

It’s a happy-sad feeling that I’ll be leaving this week for work in Malaysia but if given a chance again (when I come home) to choose from the countless food places at Bonifacio High Street, definitely, ZONG will be on top of my list.

Zong’s prices and menu here!

ZONG, The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila.

——————————–<@

Other than my in-laws, one of my long time friends of 17 years and counting is also home for his every-three-month-work break. Rob (of SENSORY REPLAYS blog) religiously treats Tina, Gabby and I with another great friend, LG for lunch or dinner every time he leaves his paramedic-work in a rig in Middle East.

The first of his treats (yes, there was second, and third recently which are worthy of another post soon) was at a Japanese restaurant that Tina and I so like. It’s KIMONO KEN in Shangri la Plaza.

Long before my 14-day-TOKYO TRIP last March, my family and I have been keeping a love affair with Japanese foods. Just look at this blog’s right side bar, and you’ll note that we really frequent Japanese restos in the Metro. Tina and Gabby like Ebi and Kani Tempura while my meal in Japanese food places isn’t complete without any of my favorite 3S : sushi, sashimi, sukiyaki.

Take a peek at our Kimono Ken feast…

SUSHI MORIAWASE

GRILLED SALMON and EBI TEMPURA

SEAFOOD YAKISOBA and SHOYU RAMEN

KANI TEMPURA and GOMOKU RAMEN

SUKIYAKI, another personal favorite!

Burp!

Nothing beats awesome moments with family and friends amidst gastronomic indulgence.

Enjoy your new week, everyone.

It’ll be a whole new universe for me beginning Thursday midnight this week as I take this blog and you (yes, you!) to my new work place as I teach in a Medical College in Penang, Malaysia.

Sep

DUSIT THANI : REVISITED

By docgelo 20 Comments

September 20, 2009 - Two days after my 33rd birthday, my wife, Tina gave me her present : a confirmed reservation for the two of us, with our son, Gabby who eats for FREE at Dusit Thani’s Family Sunday Brunch Buffet! It was our second time to experience such gastronomic adventure in 4 different themed restaurants of Dusit : Benjarong – Thai; Basix -Asian-Continental; Tosca-Italian; Umu -Japanese; Our first dining experience of such epic proportions at Dusit was only last March and can be viewed here; it was such a blast, we had so much fun!

After I have donated blood last Thursday at St. Luke’s Medical Center, as my humble charity work for my birthday, and revisited Bellini’s with my family on the day when I turned a year older, this buffet brunch is more than enough. For the moment, life cannot be better than this!

We both love Dusit; it’ll be forever memorable for the 2 of us, because 2 sections of its ballroom served as our wedding reception venue more than five years ago. And the brunch we had six months back was so remarkable that we promised ourselves that we’ll try and explore other dishes some time. We even spread the word about this Family Brunch Buffet to our colleagues and friends.

We arrived at the hotel lobby at 11AM exactly half an hour before buffet starts. After paying PhP 1450 nett per pax, the friendly staff gave our wrist bands that rendered access to those 4 fantastic restaurants in Dusit Thani. We also got a chance to roam around the Japanese garden opposite Umu while waiting…

We like those kois on the pond and that man-made waterfalls…

We shot photos of Gabby at every ‘road signs’ heading to those 4 restos which he enjoyed so much!

Though she likes Basix, my wifey chose to reserved a table for 3 at Umu for she knows that I like the ambiance of that Japanese restaurant; not to disregard the fact that I’m excited to eat Umu’s teppanyaki again!

Who can resist the beauty of Umu?

Its contemporary Japanese interiors is so inviting. With those wooden tablets in black with gold Japanese characters, and a sushi-sashimi station at the center, and a classy atmosphere, everyone is easily drawn to its charm.

After being ushered to our table by a purple-Kimono clad staff, Tina and Gabby went to Basix to get some yummies, while I walked straight to an area in Umu to get some of these…

At the Teppanyaki section, you have the freedom to choose the ingredients you’d like the chef to grill for you at his teppan – from the freshest beef cubes which I skipped; to thinly sliced veggies, bean sprouts, mushrooms, shelled tiger prawns, pink salmon and lapu-lapu…A dash of salt and pepper and other Oriental seasoning and oil, voila!

My teppanyaki plate from Umu is always a personal favorite! I just love how those fresh seafoods are grilled to perfection!

I also got goodies that were deeply fried upon request : prawn and bacon which was sooo good! and ham and cheese, eggplant on sticks.

I didn’t pass the chance to try another favorite from Umu : SUKIYAKI Look how those bowls of very tender marbled beef and stock with veggies and soft tofu are prepared…

The glass noodles were soft and thick; the soup itself was never too sweet, neither too salty… Sarap!

Unlike Sukiyaki from other Japanese restos, Umu’s version doesn’t disappoint because of its almost fatless beef. Isn’t it obvious that I really like Umu? LOL

Other delectable must-try are : (from left to right) Tamago rolls, Ika Karaage, Salad, Cold Soba…

What’s a Japanese restaurant without sushi and sashimi ?

On way to Basix, there’s a lady dressed as Thailander who played the string instrument, Khim.

Basix has this relaxed and cool ambiance…

Tina and Gabby brought to our table at Umu this plate from Basix…

I was informed by the chef at Umu’s Teppanyaki section that Ebi Tempura’s cooking was transferred to Basix. Because it’s one of Gabby’s favorites, Tina got him generous servings of those battered shrimps. It’s not the best tempura we’ve tasted but nonetheless, OK. The mussels from Basix were bordering from tasteful to bland; still we favor Circles Events Cafe of Makati Shangri la when it comes to New Zealand Mussels.

When I went to Basix, I got a slice of Roast Beef and 2 wrapped rolls of Peking Duck. Peking Duck tasted fine, but I wish they can improve the Roast Beef’s mushroom gravy into a thicker consistency and making it more flavorful.

There are tons of choices to choose from the spread at Basix; the buffet duration of 11:30 AM to 3PM is just not enough! Too many food, so little time, LOL

What makes Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch creatively unique compared to other Live-cooking / open-kitchen buffets in other hotels is that diners in Dusit can burn calories immediately after munching. How? One has to walk from the base-station of choice (for us :Umu!) to the other 3 themed restos. I view it as Dusit’s advantage rather than its opposite. Diners may take the grand winding stairs, or on our case, who were tooooo lazy to walk, take the lifts to go to the mezzanine where Benjarong and Tosca are located. At the lobby, there are interesting characters to cheer up kids and the kid-at-hearts – just like this smiley stilt-walker who’s always ready for a photo-op :D

Being a Thai hotel in Manila, it’s not surprising that Dusit Thani’s Benjarong boasts of ambiance that’s so elegant and enticing to the senses. The entrance to Benjarong has a wall adorned with ceramics that will lead you to the main dining area.

But, I guess my palate isn’t partial to Thai dishes, whether mild, or super spicy. I only like their desserts.

YAM SOM O : Pomelo Salad, and YAM PLA DOOK FOO : Crispy Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad

YAM SAI KRAWK BACON THOD : Spicy Bacon Wrapped Sausage

MEE KROB KRATHONG : Sweet and Sour Crispy Vermicelli in Pastry Cup.

My Thai plate had a bit of everything…

I like those Thai sweet treats with coconut milk and glutinous rice…

KHANOM TAKO : Sweet Water Chestnut and Coconut Cream in Pandan Cup -> sarap!

KHANOM SOD SAI : Stuffed Glutinous Flour Ball with Grated Coconut and Sugar -> yum!

KHAO NIAO MAMUANG : Ripe Mango with Sticky Rice -> I love mangoes; i like rice! Tasted like bico.

Let’s leave Benjarong and allow me to take you to TOSCA, the Italian Restaurant of Dusit Thani in Makati…

Tosca is noted for its sophistication and class… the atmosphere is made subdued and comfy by a musician who plays the piano while diners enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine…

FREE FLOWING ITALIAN SPARKLING WINES, anyone ? This is another edge of Dusit Thani’s buffet. In other hotels, rates do not include beverages, but in Dusit, you can enjoy Italian wine flavored with either Dalandan or Raspberry to your hearts content! Other drinks available are Lemongrass Juice from Benjarong, Iced Green Tea from Umu, Dalandan and Raspberry Juices from Basix all in bottomless servings! Plus the staffs are always ready with smiles, which I most like!

There are wide array of food to be cooked and prepared upon request, from pasta to pizza, to salads and more.

I so wish our stomachs are bottomless too, LOL We can only eat as much.

I asked one of the chefs in Tosca to prepare me a personal-sized pizza. As he began to knead the dough I requested all toppings available except for olives. Tina and I aren’t fanatics of olives. He politely told me to return after 5 minutes as he bakes my pizza. It was delicious; the bread alone can stand sans toppings! As I enjoyed the pizza freshly made from Tosca, I failed to savor other Italian dishes like that Turkey Breast Stuffed with raisins and sage on roasted tomato cream (photo beside pizza); it looks delicious as well.

One rule that Tina and I have learned from buffets : MAKE ROOM FOR DESSERTS !

After my wife entrusted Gabby to the very accomodating staffs of KIDS’ STATION at the lobby, Tina and I became so busy with desserts… (Gabby opted to play and watch his favorite cartoons, Spongebob rather than stuffed his tummy like his parents, LOL). We had ice cream from Tosca, as we look upon Gabby.

DESSERTS from TOSCA : DIVINE!

DESSERTS from BASIX : SUBLIME!

Care for some D-I-Y HALO-HALO or CHOCOLATE FONDUE that tastes like Hershey’s?

While Gabby became occupied with having his face painted for FREE, Tina and I sat at Basix and had blueberry and mango crepes! I had mine topped with almond flakes.

BENJARONG SWEETS : EXQUISITE…

DESSERTS from UMU : TOOTHSOME…

Half hour before 3PM, we took time to photograph Gabby with the friendly balloon-maker and the man on stilts…

It was another memorable fun day with my family. What a way to welcome my 33rd year! The buffet was only icing on the cake; I am so grateful to our good Lord for my family’s health and safety. I am just thankful for having Tina and Gabby!

We love Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch!

Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City/Tel (63-2) 867-3333 Every Sunday 11:30 AM to 3:00PM/ PhP 1450 nett for adults/PhP 725 nett for children 6 to 12 years old.

Aug

OMAKASE : IT’S UP TO YOU

By docgelo 11 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, family, food, food blog, food trip, foodie, il terrazo, japanese cuisine, japanese dining, japanese restaurant, kani tempura, manila, omakase, pinas, Pinoy, pinoy blog, sukiyaki, sushi, tomas morato, tomas morato restaurants

I don’t know about you but I love SUKIYAKI. I never missed to try having that warm broth everytime we eat Japanese. That sweet soyed stock that fused well with tender beef strips and some veggies, glass noodles and the softest tofu, served with a fresh egg is always a comfort food for me especially on a rainy cold weather. And Omakase’s sukiyaki, may not be the best in the Metro, but was still good to satisfy my craving for that soothing soup :D

I’ve read quite a number of posts about this Japanese restaurant in Intrepid Plaza, Libis, Quezon City called Omakase but it took months and for them to have another branch in Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato before we sampled some of its must-try goodies.

Omakase (お任せ^?) is a Japanese phrase that means “It’s up to you” (from 任す, entrust).

The expression is used at sushi restaurants to leave the selection to the chef. It differs from ordering à la carte.The chef will generally present a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to heaviest, richest dishes.The phrase is not exclusive to service of raw fish with rice, and can incorporate grilling and simmering as well.Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising in the selection of dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance by the chef.Ordering omakase can be a gamble; however, the customer typically receives the highest quality fish the restaurant currently has in stock at a price cheaper than if it was ordered à la carte. From the restaurant’s perspective, a large number of customers ordering omakase can help in planning for food costs. —>SOURCE.

Last Saturday’s lunch was another new foodtrip experience for us. My wife Tina, our son Gabby and I went to Il Terrazo again, to try the much-talked about sushi from OMAKASE.

Isn’t that maki made of kani or crab meat, topped with fish roe or ebiko with sesame seeds and that so flavorful salmon skin just perfect ? It might not be an authentic Japanese maki or it’s only a delicious fusion of East-meets-West cuisine, but heck, it now officially reigns supreme on my list! sarap!

This is what they call JURASSIC MAKI, PhP 280+.

I was geared to order JCS : Jurassic, Crazy and Seabreeze Maki, a platter of combination of 3 specialties from Omakase but my queen begged off. Tina thought that we might not finish everything on that monstrous servings and having sushi as to-go would not be a good idea as sushi and sashimi are ideally eaten fresh immediately once served. So I obediently reserved the other makis to our furture visits.

How can you resist those salmon skins on that Jurassic maki?

To make it even more tasty, a plate of Omakase’s Jurassic maki is served with a thick sauce similar to soy sauce & mayonnaise consistency, but I am guessing it’s more than those two ingredients. Sans this sauce, Jurassic maki is still superb.

And there’s my favorite SUKIYAKI, PhP 250+. The best Sukiyaki I’ve tasted was from UMU at DUSIT THANI’s FAMILY SUNDAY BRUNCH but as I’ve stated, Omakase’s version does not disappoint.

Our 4-year-old son Gabby was excited to add in the fresh egg to the medium-sized bowl of that warm Sukiyaki. He really dreams of becoming a chef one day, lol.

Gabby enjoyed 7 out of 10 pieces of these KANI TEMPURA, PhP 145+

I asked my wife is she wanted to try the rice bowl toppings of Omakase or the other entrees from the menu, but she decided to eat light (believe me, this was one of our lightest meals, lol) that day and settled for SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS, PhP 250+.

The SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS are also a must-try from Omakase. It’s a combination of fish and other calcium and iodine-rich ingredients wrapped in nori deep-fried to its crispiest. Its sauce is different from that of takoyaki we sampled from Hana at Little Tokyo and from food stalls everywhere.

It was indeed another satiating and heart warming food trip!

OMAKASE JAPANESE CUISINE, UG Il Terrazzo, Sct Madrinan, corner Tomas Morato.

Mar

DUSIT THANI’S BRUNCH : A FEAST FOR FAMILIES

By docgelo 10 Comments

Foreword : There’s a huge gap between gluttony and food enthusiasm.
It’s best to treat oneself to anything that is never a daily routine.

It was like an amazing race to four awesome buffet stations.
I am still into it until this post.
It was such an experience.

After dining at Circles Events Cafe buffet at Shangri-la Makati last February, this morning we headed to Makati to try the much talked about Family Sunday Brunch Buffet at Dusit Thani Hotel.

My 4-year-old son Gabby at the lobby of Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati

Tina & I miss Dusit Hotel. Our wedding reception was held there when it was still Dusit Hotel Nikko five years ago; we had it in its two of three grand ballrooms along with our more or less 200 guests. And so when I introduced Tina to the lunch buffet that the newly renovated Dusit offers every Sunday, she also became excited to go back and see changes that transformed Dusit Hotel Nikko into Dusit Thani now. We hopped blogs to blogs to read feedbacks and comments of diners who already tried it, we viewed photos taken from the four participating high-end restos before we push through with our gastronomic want.

These are the four participating restaurants in the Dusit Thani Family Sunday Brunch…

dusit

The cost of this digestive feast of epic proprotion is PhP 1450 nett inclusive of access to Umu, a japanese restaurant, Basix a Continental-Asian resto, Benjarong – thai and Tosca – Italian. Children 5 years old and below get to eat for FREE. And kids above 6 years of age get to have 50% discount. What makes it different from other EAT-ALL-YOU-WANT and OPEN-KITCHEN hotel dining is that in Dusit, it’s also DRINK-ALL-YOU-CAN complete with not only teas, juices but also wines!!! How good can it get? Plus, kids once fed and full already can be left SAFELY by enjoying parents at Dusit’s KID’S ZONE where they can watch cartoons, have face painting, coloring activities, play-dough and other arty crafts. The brunch buffet starts at 11:30AM until 3PM, enough for you to go through the four buffet stations either using the grand spiral staircase or the lift going from the lobby to the mezzanine where the other two restos (Benjarong and Tosca) are located. These things are well-thought of by the management, I guess, to cater to the Filipino Family bonding moments.

After paying at the cashier near the entrance to the lobby, the diners get to have these wristbands as passes to the four participating restos.

All for the glory of digestive feast and family bonding.

Directions to the restos are provided to diners by these road signs… clever huh!

question is : Where would you go first ?

Since we google the web first for info about this dining extravaganza, we decided to make UMU, the japanese restaurant as our dining “base” and had a table for three reserved under my name the night before our brunch.

follow our leader : To UMU !

I so like the interiors of UMU. In fact I was speechless when we entered it until we were guided to our table. It’s far different from the usual japanese-oriental restos. There are japanese caligraphies written on black tablets glued on the walls. The upholsteries of seats are in bright colors to blend with UMU’s cozy atmosphere overlooking Dusit’s jap garden.

UMU

Here’s a closer look at those really cool jap wooden panels…isn’t it a beauty?

can someone translate?

Tina, Gabby and I were seated in a table across this japanese roll station…

care for some maki and sushi? i want !

FOODIES : like father like son

my lovely wife Tina to whom I share my life & my food enthusiasm.

First plates of the first couple of this blog :

Tina

what

I started with jap soup : SUKIYAKI = yummy!

Gabby started with desserts immediately, why not?

Those sweet treats came from this station :

sweets for sweet

Waiters at Umu offered glasses of iced cold green teas for reshrements before I and Gabby walked few steps from our table to Umu’s TEPPANYAKI station.

manong, puro seafoods pls! =)

After choosing few pieces of tiger prawns, salmon, lapu-lapu and mung bean sprouts, i transferred my plate to the chef on the teppan.

TEPPAN = flat iron grill

my teppanyaki, sigh.

Tina

Other japanese yummies in Umu :

tamago rolls, shrimp cakes,tofu steak, kani sticks, mashed potato.

ebi tempura : a bit salty for us.

Then we asked the waiter at Umu to reserve the table for us and promised to come back from other stations after 15 minutes. As we went out of Umu, we found several things happening at the lobby. We made Gabby pose beside a pretty woman dressed in Thai playing good music with her Khim. We also saw 2 staffs geared in carnival attires : a man standing on stilts and a woman doing some balloon arts.

the beautiful lady dressed in thai was playing the string instrument, KHIM

Gabby is tall for a four-year-old kid but his height is no best than this man

photo-op with the balloon maker

2nd pit stop : Benjarong, Dusit Thani

Benjarong is at the mezzanine floor of Dusit Thani. One can take the grand spiral staircase or just the lift. The buffet spread of Bejarong is at the mezzanine lobby. I got myself some Thai delicacies and a glass of iced cold LEMONGRASS JUICE which I like!

the entrance to Benjarong

inside Benjarong

We’re saving some more stomach-space for food from the other stations so we passed on the Pad Thai and curries and Thai soups but there are lots of them than you can imagine. A few more steps and cocktail tables and we saw Tosca, the Italian resto.

follow the leader to the next pit stop.

At Tosca, the very first buffet spread you’ll see has these sweet desserts…

resistance is futile!

A closer look at one of those : a cheesecake with dark chocolate…

never to miss this cheesecake.

Tina admired the taste of those little white cups with fruit toppings for what’s inside : FLAN.

one shot is not enough

chocolate mud pie topped with vanilla ice cream from Tosca

want some cold cuts or bread?

freshly baked pizza as you request at the lobby of Tosca

Italian food goes well ofcourse with wine. Best about this, it

a little bit of everything : Mimosa and RasVery wines and flan from Tosca, a mocha sweet treat and rice-based pudding and a glass of lemongrass juice from Benjarong.

certainly not the least : Basix !

What’s in store for the buffet diners at Basix :

appetizers from Basix

for seafood lover : a sight you can

Tina missed out to take photo of the baked Lapu-lapu that was also offered at the carving station of Basix

roast beef, anyone?

Can’t have enough of desserts? Here’s more :

sweets from Basix

Tina opted to try hot sweet crepe. Her choice : Blueberry, Strawberry & Mangoes.

want some crepes?

After cooking for few minutes, we’re back in our table at Umu to enjoy the food we got from Basix.

mallows & grapes dipped in chocolate fountain, cheesecake and berries & mangoes crepe

my plate from Basix : Singaporean Chili crab, Seafood curry, Carbonara, Ham & Potato salad

more smiles for the cam, taken at Umu.

Gabby was so excited to play at Kid Zone. So we endorsed him there while we headed for few more food hunting… While at the Mezzanine and enjoying Tosca and/or Benjarong, one can see how the little ones are doing at the Kid Zone where parents like us can leave their children to play, watch cartoons, have some face painting, do some art crafts like do-it-yourself colorful sand art in a bottle and photo frame to bring home as giveaways. What more can you ask for? The kids can be left safely under supervision of trained staff after the parent(s) signed info/instruction sheet. It was so professional of the staff to call me on my mobile 2x after i missed the first to inform me to fetch Gabby by 2:30PM.

kids are guaranteed safe in Dusit Thani

My wife Tina & our son Gabby with the carnival people of Dusit Thani

We left before 3PM and I must say it was an overwhelming experience to revisit Dusit Thani with such gastronomic pleasure.
Two thumbs up for it!
Sigh.

DUSIT THANI MANILA
Ayala Center, Makati City

eyeREALLYloveDusit =)
already missing UMU now…

Feb

TASTING the WORLD @ CIRCLES!

By docgelo 12 Comments

My wife, Tina prefers dining somewhere rather than receiving flowers or anything mushy from her ex-boyfriend, ehem, that’s me, her husband for five years now We don’t usually go out on a date during Valentine’s ever since, not only because she dislikes the part, but I, too don’t give in to cupid’s requests for it’s just too traffic everywhere when it’s hearts’ day.

But this year, we decided to celebrate it a couple of days earlier; not with flowers, neither a movie-date but with most interesting thing that we do as a couple, and that is enjoying good food and savoring best dining experience. It need not to be expensive, but for the ocassion, I went out my way to plan ahead for the budget was quite steep compared to our usual eat-outs.

We went to CIRCLES EVENTS CAFE in Makati Shangri-la with our four-year-old son, Gabby. I must say, I surrendered to the fact that CIRCLES offers one of the best, if not the BEST open-kitchen-hotel-buffets here in Manila. It’s comparable to buffets in hotels abroad. I remember the buffets in hotels in Vegas that I had with my family several years back. Circles buffet is similar to those, or perhaps even better. One can truly TASTE THE WORLD at CIRCLES for its varied international cuisines. There were Asian- Chinese, Japanese, Filipino stretch, there’s also Mediterranean food section, American and ofcourse the sweetest section is left for the gustatory cravings.

The price of PhP 1,639.40 net per pax is a bit expensive, but it’s reasonable in Circles! I’m not a culinary or a food expert, but I did appreciate how a dish in every stations at Circles buffet had been prepared with so much effort to stimulate not only the palate but the eyes as well.

I ran out of superlatives to describe how delicious the buffet in Circles is. It’s simply superb! Highly recommended! I’m just so glad that Tina & Gabby liked it too.

Here are the photos of our gluttonous romantic early valentine’s date that we enjoyed to the fullest and we can’t resist but to plan for our next visit…c”,)

The lobby of Makati Shangri-la Hotel…

My son Gabby, who at the age of four, dreams of becoming a chef, as he sometimes watches Iron Chef on cable, now begins his exposure to the art of cooking and sublime dining…

The signage of SINFULLY CIRCLES bakeshop & patisserie at the entrance of CIRCLE EVENT CAFE…

Now, the food stations. Beginning with CHINESE CUISINE… dimsum, dumplings steamed or fried, cooked to perfection! Simply divine…

JAPANESE section offers freshly prepared seafoods – from steamed lobster & tiger prawns, seasoned huge mussels, oysters to maki, sushi, sashimi and other jap rolls…appetizingly delicious!

the MEDITERRANEAN food section…

Care for some CHICKEN SHAWARMA? Freshly made by the Persian chef as you make your request…

A portion of CIRCLES EVENT CAFE’s CARVING STATION…tender every bite…

The most attractive section of the buffet… Make sure there’s still a gastric room for most of these treats…SWEETEST TO NONE!

Don’t they look heavenly? CAKES were refilled swiftly by efficient and friendly staff…

CHOCOLATE FONDUE…

Now, these were our plates…

Tomato soup : creamy!

My first plate : fresh cold salad, bread and butter…

My chinese-asian platter : steamed sea bass, fried chicken dumpling, vegetable/kuchay dumpling, ebi tempura, pork siomai …

Tina’s Asian plate : tiger prawns and lobster, dumplings and Japanese rolls…

my seafood and jap preference… i so like the plate! The mussels are to die-for! I just can’t explain its herb-seasoned taste, simply superb!

my attempt to try Mediterranean dishes : chicken shawarma, mutter paneer, naan, roti chanai, and there was also chicken kadai… spicy curries galore!

while Tina opted to mix Persian shawarma and American beef steak and veggies…

Now, let me show you the best part of our dinner : DESSERTS!

This was my first platter of sweetest things from Circles.
Makes me salivate and gives me reason to forget hassles,worries,whathaveyou…sigh ^_^

Tina’s desserts…

We tried to be subtle for the camera first, resisting the immediate sweet temptations for few seconds…

Can’t get enough of those sweets…

while Gabby was content with those sweet treats…

Before asking for the bill, we requested a waiter to take a shot for us…

We didn’t get to taste pizza, pasta, and other dishes for we were full already. It will give us reason to go back and experience again the joy of dining at Circles Event Cafe…
It was one of those few shared moments when eating was never a necessity but a pleasure!

What made our Valentine’s this year extra-special was the fact that we are complete and happy.

I SO LOVE YOU ITY & GABBY !!!

Feb

COLOR ME NORI

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and whatever
Tags: art, califonia maki, california roll, ceramic, ceramic art, color me mine, family, food, food drinks, foodie, greenbelt, greenbelt 5, japanese fastfood, japanese restaurant, japanese rice, john & yoko, john and yoko, Life, malls, marvin agustin, omelet, painting, pottery, restaurant, rice, Shangri-la, Sumo Sam

It was the schedule for us to claim our personally painted ceramic now glazed after 10 days at Color Me Mine in Shangri-la mall. As we were amazed how our own ceramic art of a small candle holder was turned into a little masterpiece after being subjected to an oven kiln and glazing, we decided again to paint another ceramic; this time a cross between a bowl and a plate, and sat for more than 3 hours doing color application with brushes. Here are photos of our 2nd attempt at being “pottery-inclined artists”…

We’ll get the glazed and baked finished product on February 21st, and I’ll try to post here the difference of before-and-after thing…For now, here’s the BEFORE photo…

That was Gabby’s right hand imprint…

Just prior to enjoying another ceramic painting, I brought Tina and Gabby to Sumo Sam japanese restaurant at the 6th level of Shangri-la mall for an early dinner. It was our 3rd time to eat there but nothing has changed since the 1st. What disappointed me was that I expected change of something from the menu, perhaps with the price to no avail. Or was it a plain and simple consequence for being headstrong to something?

Taste of the food was really OK except that I think the menu was atrociously expensive compared to others which serve similar plates. I guess most who have tried dining at Sumo Sam will agree that other jap resto is far comparable but this one’s quite pricey. We haven’t tried eating at John and Yoko at Greenbelt 5, it’s Sumo Sam’s sister company for it’s also partly-owned by Marvin Agustin (yup, Jolina’s former reel partner). Do we have enough reasons to try it one day? Will it be any different from Sumo Sam ? Or only an upscale version? Anyway, here are what we munched at Sumo Sam, Shangri-la mall…

California rolls : yummy with kani shreds but pricey at PhP 218.

Seafood Omelet Rice : I so like jap rice but Sumo Sam’s costly at PhP 228.

Chicken Teriyaki : tender yes, but limited slices at PhP 228.

Green Iced Teas; bottomless at PhP 98 each. (heard that John & Yoko’s has also a BLUE ICED TEA)…

And a generous scoop of Ube Ice Cream requested by Gabby; served with cherry & whipped cream of which price was nearly a pint at PhP 88.

So will you try to bring yourself to Sumo Sam just as I did, Not twice but thrice?!!!
On the second thought…

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