Ariake

Our visit here was totally unplanned. It just so happened that we're craving for Japanese food and while in search of a good Japanese restaurant in the vicinity of Tomas Morato, he spotted Ariake. At first, we're both skeptical because we're not familiar with the place, but we took the risk.

Upon entering the door at the first floor (main restaurant is located at the 2nd flr), you'll spot a running water on the wall and it's sound  was accompanied by a very soothing music, giving you a relaxing spa-like feel. 

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Kani Salad
( Php 140)

Salmon Sashimi

Yakimono (Asupara Bacon Maki)
( Php 175)

Baked Oysters
(Php 265)

Awesome technology here.
They even have this on every tables which is connected to 
watch-like gadgets of their waiters. Different buttons according to your needs.
Even fooled around to check if it's really working. HAHAHA!   

PROS:

• They have an attentive staff and even love that techy thingy.
• The food is of good quality but not pricey. 
• The restaurant is very private, clean and spacious.

CONS:

• None that I've observed..

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

We've been here twice. I think this has become our go-to place whenever we're in the mood for a good Japanese food around Tomas Morato. I say, it's probably one of those underrated restaurants out there. There's nothing I love more than private restaurants with good quality of food.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Ariake

Unit C Barretto Bldg, 

284 Tomas Morato Corner Scout Rallos, 

Sacred Heart, Quezon City

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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Mary Grace Cafe

For years, I've always been so curious about Mary Grace Cafe because every time I passed by their Trinoma branch, it always seemed to be packed with diners. They even have the need to set up more tables outside the cafe (almost extending across National Bookstore) just to accommodate more people.

Finally, the day came, I was able to put an end to my curiosity, all thanks to someone I had dinner with me here... THANK YOU. :)

It's more of a bakery-restaurant type as they offer Italian dishes, baked goods, breakfast, merienda and healthy meals. Check their menu here: Mary Grace Cafe 

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Fried Kesong Puti & Calamansi Vinaigrette 
(Php 219)

We love eating light and healthy especially during dinner time. We've observed the restau offers quite a variety of fresh salads, hence, we chose this for starters. It's fresh, healthy yet flavorful. The Calamansi Vinaigrette is love.

Spicy Lemon Scampi
Oil-based Pasta
(Php 327)

Spicy kick + seafood + garlic taste all in an oil-based pasta = perfect combination of everything I love to have on my tummy. Bit pricey but definitely worth your money. Our personal favorite...truly one hell of a healthilicious dish.

Apple and Cinnamon Honey
Glass (Php 84) Pitcher (Php 246)

This is one of their Homemade Iced Teas. I love apple, cinnamon, honey...so their's Mary Grace again making me happy with this drink. 

PROS:

• Lots of food selections to choose from.
• The place gives a comfy and homey feel...I love the interiors.
• BIG SERVINGS! our orders were said to be good for 1 person but, in reality, they are good for 2 persons... OR maybe it's just us because we eat light. 
• Good quality food.
• Flavorful and healthilicious meals.

CONS:

• None that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

No wonder why people flock this place to eat. The food is of good quality and they have a variety of choices, even healthy options. Great ambiance, it gives you a comfy and homey feel...as the restaurant's tagline says 'There's No Place Like Home", indeed. I will definitely come back here, especially to try their famous Ensaymadas, Cheese Rolls, and Hot Chocolates. A NEW FOUND LOVE and can't wait for my next visit here.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Mary Grace Cafe
G/F TriNoma, Quezon City
Sunday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

FULL LIST OF THEIR BRANCHES HERE!

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YABU: House of Katsu

The first time I visited the place was during the height of the Katsu craze where the local foodie community is going gaga to experience the "First Authentic Japanese Katsu Restaurant in the Philippines". Lucky enough for us we don't get to experience to wait for more than 5 minutes to have a table. Our strategy, we only eat there during off-peak hours.

You can check YABU: House of Katsu here.

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Kurobota Premium Tonkatsu Set 1 (90g) 
served with unlimited white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, organic cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of fruit
(Php 515 + 5% service charge)

Their Kurobuta,  also known as the black Berkshire pig, is imported straight from Japan and the world's FINEST pork. It's tender, juicy and flavorful pork in a crisp golden panko crust. 

Seafood Katsu Set  2

Salmon, Black Tiger Prawn, Crab, Oyster 

(Php 515 + 5% service charge)

I love seafoods so is definitely a must-try for me especially the salmon part! This is served with unlimited white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, organic cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of fruit.

PROS:

• The staffs were so welcoming and approachable. Very good service.
• I love their menu...so comprehensive with all the graphics and instructions to maximize your Yabu experience.
• They now offer an unlimited rice (white & brown) which is good for big eaters. I'm not a rice person but the brown rice part is a YAY for me!
• BIG SERVINGS, you'll definitely get your money's worth.
• Unlimited crispy and fresh Organic Cabbage best enjoyed with Yabu's Goma or Shoyu dressing. 
• The Panko crust (Japanese breadcrumbs) is crispy, never greasy because they use 100% Canola oil .
• Not only I do love their Katsu Sauce, but also, love the idea that you can prepare it yourself, the kiddo inside me definitely had fun.

The kiddo inside me was definitely having fun. LOL!

CONS:

• Crowded? Can we even blame the restaurant for that? So, none that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

I highly recommend the restaurant! This place will always have a place in my heart. I'll definitely come back here for more as they continue to add new dishes on their menu from time to time. I just hope that the quality of food will always remain the same. As for the authenticity, I've read somewhere that according to the Japanese community in the Philippines, there are more authentic Japanese restaurants around the Metro than this...but oh well.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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YABU: House of Katsu
- 2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

- Lower Ground Flr, Robinson's Magnolia

- 2/F, South Arcade, Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia

- Ground Lvl, SM South Mall

- 5/F South Park, SM Aura Premier

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am - 10pm

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8 Cuts Burger Blends

I was with my college friends when I first tried this newly opened branch of 8 Cuts Burger Blends. With all honesty, I am not into burgers. The last time I had visited a burger joint was ages ago... the Burger Project and had sinfully delicious experience, by the way.

Living up their #MEAT OUR BLENDS tagline, the difference of this burger joint among others is that you can combine the 8 pure U.S. beef cuts depending on your choice which are Chuck, Rib Eye, Short Rib, Sirloin, Brisket, Hanger, Flank and Oxtail.

Their kitchen station works in an assembly line fashion. It  begins with the (1)THE GRIND, cuts of meat into grinding machine, blended with other cuts, and seasoned; (2)THE PRESS, hand pressed to form into a patty; (3)THE GRIDDLE, grilled according to your preference then to; (4)THE BUILD STATION, wherein the meat along with the condiments and sauces of your choice are assembled.

As for their menu, you can check it here: 8 Cuts Burger Blends. 


So, here's our experience and what we had:

Onion Rings

(Php 65)

I definitely loved their Onion Rings, no wonder this is one of the favorites! Best eaten as it is, crispy and flavorful seasoned with BBQ powder.

Piggy

Quarter-pounder BEEF BOMB BLEND patty of the chuck and short rib with mozzarella, friend bacon strips, house- made bacon jam, lollo rossa, tomatoes, garlic aioli all on a Sesame Seed Bun

(Single Patty Php 245 / Double Patty Php 345)

Rising Shroom

Mustard-fried quarter-pounder STEAK CUT BLEND patty of sirloin and chuck with fried oyster mushroom tempure, white truffle creamed cheese and sauteed mushrooms all on a Kaiser Roll  
(Single Patty Php 280 / Double Patty Php 375)

Hangover

Onion-griddled quarter-pounder BIG GAME BLEND patty of hanger and brisket with yellow mustard, crisp prosciutto, fried egg, arugula, sweetly spiced BBQ sauce and house aioli on a Sesame Seed Bun

(Single Patty Php 285 / Double Patty Php 370)

PROS:

• Unique blends of juicy patties.
• Love their Onion Rings.
• I like the idea where you can download their application, play a song of your choice and simultaneously hear it being played at the restaurant.
• The staffs were very attentive and made sure that you will have a satisfying 8 Cuts experience. 

CONS:

• I may have expected too much on their burgers. Truth be told, my friends and I found nothing extraordinary with the taste. 
• Pricey and not sure if it's worth it.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ 

I'll be giving this restaurants 2 stars. Even we are not able to try most of the burger favorites, the experience on one (Rising Shroom) of their bestsellers somehow already reflected on how the rest would made feel us too. I hate to say this but I do not think my friends and I will go back here anymore or... maybe... maybe I'll give it another chance and for their onion rings. 

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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8 Cuts Burger Blends
SM Megamall Fashion Hall
Monday to Sunday 10am - 10pm

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