The Art of Saga Wagyu and Japanese Whisky Pairing

The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room offers a unique culinary experience, transporting guests to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through an exceptional six-course dinner, masterfully prepared by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed Japanese Chef Oseki Nobu, and paired with a curated selection of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, chosen by whisky expert Mr. Johnssen Li.

Scheduled for January 16, 2025 at the iconic Champagne Room, this elegant evening promises a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the unparalleled quality of Saga Wagyu with the nuanced profiles of premium Japanese whisky.

The Culinary Experience

Chef Oseki Nobu has designed a six-course menu that highlights the distinctive qualities of Saga Wagyu, known for its exquisite marbling, tenderness, and delicate flavor. The menu includes: Saga Tataki with Watercress Ohitashi, Thinly Sliced Saga in Beef Consommé, Sesame Tofu in Saga Beef Roll, Pan-seared Saga on Mushroom Risotto, Saga Beef with Black Garlic Sauce, Panna Cotta with Plum Wine Jelly, and Saga Beef Jerky in Dark Chocolate.

Japanese Whisky Pairings

Complementing this exquisite menu, Mr. Johnsson Li of Grand Cru Wines and Spirits has meticulously selected a range of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, known for its fine quality and international acclaim, enhancing the dining experience of guests. The pairings include: Kyushiki Cocktail, Yamazakura Black Label Sasakawa Whisky, Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Sasakawa Single Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Cognac Cask 2023 Edition, and Yuzu Sour Cocktail.

An Exclusive Evening

This one-night only event is a rare opportunity to savor the finest Japanese beef alongside premium whisky in the elegant setting of The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room. Limited seats are available, priced at Php 11,625 nett per person. Standard discount tiering applies for Prestige cardholders.

This event is presented in partnership with Saga-Gyu and Mayon Consolidated Inc.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

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An afternoon at Watami

Enjoying my job in PR is what we call immersions. And one of the perks of immersions is you got to eat what was served during photo shoots. Lately, we had our immersion in a Japanese restaurant named Watami in SM Mall of Asia - one of the four branches that offer Japanese casual dining experience.

We had our serving of Sumo Wrestler Hotpot. It includes pork strips, clams, mussels, shrimps, tofu and vegetables that are cooking in boiling broth. The flavors combined is a comforting taste that can accommodate 3-4 persons in one order.

Sumo Wrestler Hotpot

The Assorted Sashimi Salad is a refreshing experience to the palate. Fresh sashimi and Romaine lettuces with cherry tomatoes tossed in vinaigrette can be consumed in one sitting and its completely satisfying.

Watami also offer skewers for bite-sized goodness. Below is an assortment of salmon, bacon and asparagus and beef yakitori that are tender and again, flavorful from the grill.

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is located at the following: SM Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 2, Uptown Mall Bonifacio and Shangri-La Plaza.

Instagram: @watamiph

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Oishīdesu! Japanese food finds in UP Town Center

Watashi wa nipponshoku o aisuru!

That means I am craving for Japanese food. Where else would I find stylish and authentic Japanese food? In UP Town Center of course.

There are three distinct shops that offer Japanese menu:

Dohtonburi
Transport yourself to a Japanese village in Dohtonburi restaurant located at the 2nd floor of the North wing of UP Town Center. Plus get your senses ready with the cooking show by the friendly chefs. They are trained by a Japanese chef themselves so you will be served by authentic Japanese dish. I love their Okonomiyaki.

Four Cheese Okonomiyaki

Instagram: @dohtonburiph

Kumori
If you want it light and on the go, Kumori offers sweet pastries and bread on the go. Come in and the lovely smell of baking goodies cages you in and it's hard to get out.

Instagram: @kumoriph

Ramen Nagi
Everybody knows what Ramen Nagi is. Their very comforting ramen dishes is guaranteed a hit. We went there and the place is full. Same as Dohtonburi, Ramen Nagi transports you to an old Japanese era where you can eat like a samurai.

Instagram: @ramennagimanila

Duomo Arigatou to Daily Palate and UP Town Center for having us. 

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YOSHINOYA reopens in SM Megamall

it was that feeling that you'll miss something when it is gone. but a reason to rejoice and revisit SM Megamall again and again is that Yoshinoya has recently reopened its branch after a few months that it was closed. to my surprise, the renovated branch was now clearer and brighter, and more inviting to the guests.

of course, our favorite Beef Gyudon, Tonkatsu and other Japanese food are still present in the menu that are still affordable and not compromising the quality. the white rice cooked just right with the chewy strips of beef and made more savory with gyudon sauce is a favorite here and also other parts of the world.

starting in October, Yoshinoya will also open their delivery services when you call 288-2888. a very easy number to memorize to enjoy your favorite Yoshinoya dishes.

branches:
Robinsons Galleria
SM Megamall
SM Mall of Asia
SM North EDSA
SM Manila
Glorietta 1

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50% OFF at TEMPURA JAPANESE GRILL

you know i love sushi. especially dipping it in Kikkoman Soy Sauce mixed with a generous amount of wasabe that tingles the tongue and sets your nostrils on fire. that's how i love it. but what is more special than being served with fresh and yummy sushi is to pay it in half! and Tempura Japanese Grill is offering it and i don't even know it! you may observe that i don't usually go out to eat in fancy restaurants but i had an amazing time enjoying the promo.

i ordered a Mixed Sushi plate where it has 4 of each variety. so having 12 pieces of sushi is very good for paying just half the price. we were blessed to be there before the cut-off time. and since there's not a lot of people coming in, staying there for a while relaxed my tiring feet.

of course, warming up the tummy is another thing. i always order a bowl of miso soup to resist the cold atmosphere inside the restaurant.

the promo is still on. but from what i saw at the pictures, they only had it from February 1 - 29, 2012. aren't we glad that maybe they have extended it? try the nearest Tempura Japanese Grill nearest you.

visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/tempurajapanesegrill

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YABU: The House of Katsu

thanks to Dya who brought us to a new Japanese restaurant. i missed having lunch with them so it was a very good moment to make the time. it was also a long time i last ate Japanese dishes. then we went to this new place in SM Megamall Atrium, Yabu: The House of Katsu.

getting in was easy for us despite the crowded area. Dya got there earlier so we have managed to have our seat. comfy chairs and the table is just right for eating, not too high nor not too low. and wall fixtures are very neat and the ambiance is just right. they even had a comic strip how their specialty is made.

judging the food, it's worth the wait. we ordered two different types of katsudon: Rosu Katsudon and Fish Set (Cream Dory Fillet). complete with grated cabbage, miso soup and slices of pickled radish and cucumber with samplers of pineapple and watermelon.

Rosu Katsudon

Fish Set (Cream Dory Fillet)

while you enjoy the comics strip at the wall, you may want to take a closer look. waiter wore statement shirts that are quite entertaining. for one is the Katsu Ritual:

so how did they got the name? we asked the store manager Mon who explained to us why they chose Yabu. they are translations of 8 (Ya) and 2 (Bu) -- combining them together create a perfect 10 katsudon! and i agree of that. perfect 10 in taste and tenderness. also perfect 10 for the accommodating staff and ambiance of the store.

Yabu: The House of Katsu started on November 11, 2011 and the SM Megamall branch is pioneer here in the Philippines. they will be expanding the store soon and planning to open in key areas in Metro Manila like Makati, Ortigas Business District and even Quezon City. it is located at the second floor of Atrium in SM Megamall.

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