One Saturdate at Century Tsukiji

My annual meet up with a former work colleague from my days at CMG of Australia finally pushed through after two reschedulings.  Judith and I (plus another one) would meet every October during her vacation here in the Philippines from Dubai, where she works.  And everytime, the meet-up would be at Luk Yuen for some Chinese food.

This time around, I asked Judith if she'd like some Japanese cuisine and told her to meet me for lunch at Century Park Hotel on a Saturday, where we dined at Century Tsukiji.  This is my second time to eat at the hotel's Japanese restaurant but the first time was about five years ago during a client meeting.

L-R: Judith and I

Going inside the restaurant was like a breath of fresh air, like being transported to Japan.  The minimalist interiors were perfectly decorated with accent pieces that were easy on the eyes.  I did not notice this the first time I was here for a business meeting as I was ushered hurriedly into a private dining room.  I love the central painting of the four season in the common dining area, it's bright colors giving the otherwise neutral palette of the room warmth and life.  I nice touch to the Japanese theme is the Samurai armor on display at the entrance of the dining area and the large Japanese lanterns lined up on the high ceiling.

Love the four seasons painting in the background.

Their menu has plenty of good choices from sushi to sashimi to maki sushi, donburimono to teppanyaki, grilled to fried dishes and makunouchi bento, and more. We opted for the set menu which would be easier to choose and enjoy.

I ordered the Yakiniku Teishoku or pan-fried beef in ginger sauce, served with two kinds of appetizer, sashimi or salad, steamed rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and fresh fruits for dessert.  The beef strips are tender, juicy and flavorful and the perfect pair to the sauteed vegetables.  Everything was delicious and filling.  The fresh fruits were a sweet ending to the meal.

Yakiniku Teishoku

Judith tried the Wakadori Teriyaki or pan-fried boneless chicken with teriyaki sauce.  Of course, the set comes with with two kinds of appetizer, sashimi or salad, steamed rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and fresh fruits for dessert.  Delicious meal but the serving can be good for two.  She just finished half because she easily became full and took home the rest.

Wakadori Teriyaki

Service from the staff was excellent as they were attentive to the customer's need from refilling water down to taking photos of guests.

Delicious food plus good ambiance plus excellent service will make me come back again and again.

Century Tsukiji is located inside Century Park Hotel at 599 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila, Philippines.  For reservations or inquiry, call (02) 8528-8888 or email at reservations@centurypark.com.ph.  Visit their website www.centurypark.com for more details.

John & Yoko: Modern Japanese with a Twist

Since being introduced to the John & Yoko restaurant in Greenbelt 5 a couple of years ago, I've been coming back to taste my favorites, either with friends or family. The interiors suggest early on that John & Yoko offers something more than the average Japanese fare -- modern Japanese with a twist. I love how they made circles a part of the design from the lighted wall decors, to the designs on the wood cabinets.

Recently, they replaced some of their ho-hum dining chairs with these funky Japanese themed chairs.

John & Yoko's menu boasts of a wild variety of maki, tempura and rice bowls plus salads, pizzas and more; and it does hurt that the prices are affordable and competitive. Among my favorites are:

Big Star Salad

A delicious mix of fresh crispy greens, mango slices, shrimps, cherry tomatoes and peanut brittle bits.

Spider Roll

Soft shell crabs wrapped in rice and topped with orange caviar and teriyaki sauce.

Ika Fritters with Cocktail Sauce

Crunchy squid rings with tomato-based cocktail sauce.

Bacon Enoki

Enoki mushrooms wrapped in smoky bacon garnished with spring onions and brown sauce.

Tofu Steak

Fried tofu slices in oyster sauce with beef slices and cubed carrots.

Chicken Teriyaki and Mango Pizza

Mozarella pizza topped with chicken teriyaki bits and mango cubes plus spring onions, toasted sesame seeds and orange caviar...a surprisingly good combination.

For drinks, they have the bottomless dalandan (blue), calamansi (red) and lime (green) that are equally refreshing and thirst quenching.

I have yet to try their other food offerings but I'm sure that my next visits will give me and my companions a truly unique dining experience every time.