Admittedly, I'm not a fan of raw food and one of the well known of Japanese which is the sushi and sashimi is something I would just have a bite or not at all.  Even though, there still some of the Japanese Cuisine that I like and loved to eat as well.  A few weeks ago we were invited in one of the Japanese Restaurant somewhere in Malate and specifically along Adriatico Street.  Not very familiar with the place as I'm not very well versed in this side of the metro.  Anyway good that hubby is with us.

The place is called IZAKAYA KENTA.  Judging from the characters and name it is truly a Japanese Restaurant but what is surprising is that the restaurant is owned by Filipinos who happens to have loved the Japanese food and culture very well.  Their names are Dr. Sakura Medina and Mr. Erwin Medina, and they are siblings.  According to them, with their love for the Japanese food they were able to have this restaurant relived its glory days for they have been one of the fondest goers in this establishment before but when the owner declared bankruptcy, the opportunity hits them and took the to own it and register it under their names.


IZAKAYA KENTA can be translated as a place of drinking and unwinding for Japanese people.  They does this after their office work.  In the street of Adriatico there are plenty of Japanese restaurants with the IZAKAYA name but differs in the suffixes.  So, in order to not get confused always remember the KENTA on the end portion of the name.  I know you wont mistake that for something else already.



The place is big enough to accommodate customers.  Aside from the seats in the common area, there are also private rooms for family gatherings or friends and offices. The place is clean and cozy.  It maximizes the entire floor area of the establishment.

Since this is a restaurant, food is the reason we are here and right after these stanza you'll be reading details of my IZAKAYA KENTA experience.

Let's start with their drinks as this is what should be given first to customers before they get their orders.  Their version of Iced Tea, the Mugi Cha (cold tea) and the Ocha (hot tea).

Iced Tea

Ocha (Hot Tea)

Mugi Cha (Cold Tea)

First of the meal, the appetizers.  They served first the Supaghetti Sarada and the Potato Salad.  With crunchy vegetables.  Both are mixed with fresh and crunchy veggies.

Supaghetti Sarada

Potato Salad

The main course of the meal composed of  Santenmori and the Mixed Nigiro-jou in which I have mentioned earlier that I am not a big fan of these.  Aside from the two there were also the Tako Potato which is basically potato balls but what's intriguing with it is its flavor and the sauce used in it. An addicting flavor!

Santenmori

Tako Potato

Mixed Nigiri-jou

We also tried the Akimono Tori – Karaage, Gindara Teriyaki, Gyu Suteki, and Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza). It was really a tummy filling experience.

Agimono - Tori Karaage

Gyu Suteki

Gindara Teriyaki

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza)

Then one of my favorite in a full or partial meal course was the dessert, a mouthful and tasty Purin (Leche Flan) and the Mochi (green tea), which is just enough to balance the flavor.

Purin

Mochi (Green Tea)

There were also a sake available for drinking but I'm not a fond drinker so it is just hubby who took the shot of drinking sake or rice wine. 


IZAKAYA KENTA for me is a great place to visit and experience authentic Japanese Cuisines.  Just make sure to have enough budget for you to enjoy this Japanese experience.

IZAKAYA KENTA
https://www.facebook.com/izakayakenta
Unit B G/F Malate Bayview Mansion
1781 Adriatico Street, Malate Manila
(02) 523 1874

Yoshinoya Robinsons Galeria Branch has been under renovation for quite some time and last August 12, 2013 the much awaited reopening of the store commence on a rainy Monday morning.   Yes it was a stormy Monday just the right moment to make the hungry tummy be full of warm and satisfying dishes from Yoshinoya.  The renovation was made to bring more dining experience to their customers.

Present during the ceremony were Mr. Timothy James G. Yang the President/General Manager of Ihanat Foods Corporation, VIP's from Robinson, Bloggers, Staff and Store Crew of Yoshinoya.



As usual the ceremony started with the prayer and according to priest who officiated the ceremony "the ceremony of blessing is not just for the store but also to the people who were there in the event".  After this it was followed by the cutting of the ribbon with the top brass of the company lines up in front of the ribbon and cut it to signify the reopening of the store.

After the blessing a short program held, Ms. Lala of Yoshinoya, Operation Manager welcomed all the guests.  Mr Yang was called for an inspirational talk but according to him "it's not an inspirational but I am more on welcoming everybody in our store", he shared also some of the highlights of Yoshinoya and his parting message for everybody was "I hope to see all of you more often here at Yoshinoya".



Of course after the program, A feast! We indulge on some of their best seller such as Beef Bowl, Beef Yakiniku, and also on their new dishes such as Maki, Ramen, Kani Salad and Tiramisu.




Of course the well loved signature dish is still within the menu and it wouldn't be Yoshinoya without the beef bowl (gyudon), which my family loves very much.  It is the same product profile where Yoshinoya operates on other parts of the world. The core product is prepared using premium beef with the special beef stock over a steaming bowl of white rice.

Now, isn't it a great way to spend the rainy Monday, a tummy filled with treats from Yoshinoya.  So what are you waiting for Yoshinoya Robinsons Galeria Branch is now open and just waiting for you.  Enjoy!