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Sunday, July 12, 2015

22 Prime @ Discovery Suites Ortigas - One of the Finest Dining Places in the Metro

It's not everyday that you get to discover some of the finest restaurants around town -- more so fine quality restaurants that would be worth your time braving the Metro Manila traffic (and rain, in some occasions). But when the opportunity arises, you simply don't say no. You just go. Whether you are on the lookout for a fancy date place away from the usual choices or just simply want to enjoy and relax, I would recommend 22 Prime for you. Read on if you want to know why.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Jozu Kin, The Fort - My Personal Experience

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The Ambiance
Upon entry, you would immediately feel that the place is an upscale place where one would usually wind down and relax after a hard and long day at work. This is achieved by the low-light and quiet atmosphere mixed with quality modern furniture.

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The place might be familiar for some as it would feel like you were in New York. No kidding. It was the same feeling I had when I went there a couple of years back.

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The price
As I said, this has the ambiance of a fine dining restaurant, the feel of a modernized Japanese restaurant in New York and quality furniture and cutlery. So, what do you think would the price be? Come on! Guess!

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Well, it might come as a shock because, it's so expensive -- NOT!!! If you ask me how to describe the prices, I would tell you that, it's like eating in those Japanese restaurants proliferating the metro. Yes! It's priced not far apart from their pricing!

I actually can't believe that a restaurant situated in The Fort, with a premium name called "Jozu Kin - Japanese Gold" using quality furniture and fixtures would be priced that affordable. In short, do not judge the restaurant by where it is located and how it looks!

The Food
As a Japanese food lover, I cannot say that I am an expert and I might be biased since I love Japanese food. Ever since I went to Japan, I kept on comparing the food there from what I eat here and sadly, not many restaurants can be up at par with the real thing in Japan. (Food by Chef Jayme Natividad)

Here are some of the dishes we tried out:

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| Maki Moriawase | Califonia Maki, Tempura Crunchy, Dynamite Roll, Philadelphia Roll and Futo Maki |

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| Kin Salad | Japanese Classic (Cucumber, Kani and Mango with Ebiko) |

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| Tartufo Hotate | Pan seared scallop with asparagus shitake mushroom and truffled brown butter |

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| Maguro Tataki Salad | Sesame crusted tuna with light teriyaki vinigrette |

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| Spicy Tuna and Salmon Skin Temaki |

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| Kurokusho Pasta | Freshly crushed black pepper, olive oil, permesan cheese and black tobiko |

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| Angus prime with teriyaki niiro sauce |

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| Smoked salmon and fresh oyster |

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| Matsusaka Gyu | Matsusaka beef traditionally seared on teppan |

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| Ushi Ebi Sunburst | Seasoned prawns, strawberry, blueberry, apple, orange almonds with balsamic hachimitsu vinigrette |

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| Pan Seared Foiegras | Honey glazed duck liver with mango-sushi rice and mango puree |


The Experience
I went there after a busy day and just want to eat some Jap food. Since it was new (opened just Sept '09), I decided to try it out. I love restaurants with superb ambiance like this one since it takes all the stresses of the day away! I felt relaxed by the low-lighting around it and the temperature inside was great. Servers were professional, neat and fast in responding to our needs.

Height of the table and chair was comfortably right. I just had the problem with the washroom as it was downstairs and can fit 1 person at a time, both M & F. Well, you don't go to a restaurant to check out their washrooms, do you?

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Music was set to a movie-like-background-music so talking was great as we could hear each other clearly. Lighting was, as I said, dim, but bright enough to see each other and the menu, of course.

Cutlery was superb. No el-cheapo accessories to complete a fine-dining yet, very affordable experience.


Overall
The overall dining experience we had was superb!!! Near-perfect ambiance... Quality furniture and fixtures... Modern Japanese food with a mix of imported ingredients...
This is the way I wanted to spend my weekend and this is what I got exactly. What more could I wish for?

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Try it out! (Info below from Clickthecity )

Jozu Kin

Forbes Town Center


Unit ES-2, West Crescent Park, Rizal Drive (Burgos Circle), Forbes Town Center, Fort Global City
Taguig

Phone Number: (63 2) 403-1875

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Cesca Wine Cafe at Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato

===UPDATE===
This restaurant is already closed.


If you think that going to Makati or Serendra is a must for your upscale socializing needs.. you must know that Tomas Morato has something new to offer!

I've been to Il Terrazzo mall several times before and I never braved going in Cesca Wine Cafe because this is how elegant it looks...

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Well, I finally had the chance and went in to try it out. Upon going in, there were far more intimidating things that greeted us that screams "Warning, warning! This resto is expensive!"

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The finer things in life -- Noritake Silverwares

But, friendly waiter staffs greeted and made us feel at home. Upon sitting down, we were given the menu and some bread, butter and water. I was surprised by the price of the food!
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Creamy Baked Pumpkin, laced with sweet white wine and topped with basil foam - Php 135.00 only

Because we were waiting for a friend, we decided to get some appetizers first.

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Beef Tenderloin Cubes with wild mushrooms and garlic flakes stir fried in olive oil - Salpicao in short :p - Php245.00

The beef was so tender and juicy that it will make your mouth water.

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Fresh Salmon marinated with sea salt, fresh dill leaves and assorted spices - Php180.00

It really tasted fresh and delicious! Actually, this would pass as an entrée. Just add rice and your good to go!

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Seared boneless chicken laced with creamy green papper corn sauce - Php185.00

Looks can be deceiving as this may look like an ordinary chicken. It has a tinge taste of herbs.

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Fillet of Dory served with Wasabi cream and asparagus tips. - Php225.00

Well, as others claim that their Dory melts in your mouth, this Dory does too!

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Pasta in olive oil, garlic and mixed seafood with basil. - Php185.00

A must try pasta to satisfy your carbohydrate needs.

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Pizza with yummmmmeeeee Goat Cheese - Php295.00

Believe me, the cheese is really filled with cheesy goodness!!!


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The last but not the least.... their Blueberry Cheesecake is to die for. I can testify that this is the best cheesecake yet in Metro Manila. Don't leave Cesca without trying this dessert!

We had a great long lunch that time and I can't wait to go back there again! See? The prices are really affordable. It's actually so affordable that other restaurants you go to are even more expensive.



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Cheftonio
Cesca Wine Cafe Review