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.

a business dinner

thank you to the wonderful couple who treated me last night at Gerry's Grill for dinner. it was unexpected but surely the memories will be cherished forever. Estelle and Ulysses of BizWhiz, i wish you success in your endeavors and may the next days be more prosperous. our little chat will not just strengthen our business partnerships but friendship as well.

i hope that this is not the only time that we'll have our food trippings. see you again soon.

February dinner at TAMERLANES

it was an unusual occasion for me to take my mother and brother at an unusual dining place in Antipolo. i was there once and it always gets me excited to eat their grilled dishes. it was in Tamerlanes -- a garage converted into a dining area where they serve the best barbecue IMHO.

from pork to squid, to chicken to fish, it guarantees mouth-watering dishes that you'll dig in without using spoon and fork. they really don't offer spoon and fork on the table, you have to indulge with your bare hands.

for February, in celebration of the love month, they will give you a cute twist to the usual serving of rice. instead of cupping it, a heart-shaped rice will delight your eyes.

we ordered 2 chicken thighs, 2 mango salads, 3 stuffed squid barbecues, 2 charred catfishes, and 8 rice. for a cheap Php 1,092 shared by 5 people, that's pretty reasonable for you -- unlike in other restaurants where you can order squid for Php 300.

Tamerlanes is located within the residential area around Antipolo church. and as they always say, where there's smoke, there's Tamerlanes!