Whenever we would be in the Kapitolyo area, my cousins would recommend dining in Haru Susi Bar & Restaurant.  For some reason, we were not able to dine there but it sparked my mom's epicuriosity once again and we tried it one night when they had an available parking space.

The place is always full so we were quite delighted for the chance.

Upon reaching the entrance, we were told to wait a few minutes as they are still preparing our table.

We intended to have sushi by the sushi bar but it was still occupied so we decided to try that next time instead.

The atmosphere is different from all other Japanese Restaurants we've tried.  If only we weren't such a shy family, I bet it would have been fun to take our photo ops by their decors.

There were Japanese memorabilia that really give it a traditional Japanese vibe.  

From the parking area is a path way towards their extended area.

We passed by this room after our dinner. 

There were Japanese toys which reminded us of our childhood.


Brother had some of those when we were little.  But, unfortunately, they got lost when we moved to our new home. 

Food
Now, on with the food...

Dynamite Roll (269 php)

They say, you can't dine at Haru and not have sushi so we ordered the Dynamite Roll.  True enough, this is by far one of the best Dynamite Rolls we've tried!  This is their version of the sushi roll with spicy tuna, salmon, Japanese cucumber with a coat of tobikko.  We loved this so much that we ordered 2 more of this!

Crazy Roll (198 php)

The Crazy Roll which is a sushi roll with kani, ripe mango, cucumber with haikara flakes and topped with kani tossed with Japanese mayonnaise.  We loved the crunch factor brought by the haikara flakes but this was outshun by the Dynamite Roll.

Nabemono

Sukiyaki Large (605 php)

We ordered the Sukiyaki Large which exactly serves six bowls.  Mom was amused by the little quail eggs they added on each bowlful finding them to be quite cute.  We were impressed by their Sukiyaki which was served piping hot and not too sweet.   We also enjoyed the tenderness of the meat and the silky smooth tofu.


Yakimono/Robata-Yaki

Tori Shitake Hasayamaki (315 php)

The Tori Shitake Hasayamaki was just okay.  It didn't give us an impression of ordering it again anytime soon.

Ika Teppanyaki (375 php)

One of mom's strict consideration when ordering a Ika Teppanyaki is that it should be easy for her to mince.  This passed!

Oyster Teppanyaki (248 php)

What we all loved the most among our cooked dishes is the Oyster Teppanyaki.  We could tell that it was fresh and cooked with precision to keep it delicious sea flavors locked in.

Gohan

Fried Rice (80 php)

For staple, we ordered the Fried Rice.  I normally have no say when it comes to staples but this one stands out because of the crunchy vegetables.  We all had extra rice!
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Haru Sushi Bar popularity has already preceded this post and I can totally understand why.  Perhaps, the only set back is its steep price compared to other restaurants in the Kapitolyo area.  But, one should also consider that its premium food quality and its Japanese cuisine justifies their pricing.  I really do hope we could go back soonest to try their sushi bar. 

The perfect way to cap the last day of the week so to wine and dine.  So one Friday night, I convinced my friend Eric to try the Yamazaki Nights at Akira The Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki which is just walking distance from his work place.

Akira The Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki has an al fresco area for those who don't want to enjoy the DJ beats and want to smoke.


But, we're more of an indoor type.  I love it's serene interiors and nature-influenced musical background.  You get to be in touch with nature even when you're comfortably inside and air-conditioned. 

They have a sushi bar with designer chairs.

I prefer seating by the Teppanyaki area for a more interactive experience.

Their chef is very skillful and has 20-years of culinary experience in Japan. 

Every Friday and Saturday nights from 10 pm to 2 am, they have the Yamazaki nights where the nights dim and the DJ does his thing.

Food

Fried Rice

Akira Fried Rice (248 php/Good for 2)

For staple, we had the Akira Fried Rice.

Sushi

Mixed Sushi (538 php)

Look at how fresh their Mixed Sushi is.  It has Ebi, Uni (sea urchin), Ikura (octopus), Tamago (egg), Kani (crabstick), Tuna, Ika (squid), Salmon and Hamachi (Yellow Tail).  I think they were out of Unagi (eel) so it was replaced with another Tuna.

Sushi Rolls

Crunchy Tuna Rolls

♥ Akira Roll (348 php)

The Akira Roll is the classic california maki topped with tempura bits, grated cheese and spicy mayo.  I liked this upgraded rendition more.
 

Chicken Teriyaki Roll (309 php)

For those who are allergic seafood, you can try their Chicken Teriyaki Roll. 

A La Carte

Ebi Tempura (368 php)

Ebi Tempura is always the default order for most so I tend to order this when I'm not sure what my companion would like.

Japanese Mushrooms (268 php)

The Japanese Mushrooms is cooked in the foil with butter and sake. This isn't interesting...

Teppanyaki A La Carte

♥ U.S. Tenderloin (150 g) (518 php)

We loved the U.S. Tenderloin which was really tender and succulent. 

Desserts

Ice Cream Parfait (268 php)

The Ice Cream Parfait is a medley of mango, avocado and vanilla ice cream with mandarin orange topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and cherry.  It's supposed to have strawberries too but it wasn't available.

Fruit Flambe (168 php)

The Fruit Flambe has peach slices, sweetened tempura flakes and vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and cherry on top.  You can also opt for banana or pear instead of peaches.

Drinks

Akira Iced Tea (98 php)

I had the Akira Iced Tea which is a pretty good blend.

Cocktails

Blue Crush (219 php)

The Blue Crush is cool to try because of the color. =)

House Cocktails

Absolute Sex (198 php)

Eric loved the Absolute Sex which had kurant, midori, cranberry and soda.

Sex on the Beach (148 php)

The Sex on the Beach is a mix of vodka, peachsnapps and soda.  According to Eric, all their drinks are very "suabe" or smooth so you could hardly feel the alcohol in them.
 

Mudslide (168 php)

The Mudslide is a vodka, baileys and kalhua mix.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Akira The Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki is a great place to chill in Makati for some drinks and authentic Japanese sushi and teppanyaki dishes.  Join in on their Yamazaki Nights on Friday and Satuday nights 10 pm and 2 am.  It's actually an extension of their normal hours with added music too.  Both of us have been working really hard for the entire week so we're so glad that we could relax over a candle lit dinner, cool beats and drinks. 

From a humble gyoza stand in Osaka in 1969, Osaka Ohsho has earned it's distinction as the world's number 1 gyoza restaurant.  It has grown to more than 360 locations across Japanese and is expanding internationally as well.  It's now finally in the Philippines!  

Last Saturday, the family wanted to check out the new Megamall Fashion Hall Building D.  We decided to try Osaka Ohsho which had a lot of people queued outside.

Food

♥ Original (350 php/12 pcs.), Cheese (380 php/12 pcs.) and Nori Gyoza (380 php/12 pcs.)

Of course, the first thing we ordered are their Gyoza which comes in three flavors:  

• Original - enjoy the succulent meaty flavor
  
• Cheese - oozing with cheesy goodness
• Nori Gyoza - added crunchiness and seaweed flavor

♥ Nori Gyoza (380 php/12 pcs.)

Each Gyoza is cooked perfectly see!

Appetizers & Salads

♥ Crab Cream Croquettes (225 php/2 pcs.)

We loved the Crab Cream Croquettes!  It was so crunchy on the outside and really creamy on the inside.
 

Fresh Miso Soup (70 php)

Stir Fry

♥ Black Vinegar Chicken (325 php)

I liked the Black Vinegar Chicken because it was an interesting play of sweet and sourness.  Well, it was more on the latter and I wouldn't have preferred it in any other way.  The chicken was also very juicy.

Agemono (Deep-Fried)

♥ Japanese Style Chicken Karaage with Grated Radish (330 php)

My mom enjoyed the Japanese Style Chicken Karaage with Grated Radish because she enjoys light tasting dishes.  The grated radish was a great complement for the crunchy and juicy crispy-coated fried chicken.


Rice & Noodles

♥ Fuwatoro Tenshin Han (310 php)

The Fuwatoro Tenshin Han is a silhouette of egg covering the koshihikari rice with sauce.
 

♥ Fuwatoro Tenshin Han (310 php)

I enjoyed the fluffy texture of the egg together with the slightly thick sauce of the Fuwatoro Tenshin Han.  But, the price is a bit high even if a serving is good for two.

♥ Black Chahan (250 php)

The Black Chahan is good for two but I wouldn't mind finishing it alone.  Everyone gave this a big thumbs up!


For all their rice dishes, you can upgrade to unlimited rice for only 25 php.  But, the rice refill is the plain koshihikari rice.

Desserts

Banana Tempura with Homemade Japanese Ice Cream (330 php)

For dessert, we had the Banana Tempura with Homemade Japanese Ice Cream.  It was a delightful way to end a meal.

Drinks

Matcha Milk Smoothie (130 php)

I also tried the Matcha Milk Smoothie.  It was sweet and creamy.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Trying our Osaka Ohsho's Gyoza offered in various flavors is a fun experience!  The food quality is pretty good.  You have to pay a bit for it though.