Yakumi Sunday Brunch at Solaire Resort: Double Birthday Celebration (Parañaque Metro Manila)
Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila, Philippines
The family has been planning to try the Yakumi Sunday Brunch for quite some time. I myself have not been back to Yakumi in Solaire Resort since 2015, so I'm quite thrilled with the idea.
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| Yakumi Fresh Japanese Sashimi Cart |
Where else can you find a fresh Japanese sashimi cart like this? Yakumi takes pride in sourcing the finest and freshest seafood ingredients from the biggest fish market in the world - Toyosu Fish Market (è±Šæ´²å¸‚å ´) in Tokyo, Japan.
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| Yakumi Fresh Japanese Sashimi Plate |
You can have as much sashimi as you want. As you can see, it is evident from the Octopus Sashimi, Salmon Sashimi, Tuna Sashimi and Japanese Spanish Mackarel Sashimi that they are jet fresh as Yakumi flies its ingredients as often as twice a week. Thus, they can even provide genuine grated Wasabi which is rarely offered by Japanese restaurants here in the Philippines.
Nigiri Station
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| Kanikama Roll |
Among the 8 food stations, the Nigiri Station is our first stop. There are so many variants of Nigiri Sushi and Makimono or rolls to choose from.
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| Salmon Oshizushi Pressed Sushi |
The Salmon Oshizushi is a traditional style of pressed sushi that originated in the Kansai region.
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| Aburi Sushi |
The Aburi Sushi consists of thinly sliced flame-torched salmon that melts in the mouth.
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| Yakumi Nigiri Sushi and Makimono Plate |
Makimono rolls include Volcano Roll, California Maki, Takuwan Roll, Kappa Roll, Ebi Tempura Roll and more.
Its noteworthy to mention that Yakumi also has a Sushi Happy House (1,150+ php) every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM with a more limited menu. But, its quite reasonable because the quality is the same for a much lesser price!
Meat Teppanyaki Station and Oysters Station
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| Yakumi Meat and Oyster Station |
For meat lovers, Yakumi also serves USDA Beef Steaks, Pork Loin Steak and Chicken Steak. We also ordered the Buttered Oysters but they failed to make a memorable impression.
Seafood Teppanyaki Station
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| Yakumi Seafood Teppanyaki Station |
As aforementioned, the seafood is really the pride of Yakumi so the Seafood Teppanyaki Station is also quite extensive.
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| Yakumi Seafood Teppanyaki Plate |
Everything we tried: Blue Marlin, Spanish Marackrel with Onion Soy, Red Snapper Papillote, Squid Lemon Butter Soy, Scallop, and Sake Steamed Mussels were delicious!
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| Udon |
We also found the Udon to be wonderfully comforting.
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| Chawanmushi |
This version of the Chawanmushi is also quite special. It has mushrooms, shrimps, mackarale and even Hokkaido scallops.
Robotayaki Station
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| Yakumi Robotayaki Station |
Offerings from the Robotayaki Station are Chicken Wing with Sweet Soy, Chicken Live with Sweet Soy, Chicken Gizzard with Salt, Sancho Tuna Steak, and Spanish Mackarel, and more.
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| Yakumi Robotayaki Plate |
As you can see, the serving portions are huge so better order for sharing.
Salads
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| Tofu Avocado Salad |
In addition to the food stations, there is a complimentary Tofu Avocado Salad and you can also order from the menu.
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| Yakumi Dessert Bento Box |
The Yakumi Sunday Brunch is also popular for its complimentary Dessert Bento Box. Each table is served only one wooden Dessert Bento Box regardless of the number of diners. Each grid contains a different kind of dessert. It also comes with Black Sesame, Matcha and Corn Ice Cream, Cake Pops, and Fresh Fruits. You can request for additional scoops of their delicious ice cream.
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| Yakumi Candy Bar |
The kids can enjoy themselves at the Candy Bar.
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| Yakumi Complimentary Birthday Cake |
Both of my sisters received a Complimentary Birthday Cake.
Drinks
We opted to avail of the buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Japanese Whisky
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| Japanese Whisky Bar |
You can order your preferred Japanese Whisky such as Iwai Traditional Blended, Iwai Whisky Cocktails, Shimamoto Sour, and Mars.
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| ♥ Iwai Whisky Cocktail: Pineapple Smash |
Based on our experience, the Iwai Whisky Cocktails blend depends on the barista. This first glass we had so good. We instantly distinguished it from our next batch made by another barista.
The Yakumi Sunday Brunch at Solaire Resort is definitely the best Japanese brunch buffet we've ever had. The seafood freshness and quality of the seafood really stands out above the rest. The service is great too! Considering the price-point though, we might have to try other buffets we haven't tried yet before coming back here again.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Yakumi Sunday Brunch Rate | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ | 3,588+ php (Sodas Only) | 4,488+ php (With Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages) | 8,488+ php (With Sake) | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Yakumi Restaurant at Solaire Resort | |
| Business Address | Solaire Resort and Casino, Tambo Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11:30am-2:30pm |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 4,000-9,000 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (02) 8888-8888 |
| Other | |
Gram Cafe and Pancakes: Fluffy Japanese-Style Soufflé Pancakes (Serendra BGC)
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Perhaps, there is nothing like the thought of trying a fluffy Japanese-style soufflé pancakes at Gram Cafe and Pancakes that could easily tempt the family to rush out on a gray and drizzly night.
Like most spur-of-the-moment family eat outs, we arrived in the nick of time, just minutes before the closing time.
Fortunately, they were considerate enough to let us into such a nice and cozy hideaway.
We felt as if all day-to-day distractions dissolved as we enjoyed sitting comfortably in its cozy chairs, embraced by its warm yellow lighting, and dazzled by the cheerful sunflower centerpieces and cute interiors.
We took our time taking memorable photographs as we waited for our orders.
Food
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| Premium Pancake (405 php) |
We ordered the Premium Pancake shared by threes so we'd have one each. Our craving was satisfied with its soft and moist composition. But, we didn't find it to be jiggly as others have claimed.
Since there aren't much Japanese-Style Soufflé Pancakes brands in the Philippines yet, we're quite satisfied to have Gram Cafe and Pancakes within our reach.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Gram Cafe and Pancakes Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Gram Cafe and Pancakes | |
| Business Address | Ground Floor, Serendra, BGC, Palm, 11th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 7am-11pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,000 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0966) 005-6707 |
| Other | |
Tsukiji Restaurant: Freshly Flown Seafood from Tsukiji Market to Manila Since 1989 (Makati City)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tsukiji Restaurant has been renowned since 1989 for serving the finest quality sashimi and sushi which uses fresh seafood flown directly from the Tsukiji Market in Japan.
Though considered a higher-end Japanese restaurant based its premium quality and price point, preserved its traditional interiors, giving its long-time customers a nostalgic feel of its humble beginning.
Food
With the freshest selection of seafood specially prepared by its very own Master Sushi Chef Toshiro Okajima who trained in a sushi shop in Tokyo, it would be a sin not to order any sushi and sashimi.
Sushi
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| ♥ Tokujo Nigiri (2,800 php) |
We ordered the Tokujo Nigiri which appears to be the crown jewel of their sushi offering. Tsukiji's Nigiri or hand-rolled sushi are made from specially imported Koshihikari Rice from Ounuma, Nigata Prefecture. The Tokujo Nigiri platter includes 9 pieces of premium sushi and 3 pieces of maki subject to availability. We got a premium mix of Nigiri: Hontoro or fatty tuna belly, Chutoro or tuna belly, Kampachi or amberjack, Hamachi or yellow tail, Toro Salmon or salmon belly, Ika or squid and Ebi or prawns. The 3 pieces of Tekka Maki or tuna roll felt like ornamental addition to the platter since they were not as special as the Nigiri selections.
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| Hamachi Sashimi (2,000 php) |
Hamachi Sashimi or yellow tail is our family favorite. We never missed out on ordering it whenever it is available.
Chirashi Sushi
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| Daimyo (1,800 php) |
All of their Chirashi Sushi selections comes with clear soup. The Daimyo with premium sashimi selections (2-5 slices each) of Maguro or tuna, Tako or octopus, Ika, Hamachi, Salmon, Kani or crabstick, Shime Saba or marinated mackarel, and Ikura or Salmon Caviar is the most affordable choice. Because it is a big bowl, it can already good for two.
Pork
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| Gyoza (450 php) |
The Gyoza or pan fried pork dumplings were cooked in the traditional way. We were quite pleased with the burst of savory juiciness from each bite.
Chicken
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| ♥ Yakitori (450 php/per 3 pieces) |
The Yakitori can be salted or with teriyaki sauce. We ordered both since we appreciate the subtlety of the lightly salted ones. And, we also enjoy the umami richness of the sweet and salty teriyaki. What made the deliciously seasoned or marinated slightly-charred grilled chicken more pleasurable to munch on was its moisture and tenderness.
Donburimono
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| Tsukiji Donburi (850 php) |
For donburi or rice topping bowls, the Tsukiji Donburi with grilled eel and egg is a great option.
There's also a fresh seasonal fish cart going around for diners to check out for themselves. You can suggest how you want it served, sashimi, sushi or cooked. Shared on instagram what we ordered which was cooked for us. However, we forgot the name of the fish!
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tsinoy Foodies considers Tsukiji Restaurant as a hiddem gem that has stood the test of time. In today's marketing-centric world, it is trully remarkable how Tsukiji Restaurant gracefully held on to its humble roots by consistently serving authentic and top-quality traditional Japanese dishes.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Tsukiji Restaurant Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Tsukiji Restaurant | |
| Business Address | 3/F Milky Way Building, 900 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11am-9pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 800-2,000 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (02) 8843-4285/8812-2913 |
| Other | Website |
Marudori: Satisfying my Ramen Craving with These Chicken-Based Options (8 Rockwell Makati City)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Fortunately, the Philippine food scene now offers a multitude of options for all kinds of diet. Here's Marudori that serves authentic Japanese tori paitan or chicken-based ramen for those who are avoiding pork such as myself.
Having been blogging about food for more than a decade. I began food blogging by taking the all-out exploratory approach in trying out a wide variety of dishes. Admittedly, I also consumed food excessively during my early years as I was bombarded with invitations for food tours, food trips and eat-all-you-cans. This resulted to having food allergies and eczema which haunted me for almost five years. That forced me to transition to a more holistic eating which consisted of a balanced meal with less sweets. As someone who developed a sweet tooth in my early toddler years, the adjustment was quite challenging. There were are times when I would succumb to stress cravings, causing my eczema to flare up and remind me to revert to healthier options. I was stuck in this cycle for several years.
Recently, as my work in public service has seemingly reach a plateau, I've began reflecting on how I can serve others more by changing the way I live. Eating is one of our primary activities in life. We eat several times a day so I've decided to be more conscious by adopting an ahimsa or non-violent diet which involves avoiding the consumption of pork as much as I can.
Marudori is brought by Nippon Hasha — the same group that brought Mendokoro Ramenba and Ramen Yushoken so you can expect the same level of standard as their other ramen joints. Located at 8 Rockewell, V. Corporate Center in Salcedo Village, Makati City, it caters to all types of customers.
Compared to their other ramen places, the space here is evidently fully-maximized. Aside from the indoor dining set up with a ramen bar by the kitchen, there's also an al fresco dining area.
Food
Now, let's move on to the food.
Tori Paitan Ramen
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| ♥ Shio Paitan (430 php) |
Especially for first timers, it's good to try the Shio Paitan before the rest so you can savor fully the rich tori paitan flavor that's succinctly brought out by the taré (salt-based seasoning). The ramen is also topped with yuzu peel, leeks, menma or fermented bamboo shoots and perfect ajitsuke tamago or soft-boiled ramen eggs that's sweet soy-marinated and has custardy and runny yolk.
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| ♥ Shio Paitan (430 php) |
The rich and deep consistency is visible from the creamy white tori paitan broth that is meticulously crafted by simmering chicken bones over an extended period. The tori paitan broth perfectly complements that tender chicken thigh and chewy noodles.
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| Shoyu Paitan (460 php) |
The Shoyu Paitan is a tastier option with the soy taré sauce topped with binchotan-grilled chicken thighs.
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| ♥ Tantanmen (490 php) |
The Tantanmen is another must try because I can't think of any other ramen joint in Manila that serves tantanmen with chicken-based broth and tantamen chicken. This brings out a distinctive experience tastewise. Visually, it looks like the typical tantanmen as it is also topped with chili oil, sesame paste, garlic peanuts and tomato jam.
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| ♥ Ebi Miso (640 php) |
One of their more upscale offering is the Ebi Miso. The tori paitan broth is infused with miso. In addition to the complementary toppings of yuzu peel, leeks, menma and ajitsuke tamago, it has two special key ingredients: Karaage or crispy fried chicken and grilled shrimp.
Sides
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| ♥ Gyoza (250 php) |
Don't miss out on the Gyoza as this is also made from tender juicy minced chicken mixed with fresh vegetables. Enjoy this with their gyoza sauce topped with thin ginger strips. This is usually served ahead of the ramens so its perfect for diners who arrive with a hunger needs to be appeased asap!
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're happy to add Marudori as one of our favorite ramen bars by the Nippon Hasha Group. We really enjoyed our top-notch tori paitan experience at Marudori. If only this was more accessible, we'd frequent this place more.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Marudori Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Marudori Restaurant | |
| Business Address | G/F 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive and. V Corporate Centre, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11am-11pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-800 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | |
| Other | |
These past few months, I've been spending most of my time doing inner work so it was timely for the family to drag me out for an intimate family dinner at Bon Appetit at 1120 House.
I would recommend booking a reservation when dining on weekends.
On top of enjoying the food and drinks, my family has recently placed great emphasis on the dining ambiance.
Thus, they made sure to reserve this poolside function room in advance.
Food
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| Complimentary Chips |
The service is very good. Upon ordering we were served some Complimentary Chips.
Soups!
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| French Onion Soup (380 php) |
We began our lovely dinner with a hot bowl of French Onion Soup which we requested to be split into two.
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| Steak and Eggs (1,300 php) |
As exemplified by this big plate of Steak and Eggs, the dishes were presented lavishingly, complementing the aesthetic interiors.
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| ♥ Salmon Raclette (790 php) |
Each dish has its own unique appeal in appearance and flavor. This Salmon Raclette perhaps stood out slightly above the rest.
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| ♥ Lamb Madras Curry (900 php) |
The Lamb Madras Curry was beyond our expectation considering that it was not specialized in that kind of cuisine.
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| ♥ Grilled Seabass and Risotto (1,600 php) |
The priciest dish we got was the Grilled Seabass and Risotto and well as you can see, they did use quality seabass so it doesn't disappoint as well.
Pasta
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| Mushroom Alfredo (550 php) |
For a bang for the buck choice, you can go for this Mushroom Alfredo.
Sandwiches
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| ♥ Truffle Grilled Cheese with Bacon Jam (650 php) |
They also serve the delicious sandwiches. This Truffle Grilled Cheese with Bacon Jam with chips on the side is quite satisfying.
Bon Bakery
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| ♥ Signature Chocolate Cake |
The rich and decadent Signature Chocolate Cake was a nice meal ender.
Juice, Coffee, Tea
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| Cafe Latte (150 php) |
Of course, we had them with our choice of coffee and...
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| Fresh Tarragon Tea (135 php) |
tea.
If you're looking for a charmingly cafe to enjoy the comfort of delicious and wholesome foods over soulful conversations then go for Bon Appetit at 1120 House.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Bon Appetit at 1120 House Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Bon Appetit at 1120 House | |
| Business Address | The Metropolitan Club Compd, Estrella St cor Amapola St, 1120 House, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 10am-10pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | 1120house.reservations@gmail.com |
| Other | |
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