During the COVID pandemic, the family has been practicing caution in choosing where and when to dine out.  Having our first dine out at Yamazato山里 at Hotel Okura Manila was a wise choice and as you read along our experience, we're sure you'll agree as to why.

According to the official Michelin Guide website, "In 2002, Yamazato became the first traditional Kaiseki restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star outside of Japan, thanks to Chef Masanori Tomikawa’s subtle cuisine that is full of velvet-smooth flavours."

 

When we dined there, the above-mentioned was the only information that lured us into trying out Yamazato.  But a few days after we posted about it on instagram, its management commented some interesting details therein: (1)  This branch in the Philippines is the 10th location to open worldwide and (2) Yamazato in Bangkok, Macau, and Taipei also have Michelin distinction.   What an amazing track record right?

Brief Info on Kaiseki

It has dawned on us that we've never tried Kaiseki before.  Kaiseki, kanji are written as 会席 or formally as 懐石 literally mean "breast-pocket stone" which Zen monks, who do not have budget for food, give to guests to ward off hunger as a sign of hospitality. These kanji are thought to have been incorporated to indicate the frugal meal served in the austere style of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).  Both sets of kanji remain in use today to write the word.  

Kaiseki now represents a set course meal as a counterpart to the Japanese haute cuisine.  

 

After such an introduction, you'd think we'd go for the Yamazato Mini Kaiseki Set which was available from 6 pm to 9 pm right? Wrong.

 

Since the family really missed dining out and having special dishes for sharing, we decided to go ala carte style.   

 

COVID Protocols

As responsible citizens, we're really advocating cautious practice against COVID.  And, we feel that restaurants such as Yamazato with excellent COVID protocols should be commended too.

 
 


Maki

♥ Aburi Salmon (350 php)

Tendon Set

♥ Nami Tendon Set (410 php)

♥ Nami Tendon

Donburi Set

Beef Don (350 php)

As delighted as I was with the Tempura, I felt the opposite when I had the Beef Don.  Being a fan of gyudon, I can't recall having one as dry and tough as this one.

 

Pork Don (320 php)

The Pork Don was also tough and dry.



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tendon Akimitsu proves worthy of having garnered mulitple awards for its Tendon.  So glad that it has more branches, I will head on over when craving for Tempura.  As for the donburi, I hope to give it another try next time as it did not meet my expectations.

Let me as you have you been to RB CTY (Rib City)?  In case you haven't heard about it, then let me tell you... they serve huge ribs for an unbelievable price!


They have two branches: Maginhawa and Pioneer Highlands North.   The road to RB CTY Pioneer Highlands North is a bit tricky and there are not much sign to lead you to it. 


But, google can be your friend in finding this hidden gem.
 

You'll find RB CTY as a laid back chill place.




I found it to be surprisingly spacious especially the al fresco area.




I love how they have building blocks to keep you occupied while you wait. 

But, we were more enticed by their All You Can Eat Promo.

Food

Rib Blvd (with 1 drink, 1 CTY rice, 1 Side Eats)

♥ Suburban (258 php)

Now let's get on with the food.  Believe it or not, the Suburban is their smallest portion of ribs.  This is twice the usual serving from other rib joints.  This serves 1 but a petite lady can find this beyond satisfying.  Aside from the soft part near the rack that almost falls of the bone, there's the sinful but delectably good amount of fats and a lean meaty part.  Their very own classic barbecue sauce is a great blend of sweet and spiced.  I can sense a hint of peanut butter in it too.

 

20 oz drink (comes in every meal)

The drink that come with every meal is huge too.  You can choose between lemon, red and green iced tea.

All You Can Eat Surf and Turf

All You Can Eat Surf and Turf (458 php)

My companion took on the All You Can Eat Surf and Turf.  It comes with ribs, tempura, awesome wings, 1 side and 1 drink.  The Ribs where as huge as the Suburban but stacked together.  The Tempura is a mixed one with shrimp and sweet potato.  The Awesome Wings were not so plump but the size was insignificant since you can refill anything you want from this plate.  And for the price, that's quite a steal!  How many ribs, tempura and wings do you think you can finish?   

Sweet Trail

White Toblerone Cheesecake (148 php)

After such a heavy meal, we had an inkling for some sweet ender.   The very rich and dense White Toblerone Cheesecake was just the right choice.  Don't let the size fool you.  I'm telling you just one biteful of this is enough to bring you to cream cheese heaven.  That's how explosive the flavor of this treat is.  I liked that the white toblerone sauce is not too sweet and harmonizes with the cream cheese well. 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're looking for a hefty rib meal that will surely fit your budget, then go to RB CTY.  They also have group meals so better bring some company for more savings.  Bottomline: This is where you go to get filled up with sulit rib meals especially when you're craving for meat and you're tired of the usual fast food joints.