My family loves tempura too so one night we were craving for one and we recalled that Booky (Aileen) recommends Asakusa: Home of Tempura so we drove all the way there.   This is the second purely tempura joint that I've tried. 

It's actually funny because we've been to The Grove By Rockwell several times but we had no idea it had more establishments inside.  We had to ask the guard where it was.  We're told it was located beside a hotel called Aruga by the Grove.  And, indeed it was.

For such a hidden place, it had noticeably a lot more diners than it's neighboring establishments.

Appetizers

♥ Spicy Salmon Salad (218 php)

Before we go on with the Tempura, let me highly recommend that you order the Salmon Salad.  You can have it Regular or Spicy.  If you can stand a bit of spiciness go for the Spicy!  It's the bomb!  We loved it so much!

Tempura Sets (Comes with Free Iced Tea or Lemonade)
All their tempura has a nice crunchy texture and it wasn't oily.   As you can see from the photos, the quality is consistent.  Compared to Tenya which is an a franchise from Asakusa Tokyo, I found the tempura butter to be crunchier and heavier and the color is slightly darker.  Thus, it offers a different but just as pleasurable experience. 

They have 2 kinds of sauces: the traditional and Asakusa Sauce.  I still like the traditional because the Asakusa Sauce with a thick consistency has an overpowering sweetness.
 

Samurai Set (358 php)

One of my shobes ordered the Samurai Set which had black tiger prawn, fish, squid, eggplant, squash and french beans tempura.  Shobe upgraded her plain rice to Fried Rice (38 php).

Shogun Set 3 pcs. (358 php)

The Shogun Set is the classic with three black tiger prawn.  I bet this is often ordered.  Shobe upgraded her plain rice to Udon (60 php). 

Emperor Set (598 php)

My big brother ordered the most expensive item on the menu which is the Emperor Set.  It had 2 Black Tiger Prawns, Scallop, Shiitake Mushroom, Kani, Fish, Zucchini and French Beans.  He also upgraded his plain rice to Fried Rice (38 php).  I found the price of this to be unjustified especially since for the price (with upgrades), you could already go for an eat all you can and have more tempura right?

Make Your Own Tempura Set

♥ Black Tiger Prawn (110 php) and ♥ Squid (60 php)

I wasn't feeling well that Sunday... so this is a very rare occasion where I didn't have an appetite.  I tried the Make Your Own Tempura Set by ordered  a piece of the Black Tiger Prawn and Squid.  I loved them both.  But surprisingly, I wanted more of the Squid because it is so soft. 

Other Dishes 

Tempura Udon (298 php)

My mom ordered the Tempura Udon.  The black tiger prawn is still partially crunchy.  The sweet broth compliments the tempura as well as their 2 kinds of tempura sauces.  It also comes with some tempura flakes which adds a twist of texture to the al dente udon.


 Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
For a local concept, I'm impressed with the food quality of Asakusa: Home of Tempura.  However, I do find their pricing to be a bit steep.

Last month, I was invited to try more of the dishes at Izakaya Kenta.  I've been to the place several time on my own accord including my first time experience which I've shared here.  I enjoyed every meal I had so I gladly took a short walk from home to attend.

I got to learn that Izakaya Kenta wasn't new.  It was formerly located at the ground floor of Malate Bayview Mansion.  But, it underwent relocation for a better space and was replaced also with a better management.



Food

Sashimi

Santenmori (400 php)

As the name implies, the Santenmori is a three variant sashimi platter.  It is composed of Maguro Sashimi (tuna), Hamachi Sashimi (yellow tail) and Ika Sashimi (squid).  I can attest from my visits that they always serve fresh and quality sashimi.  

Sushi

Nigiri Moriawase Jou (550 php)

The Nigiri Moriawase Jou is an assortment of Nigiri Sushi: Maguro Nigiri (tuna), Hamachi Nigiri (yellow tail), Sake Nigiri (salmon), Saba Nigiri (mackarel), Ebi Nigiri (shrimp) and Hoso Maki: Tekka Maki (tuna), Tobiko Maki (flying-fish roe), Uni Maki (sea urchin) and Tamago Maki (egg).  I recall being impressed by a grander plating in my previous meetings.  But, it is still as delicious!

Salad

Potato Salad (200 php)

The Potato Salad was the star of the night.  Everyone was quite pleased with it.  I couldn't agree more. 

Pasta

Supagetti Sarada

The Supagetti Sarada is probably new since I have not encountered it there before.  It has the same blend so just order one of them to avoid redundancy.  We all agreed that it works better for the Potato Salad.


Agemono

Tori Kara Age (290 php)

The Tori Kara Age is our family favorite.  As expected, its crunchy coating and juicy meat was applauded by my fellow food bloggers as well.

Tako Potato (180 php)

I've tried Takoyaki before but never Tako Potato.  This is an interesting hybrid of a potato croquette and Takoyaki.  I liked it!

Gyu Suteki

It's my first time to encounter the Gyu Suteki.  If I translate it to English, it means "fancy beef".  I'm quite surprised that it was served in an authentic Japanese restaurant because it was looks western.  It's a sweet and saucy beef steak topped with roasted garlic and served with french fries and corn.  I failed to appreciate this. 

Yakimono

Gindara Teriyaki

The Gindara Teriyaki is drenched in teriyaki sauce.  I have to point out that they can't cook this consistently.  On one visit, it was dry and overcooked.  On another visit, it was cooked wonderfully moist and had the right amount of teriyaki sauce.  And on this last visit, it had too much teriyaki sauce resulting in an overpowering saltiness that you could no longer appreciate the natural flavors of the Gindara.

Okonomiyaki (350 php)

This is the thickest Okonomiyaki I have ever encountered.  It looks promising especially since it was pricey but sad to say, it delivered more on air and batter compared to the fillings.  

Sake


They also have excellent sake which brought much delight to my companions.



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
As I've stated before, Izakaya Kenta is a great place to try out authentic Japanese dishes.  The Tori Kara Age and Kabutoni is a must try!  Plus, the service and ambiance is superb.  They also intensified their WiFi which is now fast and reliable.

The family has spotted a new Japanese restaurant called Izakaya Kenta and like the most dining places on our turf, we just couldn't let this one pass. 

Although its facade looks like other authentic Japanese restaurant, you'd be awed by its grandeur once you step inside. 


On the left side are its private function rooms.   While, the right side were casual sturdy tables and chairs.  By the end of the walk way, you can find their sushi and sake bar.  The place had an solemn atmosphere with bright yet soft lighting. 

Private Function Room

Each private function room had a long table.  It is also equipped with its own air conditioner and sockets perfect for business meetings.  I'm amazed at how visually appealing and spacious the place is.  In fact, even the rest room is worth mentioning.

The staffs are very friendly and accommodating.  We greeted and served as if we were very important guests in a fine dining restaurant.  We were told that the owner is a Filipino engineer but their chef is Japanese so you can expect their dishes to be authentic Japanese.

Food

Speed Menu

Gyoza

The Gyoza is plump and juicy.  It was savory even without the sauce.  This is cooked in perfect timing since the bottom is slightly crisp, the other parts of the shell is soft and the meat is succulent. 


Yakimono

♥ Iwashi Shioyaki (200 php)

The Iwashi Shioyaki is an imported fish from Japan.  To assure quality, all their fishes are imported.  This is the best dish for that evening.  It was exploding in terms of flavor but not too salty.

Yakitori Momo and Yakitori Negima (50 php/piece)

The Yakitori Momo and Yakitori Negima is almost the same except that the latter had leeks mixed in.  You have the option of having this either salty or sweet.  The lighter color is salted.  In terms of flavor, it's plainly salty.  It's my first time to try it like that and I did not appreciate it.  On the other hand, the sweet version is the typical yakitori we know.  I liked that better since it is more flavorful but the sweetness is controlled at the precise level.


Gohanmono

♥ Curry Rice (250 php)

I really enjoyed the Curry Rice!  I didn't even bother sharing it and finish it all by myself.  The Curry is appetizing especially with the thin beef strips but what made this meal even better is their quality Japanese rice.  According to a program I recently watch at the NHK World channel, there are over 24 varieties of rice grains in Japan.  I may not know which type this is, but I'm pretty sure its the best one I've tried here in the country. 

♥ Gomoku Chahan (250 php)

I found the Gomoku Chahan a bit pricey despite the generous amounts of seafood and vegetable toppings because of its serving size.  But, it is one of the best one I've tried.  It probably has 5 main ingredients as indicated by its name.  This is served with a bowl of Miso Soup. 


Agemono

Ika Fry (240 php)

The Ika Fry is a breaded and fried big-sized squid.  This is a bit rubbery so order this only if you want the thrill of chewing.

♥ Age Dashi Tofu (120 php)

Another hit among us is the Age Dashi Tofu.  This is one of the best I've tried!  I'd give it a perfect score for texture and taste.

Noodles

♥ Ebi Tempura Soba (350 php)

I was never a fan of soba because the texture usually turns me off.  But, this Ebi Tempura Soba was definitely rave-worthy!  The soba noodles will surely make you slurp with glee and chew with delight.  The brought is light but appealing to the taste buds.  The Ebi Tempura is also cooked wonderfully!

♥ Kakikage Tempura Udon (350 php)

This has to be the best Kakikage Tempura Udon I have ever tried.  The broth is a bowlful of umami flavors.  The kakikage is composed of not only crunchy vegetables but with shrimp bits too.  This is a must try!


Drinks

♥ Jasmine Green Tea

For drinks, we enjoyed their complimentary Cold Brown Rice Tea and Hot Jasmine Green Tea.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience to remember, Izakaya Kenta is certainly a place to try!  The food, ambiance and service is superb!  Their price is a bit steep but since their still in the soft opening phase, prices will be adjusted to seem more reasonable.  Their menu will also be revised to be more comprehensible for non-Japanese.  I looked forward to coming back here and try their Nimono (stew) selections next.

As we walk in, we were welcomed by a Korean lady who instructed the server to guide us.


We passed the sushi and sake bar towards a private room which was just right for six people. 


Atop our wooden table, the utensils are already set up.  As we seated, the menu was handed to us.  I wanted to take a picture of it but the Korean lady warned against it.  However, as I browsed the internet, I found their menu posted on their Facebook fan page.  That was odd.

Food

Complimentary

Complimentary Salad

While waiting for our orders, we were given a Complimentary Salad which had a light oil-based dressing with a large slice of fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic and greens.  

Complimentary Miso Soup

We were also provided a Complimentary Miso Soup.  It was delicious and soothing.

Sashimi a la carte

♥  Saba (200 php) and  ♥  Mekakiji (200 php)

The sashimi was served in a beautiful platter looking fresh and tasty.  The Saba is largely sliced and it was exploding in flavor in every bite.  The Mekakiji is sliced in a distinct triangular shape.  It is the first time I've tried it and it is delicious.

Rolls

Rainbow Roll 8 pcs. (320 php)

The Rainbow Roll is one of the best looking sushi platter I've encountered.  It has lettuce, cucumber, crabmeat, avocado on top of tuna, salmon, shrimp and squid drizzled with mustard and hot sauce.  

Noodle

Tempura Udon (250 php)

The Tempura Udon is a mixed tempura with udon noodles in Japanese light soy sauce.  It was served warm and freshly cooked so the tempura batter is still crunchy.  The soup is slightly sweet and flavorful.

♥  Nabe Udon (280 php)

The Nabe Udon has tempura shrimp, shitake mushroom, onions, brocolli, leeks and naruto.  This is one of the best Udon I've ever tasted.  The flavor from the ingredients are sensationally glorified in every sip.

Ramen

Shin Ramyun (200 php)

The Shin Ramyun is a spicy Korean noodle soup with carrots, leeks and egg.  It was intensely hot as I could feel the sizzle of red hot chili running through my throat but nothing I couldn't manage.  It was nothing special even similar to instant ones but I enjoyed it anyway because I just love the spiciness.

♥ Gomuko Ramen (250 php)

The Gomuko Ramen is a ramen noodle with a great assortment of seafood.  It has shrimp, mussels, clams, fish fillet, bean sprouts, leeks, carrots, mushrooms and brocolli.  The soup is clear but it was so sweet and rich.

Rice

♥  Kimchi Bockumbap (240 php)

The Kimchi Bockumbap is our family favorite dish.  We just HAVE to order one when available in the menu.  This version is delicious!  It is dominantly spicy with a bit of sour and sweet taste.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Domo Maguro Restaurant serve delicious authentic Japanese and Korean dishes.  From the sashimi to the ramen, everything was satisfying.  The price is quite reasonable too.