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. 

Chardonnay is on of the best selling white wine around the world.  It is made from Chardonnay which is a green-skinned grape variant. It originated in Burgundy of Eastern France but  because it is adaptable to various climates it is now planted in fields around the world but the best ones come from France, Italy, USA, Chile, Australia and New Zealand and South Africa.  Thus, millions of bottles of chardonnay are produced per year.  The high supply therefor results in lower price.  You can buy a bottle of Chardonnay under 15 USD.  

A Chardonnay has many types of aromas and flavors.  Chardonnays aromas variants are butter and toast, tropical notes of banana, pineapple and guava.  It is usually described to have mineral properties too like crushed seashells or metal.  In terms of flavor, it can be like grilled nuts, creamy apples,marzipan, wet stones, peach, golden syrup, butterscotch, sweet, oak overtones,tropical fruits,  citrus and melon.

The variation of Chardonnay is caused by the two schools of thought.  One side aims for the high-toned steely, fruity taste like green apples which makes use of little or no oak.  On the other hand, the other seeks a rounder and buttery taste caused by the malic acid converted into softer lactic acid during malolactic fermentation.  

The Chardonnay is best served chilled.  The best Chardonnay are rich, steely, lean and crisp.  Although Chardonnay can be paired with almost anything.  It is best paid with poultry, pork, seafood, heavy cream or butter based and garlicky dishes. The food can also vary depending on the type of Chardonnay.  The more acidic ones are often paired with sweet onion or tomato-based dishes.  While mellow ones are more suitable for earthy dishes like aged cheese and mushroom soup.

Depending on your preference and budget, I'm sure you'll find a Chardonnay that will please you in every way.  Here's some of the Chardonnay you can try:

• Alma Rosa 2005
• Concannon Conservancy 2009
• Domaine du Chateau de Meursault Premier Cru 2009
• La Crema Sonoma Coast 2009
• Les Vins Georges Dubœuf Vin de Pays d'Oc Terradria Collection 2007
• Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2010 
• Saint Jean de Noviciat Vin de Pays d'Oc Mas du Novi 2009

Like This Post? Subscribe here Follow @crumpyblog                              

Every artifact and display on the restaurant is related to wines such as this collection of corks.  It's a simple but visually appealing arrangement.


The main dining area of the restaurant is not as spacious but they have function rooms for events on the second floor.  They also have a bar with displays of empty wine bottles.

Food

Salads

Caesar Salad (200 php)

The Caesar Salad with its crunchy croutons, fresh greens, bacon bits and adequate amount of dressing provide a wonderful starter.

Vegetables

Spinach & White Cheese (125 php)

The Spinach & White Cheese is sauteed spinach with cubes of white cheese.  This doesn't only look healthy but it taste like one too. =D

Favorites

Paella Collonial (450 php)

The Paella Collonial did not meet my standards for a paella.  Not that I was complaining since the price was really affordable compared to others I've tried.  The saffron rice was a bit bland.  But, I liked that it had olives in it.

♥ Crispy Toro (325 php)

♥ Callos Madrilenos (350 php)

♥ Fish Fillet with Ali Oli (275 php)

The Fish Fillet with Ali Oli may loook plain but a bite of it will surely change your perspective.  The batter coating is perfectly crunchy concealing within the soft and succulent fish fillet that holds the freshness of the sea.  Together with the Ali Oli sauce, this is sure to stir your appetite and leave you wanting for more.

Historical Pairing

Understanding your Wines

How to Pair

As the name indicates, Cova Tapas Y Sangria boasts of their tapa selections and Sangrias.  The owners Tatyana Guevara and Patrick Hesse went to Barcelona after graduating from Enderun to learn more about Spanish cuisine.  During their stay in Spain, they noticed that tapas bars are everywhere and they believed that the Philippines is ready for one too.  Afterall, we Filipinos always have our pulutan (finger foods) whenever we drink right?

Tapas which means "lid or cover" can be any dish served in small servings.  It is intended to be partnered with wine and to encourage conversations among people. In case of big groups, Tapas can also be upgraded to a bigger portion like racion or whole. 
Cova Tapas Y Sangria emits an elegant yet cozy feel with its mellow lighting and modern interiors.  It has a distinct ceiling that reminds me of a stalactite cave or the mouth of a whale.  It has a nice seating area on the sides and tall chairs and tables on the center which allows diners to stand and socialize.  The acoustics of the venue is superb.  Despite being surrounded by conversing groups, the place felt serene.  The owners are very hands-on too as they entertain the customers personally.  

♥ Huevos Cabreados (260 php)

The Huevos Cabreados  is a tower of fried potato strings, friend egg, chroizo bits, spicy brava sauce and aoili.  Since it was our first time to try this, we asked the servers assistance to prepare it for us.  

♥ Huevos Cabreados (260 php)

We found out that the beautiful tower of Huevos Cabreados has to be demolish and mixed to be enjoyed.  Amidst the sporadic bits, we found a treasure of flavors and textures.  We enjoyed this to the very last potato string.  This is a must order!

Ravioli de Rabo de Toro Racion (480 php)

The Ravioli de Rabo de Toro is not your ordinary ravioli. These are crispy fried ravioli cubes filled with ox tail, foie gras and shitake mushroom that will raid your taste buds with its valiant meaty flavors.  Try this with the balsamic cream and aoili to enhance the experience.  

Pintxo de Queso Frito Racion (360 php)

♥ Cap I Pota Racion (500 php)

Although Cap I Pota means head and leg of a pork, Cova's version offers more than that.  It has ox tripe, ox cheeks, jamon, blood sausage, tomatoes, sulatanas and pine nuts.  These hoard of ingredients will definitely triumph over your appetite with its zesty, sweet and nutty flavors.  Moreover, its chewy tripe and cheeks will make you fall head over heels with this viand.  It is served with your choice of bread or rice.  

♥ Espuma Bacalao (380 php)

The Espuma Bacalao which means salted cod in foam is served in a glass.  It is best enjoyed spooning to the very bottom to scoop out the salted cod along with potatoes, garlic confit and olives.  Although the salted cod could be overpowering, it is contrasted by the soft and airy foam bringing the taste to a perfect smack.

Crema Catalana (200 php)

The Crema Catalana is the Catalonian version of creme brulee.  Underneath the thin sheet of crystalized sugar is a sweet and tangy orange custard that's soft but a bit coarse.  

♥ Cova Red Sangria 1L (895 php) and ♥ Summer Peachy White Wine Sangria 1L (895 php)

Of course, we had some Sangria to accompany our tapas.  Though I'm not much of an wine drinker, I found myself dazzled by the sweet, luscious and fruity flavors of the Summer Peachy White Wine.  On the other hand, the my male companions preferred the Cova Red Sangria for its sweet and astringent counter balancing attributes.  Whichever variety we preferred, we all agreed that Cova's Sangria is one of the best available in the country.  Perhaps, it is because Cova's wines are all sourced from Spain and their Sangria are made fresh everyday.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cova Tapas Y Sangria offers the one of the best modern tapas selections and Sangrias.  In addition, it offers a great ambiance unlike any other.  In terms of price, it is quite reasonable considering that Cova does not scrimp on ingredients and source most of them from Spain.