Jumbling Japonica

ramp modeling along H.V. Dela Costa Street (photo c/o Joy)

     Weekly habit with the girls is at Japonica this time to celebrate my dear friend Harriet's upcoming birthday. I suggested the place to them early this week because I was really craving for something Japanese.

     Having made the reservation, we also decided to put a little spice on the occasion and really dressed up for it, Asian style. Yeah! Ain't that cute! If not for our jobs, we would have tried cosplaying instead. lol

Mini Sukiyaki Nabe

     Japonica is a nice, quiet Japanese restaurant for casual dining. It has a grand view of the busy H.V. Dela Costa Street. Towering condo and commercial buildings provide shade from any direct sunlight in the place thus the reason why there are no blinds or tints for its wide glass windows. Not the usual place to hang-out though (yes, no music) but very conducive for mealtime. It is bright, clean and free of distractions.

     Yes, no distractions. Hay. Mr. Swag hunting was cancelled for the time being. No prospects sighted.

Kani Salad

     For the appetizers, we ordered  Gyoza, California Maki and Kani Salad. I enjoyed their Gyoza even without the sauce.

     For entree, the choices are Mini Sukiyaki Nabe (Japanese beef hot pot), Ebi Tempura Lunch Set (fried breaded-shrimps and Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch set. The Sukiyaki dish was good. All ingredients were blended well to my liking. I even ate the whole pot with no rice. Like what Harriet said, it deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.

Gyoza

     No desserts were ordered. We decided to transfer to our cafe tambayan and had our desserts there.

Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch Set

Rating:

Ambiance: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Food: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Japonica Japanese Cafe and Kitchen

2nd Level, Liberty Plaza, H.V. Dela Costa cor. Valero St.,

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(+63 2) 884-2148

I love New Bombay!

I was ever curious of this restaurant just beside 7-11 store near our offices. Faye recommended we have our lunch here and so we did. I like the ambiance, ever authentic Indian atmosphere.  Luckily, it doesn't smell like a typical Indian place (hehehe... if you know what I mean). Wooden chairs and tables were carved and designed meticulously by some artist. Drapes hung the ceiling to give it an Indian feel. The owner is also authentic... yes, that he is.

Error in the orientation :)

Baked prawns

Today is the first Friday of the Lenten season so we opted for a vegetarian/fish meal. For starters, we ordered some spicy naan and samosa (empanada with beans & curry inside). For main entree we ordered fish curry, baked prawns, and chili curry rice topped with peas and chopped string beans. 

As for the drinks, my lunch buddies just had softdrinks to neutralize the spiciness of the dishes. Not me. Because of my GERD, I had to order a mango lassi, an Indian drink, sort-of like a mango shake but more delicious. I would highly recommend that drink. Got to learn how that was made.

Samosa and naan

All yellow! Go People Power!

And onto our ever Mr-Swag-hunting. Yes, it was now my turn to be played at. We've been eyeing some guys across the table. Good looking as they were, we decided to just let them be. They might be in the middle of a business lunch meeting for all we know.

Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Some of the ones in the menu we ordered were not available. Yes, they have to do something about their availability issues. But it was immediately forgotten when we began emptying the plates. The dishes were simply delicious.

I love Bonchon!

Microbabes decided to have a regular lunch habit. Every week we would tweet ... I mean, meet (or both) to have a lunch somewhere near our offices. Or if time permits, we would go to Ayala triangle and check out some restos there. 

Our first lunch date this 2012 happened at Bonchon, Ayala Triangle Branch. First time I tried their chicken and it was superb. No need for gravy, their breading is already tasteful. It has two flavors: Soy Garlic & Spicy. We ordered the 12 pcs combo (mixed thighs, drumstick and wings) or whatever you call it and ate to our heart's content.

at Paseo de Roxas Underpass

Mr. Swag: approved

Along the course, Mr. Swag hunting is in progress. One man targeted. Harriet's Bonchon hubby. In fairness, he's a good catch. Oh look...no ring on both hands? Hahaha.

And an hour lunch turned out to be two when  heavy rains began showering over Makati. We had to wait for the rain to stop before returning. Faye is overbreak already but who's to blame her... lunch was fun. Until next time! =)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

College Barkada Reunion

I had the most exciting day ever because I get to see my college friends again after a long long time. We had so much fun ... still the same noisy group we were during the college days. Well, almost... yeah yeah, except the few pounds we gained though the years....hehehehe

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