Ramen and cake @ Mitsuyado Sei-men and Yamato Bakery

     We heard and read several stories about a new ramen place with a different setting. We finally give in to our curiosity and try our luck at Mitsuyado Sei-men. We go at an off time time, around 1:30 pm to avoid the long wait. As we arrived, we were told there was a 15-minute wait... which was fine. We go and check out Yamato bakery while waiting. 

Mitsuyado Sei-Men

-Their ambiance is interesting and unique. Mom says this is a typical Japanese neighborhood by the street. When you see lanterns, that means ramen is being sold. 

Chopsticks and condiments

Char-siu ramen

Shoyu ramen

-These 2 ramens taste similar but both were good!

Thick noodles are used...

but you may request thin noodles.

(This reminds me of linguine... Hihihi!)

Gyoza

Chicken black pepper teriyaki don

Coffee Jelly

-If you love strong coffee like I do, you will enjoy this.

Yamato Bakery

-Seeing all their breads and cakes was overwhelming (in a good way) and mouth-watering.

Strawberry cake slice

-According to the staff, the Strawberry cake and Red Velvet cake are the best sellers. I can't resist Japanese Strawberry cake!

Mitsuyado Sei-men 

22 Jupiter Street

Bel-Air

Makati City

511-1390

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitsuyado.seimen?fref=ts

Yamato Bakery Cafe

*same address 

823-0960

Rise and shine @ Pancake House

     We have breakfast out at least once during Simbang Gabi.* We attended Sunday mass early morning and went to one of our favorite breakfast and merienda places, Pancake House in McKinley Hills.* We arrive around 6:40 near opening (operating hours begins 7am). It was nice seeing the staff start with a prayer before opening. We were happy to have our favorites once again. 

Best Taco in town

-It really is.

Grilled cheese

-I know grilled cheese is simple. I don't know how they do it, but theirs is really good! The best grilled cheese for me. The potato salad is good too.

Chocolate Marble Waffles

-Eating this with butter, peanut butter and syrup is just awesome!

maple syrup

Other recommendations (besides Pancakes and Waffles):

Spaghetti with meat sauce

Club sandwich

Beef Tapa

Grilled ham and cheese

Pancake House

Website: http://www.pancakehouse.biz/index.html, http://www.pancakehouse.com.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pancake-House/105291019502363

Simbang Gabi -dawn mass during the Christmas season in the Philippines

merienda -snack

Christmas in the air @ Makati Shangrila

     Dad wanted more action after a hearty dinner.* What he had in mind was listening to a choir serenading guests with Christmas carols, so we head to Makati Shangri-La Lobby Lounge for drinks. Also, we were looking forward to seeing their Christmas display because it's one of the best. Although, there was no choir that time, we were still impressed seeing their fantastic Christmas display. For this year, it was angels and Christmas trees. 

We were in awe seeing all these. I thought the angels on top were real... Hihihi! :">

This is the first thing you see when you enter the Lobby Lounge.

How I wished I could devour all of these.

Wine buffet

I had Cappuccino. Check out their design.

May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :D

Lobby Lounge @ Makati Shangri-La

Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue

Makati City

840-0884

Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/dining/bars-lounges/lobby-lounge/

Action refers to going out, aka good time. My lola (grandmother) always uses this term.

All natural Carmen's Best ice cream

     In one of our family gatherings last year, we learned about Carmen's Best ice cream through my sister, Nicole. She had Malted Milk and Salted Caramel. We were pleasantly surprised these were really good and that it's local too. After a lot of thinking during the Christmas rush, I had a light bulb moment and decided ice cream was my Christmas gift to my folks since I know they're ice cream lovers... Well... all of us are. I got Madagascar Vanilla and Strawberry. Their ice cream is pure, smooth and creamy. There is no icy texture nor any artificial taste. I look forward to trying the other flavors.

Carmen's Best ice cream
Centrum II Building
150 Valero Street
Salcedo Village
Makati City
893-1459 / 809-2042 / 0916-6235956
*Also available in Salcedo Market every Saturday. For other pick up points and info, please visit website and Facebook.
Website: http://www.carmensbest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmensBest?fref=ts

A breather @ Tsumura

     A great way to end a full day is with a good dinner. I was so relieved to get a breather after working all day because we had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Tsumura. Dad has been a regular customer when it was still in Pasay road, so this is in our comfort food list. This is one of those restaurants where everything is good (based on experience), quality is consistent.

Tamago sushi
(egg)

Nigiri Moriawase "Aoi"
(11 pieces special nigiri sushi)

-Dad always requests to cut it in half.

California maki and Spicy Salmon maki

Ebi Sarada Temaki
(Shrimp salad hand roll)

Tempura Moriawase
(Assorted seafood and vegetable tempura)

Hamachi head shioyaki
(Grilled Yellow Tail head sprinkled with salt)

Katsu Ju

(Box of fried pork cutlet on rice which comes with pickles and miso soup; aka Katsudon)

-This is one of my favorite Japanese dishes. I was so happy to have this because I haven't had this in a while.

After the meal, you are given complimentary fruits.

Green tea is the best thing to take after a hearty meal.

Tsumura sushi bar and restaurant

2/F 88 Corporate Center

Sedeno Street corner Valero Street

Salcedo Village, Makati City

887-4848 to 50

Spaghetti galore @ Yomenya Goemon

     Dad mentioned this new pasta place in Greenbelt... but Japanese. Of course, being a Japanese and Italian food fanatic, it sounded interesting. We had dinner Yomenya Goemon yesterday. It's a good thing we were 7 pax, so we got to try different kinds of spaghetti. It's amusing the utensils are chopsticks and the common garnish is shredded nori.* Also, I love that the portions are big and believe me... you'll be stuffed. 

This display is a brilliant idea to know how every dish looks like.

Crab, shrimp and scallop with crab paste

Chicken and mushroom with porcini

(Sorry this pic is a bit blurred.)

Mediterranean tomato cream soup spaghetti with fresh seafood

-Personally, this was the best.

Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) shrimp and Japanese herb ao shiso

If you order the regular set, you add P150 which include these...

Soup, salad...

-The soup tasted like chawanmushi... which is a good thing.* The salad was a refreshing, it's perfect as a side.

and iced tea or soft drink

Mango pudding with vanilla ice cream

-I enjoyed this dessert. The mango is refreshing and I love that the pudding is creamy, tastes like panna cotta.*

Yomenya Goemon

2nd Floor Greenbelt 3

Makati City

729-0586

Website: http://www.n-rs.com.sg/about-us.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YomenyaGoemonPhilippines

Nori -seaweed

Chawanmushi -Japanese egg custard dish

Panna Cotta -an Italian creamy dessert

Simbang Gabi Specials

     Christmas is definitely in the air when Simbang Gabi begins.* I usually go to mass at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati since it's nearby. Only a few years ago, I recall suggesting to sell Puto Bumbong and Bibingka, since most churches do so during this time.* Thank goodness they considered this suggestion and was thrilled to see a kiosk after the mass. Don't get me wrong... I don't attend just to eat, but I'm sure you will agree Christmas isn't complete without these.*

Bibingka

Puto Bumbong

After attending Simbang Gabi yesterday, I was happy to see Tapsilog is also available.* :D

Simbang Gabi -Dawn mass during the Christmas season, which is from December 16-24.

Puto Bumbong -Purple rice cake

Bibingka -Rice cake with salted egg and white cheese

Tapsilog -A popular Filipino meal, usually for breakfast, which stands for Tapa (cured beef), Sinangag (garlic rice), Itlog (egg)

Chilling out @ Chili's

     I was looking forward to dinner out after doing some errands, but because of the Christmas traffic (extra heavy traffic), Mom insisted to do it during the day and have lunch out instead. We head to  Rockwell and Chili's came up to mind since we don't eat there often. I love their food and this brings sentimental memories because this was one of our favorite hangouts with my high school friends.

Chili

-I love the flavor and the slight kick. So yummy with cheese and garlic bread!

Chicken Crispers

-You may have the corn shredded. I love that it's not too rich or too oily... it's just right. My high school friends and I love this!

Other recommendations:

Southwestern Eggrolls

Burgers

Chicken Club Tacos

Fajita

Country Fried Chicken

*I haven't tried their Steaks and Ribs but they look good. ;)

    I appreciate they have comment cards which means they value customers. Thank you to our server, Jonny and the manager, Chris.

Chili's
Power Plant Mall
Rockwell
Makati City
*Please check their website and Facebook for other branches and info.

Website: http://www.chilisphilippines.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChilisPhilippines

A light and comforting dinner @ Elbert's Cheesesteak Sandwiches

     Elbert's Cheesesteak Sandwiches is one of the family weekend hangouts for coffee or merienda.* I couldn't believe my ears when Dad said he wanted to have dinner there because he and Mom were full from lunch. We were all looking forward to dinner... especially me.

American Cheesesteak

-This is my favorite. You may choose either Classic or Hoagie. I chose the latter, which has wheat bread, lettuce and tomato.

Burger with American Cheese

-Juicy and tasty... one of the best burgers in town!

Fries

-Their fries are great too.

Other recommended items:

Soft serve vanilla ice cream

Elbert's best chocolate mousse

     If you're worried about the onions... don't worry because it's not pungent, so you shouldn't get that strong after taste. For some reason, I wasn't satisfied with just one sandwich, so there was round 2. I had them cut the sandwich in half and gave the other half to whoever wanted it. Mom got a bit and Dad was hesitant at first but ended up eating the rest of that half. 

Elbert's Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Power Plant Mall

Rockwell

Makati City

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilCheesesteak

merienda -snack