Tokyo-Tokyo Restaurants: Not my Most loved Japanese Restaurant

Obviously, Tokyo-Tokyo is a Japanese Quick Service Restaurant Chain in the Philippines, though they claim to be the leading Japanese Fast Food Chain, I consider it not. 

Not being biased due to the fact that I love Teriyaki Boy the most, however, Tokyo-Tokyo is more accessible to where I live that is why I am trying to consider going there. I have been to Tokyo-Tokyo Restaurant at SM San Lazaro, Trinoma Mall, SM Manila many times, but it seems like when it comes to food, wherever Tokyo-Tokyo branch I dine-in doesn’t satisfy my taste buds and my craving stomach.

Last week, while having some groceries at SM San Lazaro, I decided to dine-in at Tokyo-Tokyo since I was then craving for Ebi or Prawn tempura. The restaurant had some renovations from the counter to their eating area. I love the couch part and I can certainly say I have no negative remark on that matter. 

Hmmm! At the Counter side, the place where customers take orders, giving space for long lines is better than the past. Although, I did not see any long lines then unlike in the nearby restaurants inside SM San Lazaro, which have long lines like that in Kenny Rogers, Jollibee, McDonalds and others. That is one reason why I chose dining-in at Tokyo-Tokyo to avoid that long line.

After taking my orders, locating for an empty table was easy because as I said there are just a few customers inside. After 5 minutes of waiting, my orders came and I was kind of disappointed with the platter because the rice was placed in the wrong side of the platter. 

My verdict on the food is as usual. Am still not satisfied because the prawn tempura was greasy and I needed to soak it over the sauce to neutralize the fat. So far, the salad is fine and was better the last time I ate there. The red tea always tastes so sweet for me, which made me to request for more ice. 

I cannot say much either regarding their service because as long as the food is served well with smiling crew, hence, that is sufficient enough for me giving a good remark. I am more concerned with the taste, I mean it has to be authentic taste of a real Japanese food or at least close to an authentic one.

Undoubtedly, Tokyo-Tokyo is good for people who are concerned with a low budget Japanese cuisine and not for those who are into the authenticity Japanese cuisine. On the lighter note, it is better than in Karate Kid Restaurant.

De Paolo's Restaurant - You'll never forget the memories!

Location: Circumferential Road, Guadalupe Village, Cutcut, Angeles City Philippines

De Paolo’s Restaurant has been a silent witness of many occasions I celebrated with my husband; its cool, cozy and relaxing atmosphere enchanted us into making this place our very first choice for every celebrations.

The restaurant is situated along Guadalupe Village in Cutcut, Angeles City; it is conveniently located in-front of Holy Family Academy so students often swarm the place during lunch hours.

What we love about this nice little haven is its cozy atmosphere; the mood is “pang-gabi” in a breathtaking garden setting that one can’t help but feel romantic.

Whenever we want to have a dinner Al fresco, a late night snack or simply wants to go out and eat De Paolo’s Restaurant is always our very first choice. 

My husband’s favorite order is Pork Escalope – a combination of pork and ham wrapped in creamy cheese topped with mushroom sauce. Of course his favorite Potato Croquettes will never be forgotten in the order.

On the other hand my first choice whenever I went there is the yummy Grilled Fish Medallion in lemon butter sauce or if I’m in the mood for steak I would choose among their equally delectable Steak a la Pobre, T-bone steak, Porter house or Rib-eye steak.

What’s great about the Restaurant is their price that’s not hard on the wallet. The foods are all great and one can have a private dinner date without ripping off his pocket. 

Their refreshing homemade ice tea is so affordable at only 37 pesos per glass. De Paolo also serves the classic Chicharong Bulaklak that suits Pinoy’s palate for appetizer. Of course the signature De Paolo’s Chicken, Pork Kebab and Bab’s Fish are just as appetizing as the other foods in the menu.

One thing noticeable about this place is the wall after wall of keychains, collected by the gracious owner Mrs. Pangan, framed and displayed as the focal point of the restaurant.  The place has a vintage setting in Vigan tiles and wooden chairs and tables, the small oil lamp set at the center of every table gives a more pleasant and romantic atmosphere. The place has an open garden setting with several kinds of fishes swarming the little pond in the side.

Coming to De Paolo always made me feel like entering an old, cozy, and welcoming house with its very attentive and cheerful staff that always has a ready smile for everyone. 

De Paolo is open everyday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and is also open for catering services. It has a cute little pool and two big function halls that can house various events and gatherings such as weddings, baptismal celebration, birthday parties and even company meetings and family reunions.

Love Japanese Food? - Dine in at Teriyaki Boy

Location: Teriyaki Boy, 3F Gateway Mall Quezon City Metro Manila and

Teriyaki Boy, Trinoma Mall, EDSA corner North Ave. Quezon City, Metro Manila       

Guddodei zen'in!

Who loves to eat Japanese food? Japanese cuisine has been part of my system. I am more of Japanese food than Western foods which can bloat me up with those calories and high carbohydrates like burgers, pizzas, cakes, and others.

Because of my love to Japanese foods, I have searched and tried many restaurants over the Metro, and found Teriyaki Boy. I used to be dining in with few Japanese restos around the Metro, but it did not make me wow with those until I was led to Teriyaki Boy. 

I can remember my first visit in Teriyaki Boy, Gateway Mall with my cousin, who was the one that introduced me to the place. It was Saturday and pay-day a day before that, so we decided to treat ourselves after those exhausting days at work.  Hmmm! Entering the resto has a thrill feeling because a crew in the entrance is friendly and approachable to assist us find a table. The ambience is kind of modern Japanese, not much of the Japanese culture feel, but it is comforting which is more important. My cousin did suggest and order Gyoza (Php. 110 for 5 pcs.), Tofu steak (Php.155), Ebi Tempura (Php. 170 for 3 pcs.), Gohan and Yakimeshi (then Php. 35. and Php. 48. respectively), and 2 bottomless iced tea. 

When our orders were served, I felt so excited to taste them thinking if I will get disappointed or will be satisfied. So far, the dishes were mouth watering that I felt like I was eating like a cow then. Two weeks after that first experience, we dined in at Teriyaki Boy, Gateway Mall again inviting another cousin of ours. An addition to our frequent orders was Wafu steak (Php. 340). 

The prize may be too costly as compared to Karate Kid, Yoshinoya or Tokyo Tokyo, but definitely it would be worth it. The tofu steak is a superb dish as well as that wafu steak. Of course, I cannot forget that ebi tempura which is so crispy and not greasy unlike other restos. 

I have gone to Teriyaki Boy, Gateway Mall many times and I was not disappointed every time. I also tried going to other Teriyaki Boy branch in Trinoma mall in case I can find a flaw and again it proved me wrong that I can continue recommending Teriyaki Boy to be my best Japanese resto in the Metro. 

Teriyaki Boy, Trinoma Mall is another branch located in EDSA corner North Ave., Quezon City. My first time there was with my ex-boyfriend, and my second time was with my friends. Their tofu steak is no difference in Teriyaki Boy, Gateway Mall, as well as their ebi tempura. I have tasted other dishes like Futo Maki, which is also good, Kani salad, an awesome salad, Unagi Asparagus roll, an asparagus rolled with bacon is a great combination, and Ichigo yogato, a thumbs up strawberry filled yogurt. 

You can try all those and you keep on going back to Teriyaki Boy, I swear.

Mang Inasal Restro Review - The wait is always worth it!

Mang Inasal Restaurant; Location : Ground floor, Robinson’s place, Imus Cavite Philippines

I got tired of eating Fried Chicken served in a Styrofoam pack Every time I would eat in a fast food resto serving chicken this way, I always felt I am not being treated well. I hate styro pack. Not only because it is an enemy of the environment, it is only for those people on the go and not for people who go to a restaurant to eat food served in the way it must be serve. On plates of course!

Then I saw this Mang Inasal Ads on TV. Chicken Barbeque (grilled in Pinoy style) and rice wrapped in bananas leaves! It struck my heart. I rushed to the place as soon as I got time.

Yes, I did not regret it. Mang Inasal did not fail me. Not only that Chicken Barbeque was good, it was served in a plate lined with banana leaves. My chicken comes with rice also wrapped in Banana leaves. Oh, the aroma of banana leaves makes the food smell good. My meal was made complete with complimentary hot soup. Something that is not available in my usual fast food resto.

I enjoyed my first trip to Mang Inasal and vowed that it would be on top of my list every time I would think of eating my favorite chicken. If you think you love barbecue, you can try their authentic “Inasal” , the Ilongo way of grilling (They use real live charcoal). You can choose from pork or chicken. Oh, if you’re not a meat lover, don’t worry; you can still enjoy their Fish grilled menu served with green salad or the local pickles called Atsara.

Mang Inasal not only offers good food and but also good service. The crew are very friendly and always smiling, saying “ kain po tayo”, a Pinoy way of inviting people to eat. And they are always on the look out, always ready to serve rice. Yes, meals here comes with an unlimited rice. You can have rice as many servings as you want. No limit!

And that’s a good bargain for your money!

Mang Inasal I think is the first to implement “eating with your hands” in a fast food resto. It is a welcome innovation for us Pinoy who really enjoy eating with our hands. Mang Inasal called this “Kinamot” the Ilonggo term for eating with bare hands. And if you’re really Pinoy, you will enjoy this. Don’t worry, they have a wash corner where you can wash your hands before and after eating. It is always equipped with liquid soap, clean running water and hand dryer. You’ll enjoying taking a trip down here because it is styled and designed like the old “batalan” where our ancestor wash their hands. A remembrance of what a unique culture we had.

One thing I am somewhat not please with Mang Inasal is that the place is always full. There’s always a long cue of people wanting to eat and enjoy their homey ambience and food. Oh, never mind this, the wait is always worth it!