TSUKIJI SUSHI-SEN AGAIN (JAPAN TRIP 2020)

When we decided to go to TSUKIJI MARKET during our Japan trip last year, our main goal was to eat sushi. LOTS OF IT.

Because really, why would you go to TSUKIJI MARKET if not to enjoy their ultra fresh seafood right???

The thought of eating sushi at the prime place in Japan all made us SO excited. And when we saw this hole in a wall restaurant, it just made us MORE excited-ER. Ha ha ha ha!

Heck, we didn't eat breakfast just for this!!!!

After our meal, we were all deliriously happy. There is truly something about having this Japanese delicacy at one of the best places in Tokyo!

After all, it is not called TSUKIJI FISH MARKET for nothing.

And we're so glad to make an acquaintance (again) with SUSHI SEN!!!

YIHIII!!! We're in SUSHI-SEN!!!!

SANDAIME JAPANESE RESTAURANT - EASTWOOD

My eldest Mati will be having his prom soon for Junior High and he cannot be more than excited.

I know... I know.... How can an event that is causing so much anticipation to my first born is giving me the dreads? Don't get me wrong, I trust that he won't do any hanky panky but it's just that I find it hard to accept that my little boy with the biggest cheeks and super pink lips is in Junior High already and excited about his prom.

And to think, that he really insisted on attending his prom with a date!!!! Noooooh!!!

WHYYYYY???? Isn't he happy with me anymore????

At first I was volunteering myself to be his +one and I made these certain arguments to convince him:

-- I'll take loads of pictures of him with his friends.
-- I'll give him my share of the food (since I'm on a diet).
-- I'll put sapin on his back just in case he gets pawis.
-- I'll give him loads of I LOVE YOU'S!!! Much more than any other date could give him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm serious.

My son violently disagreed and insisted that he'll find his own date. "WHYYYYYYY???" I thought. "Didn't you promise that I'll be your number one girl forever???"

Of course, he was 3 years old back then, but still, it's only been 12 years. COME ON!!!!!!!!

Anyway, Master Mati got a date and we arranged for a formal family meet-up in Eastwood. We were all excited and looking forward to meeting dear Olga and her family. The fact that she agreed to be Mati's date for the prom makes me love her already. Add to that, even if we're all strangers the Mom allowed Olga to be my son's date made them my forever friends. He he he he he! And get this, both families will take Mati and Olga to the prom to take pictures, chat up, and eat while we wait!!!

See? It's a date made in heaven!!!

Olga and her family lived in Marikina so the Yub and I thought that it would be better to meet somewhere that would be near to them. When it was agreed that our venue would be in Eastwood, there was still the matter of which restaurant to go to for dinner.

"What's Olga's favorite food?" I asked.

The Mom didn't want to say it at first but after a lot of prodding, we learned that Olga's favorite is Japanese.

So perfect, I thought. I was craving for some mean old Japanese food too!!!!

With that, we have agreed on meeting up at SANDAIME. We haven't eaten there but it had high recommendations online so it's definitely worth a try.

And yup, as expected, it was a super fun night! I didn't know what I was nervous about -- Olga and her family were just lovely that it felt like meeting up with old friends.

Soon to be family kaya???

Naaaaah.... Bawal daw.... Ha ha ha ha haha!!!!

SANDAIME!!!!!!!

NINYO FUSION CUISINE AND WINE LOUNGE

TAPE INC has been operating close to 40 years and would you believe that I have officemates who have been working here since it started????

YUP!!!

For others naman they're here for more than 30 years. As for  me, it's already been a decade.

If you're wondering why, it's because we have THE BEST PRESIDENT ever and we all love our jobs. Everyone here believes in EAT BULAGA that we are all so loyal to the show.

ANYWAY....

The TITAS of TAPE (as we have fondly called ourselves)  went out for lunch one time because a former officemate, Ms. Oying, is visiting from the US. Mam Leslie said it'll be her treat and invited us all to join them.

The place they chose for that lunch was a restaurant called NINYO. I thought at first that it's like Gerry's or Gilligan's type of restaurant where diners could down beer along with their sisig. "Okay" I thought. At least I'll have some of my favorite sisig with garlic rice......

OH WAS I WRONG!!!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

If you've been to NINYO FUSION CUISINE AND WINE LOUNGE you'll know what I mean.

NINYO FUSION CUISINE!!!!!!!!!!

NINYO FUSION CUISINE was so near our office but far from the lines of popular fast food restaurants. You might even miss it because the lot looked like a residence filled with trees.

Even the entrance seems like a private home too!

TORCH AGAIN (2019)

When Master Mati had his birthday celebrations for 2019, his requests were simple: we'll eat in his favorite restaurants, he'll go out with his friends, and we'll meet up with my BP (BAWAL PANGET) Group!

As always, my friends are so game so that is very to fix up!!!

HOWEVER...

We were supposed to meet up on a Saturday where everyone is available. But then, we got word that Yub's sister will be going back to the US the following week, so that meant we needed to visit his family in Quezon Province that weekend.

I told the group and sadly discovered that on Friday, Team Navarro and Team Quitoriano cannot join us because of prior commitments.

Awwwwwww... I cannot move it naman to the following weekend because we also made plans already.

When I told Master Mati that his birthday dinner was moved and that some of our friends cannot go, he was initially disappointed, but gave me his "It's okay" later on. I guess he understood the situation and also realized that what's important is we're still meeting up with some of my BP friends.

Awwww.... My big guy is really maturing na!!!!

When I asked him where he wanted to go, he said that anywhere is fine with him. So looking at places that were still geographically desirable on a Friday the Yub and I thought it should also be someplace that would close late (since it's most likely that we'll arrive late as well).

With that I suggested TORCH. I remember the great dinner I had with mareng Gail when she treated me for my birthday last year. We enjoyed the food so much that we promised to be back soon but, since TORCH wasn't connected to a mall (he he he he he), that never happened. It would be nice to bring the little lords there as well as Team Virrey because they haven't been to that restaurant near Greenhills.

So TORCH it is. And we're happy with the choice because it was the perfect venue for our group that night -- mouth-watering food at reasonable prices in a cozy ambience.

Best part too was that our Master Mati loved it!

Yay!!!!!!

TORCH RESTAURANT!!!!

GINZADON AGAIN WITH THE TITAS OF TAPE

One of the original and pioneer staffmembers of TAPE INC, Tita Peng, was visiting from the US, that's why my group the Seniors... este... TITAS of TAPE Inc. planned a ladies night out in her hownor.

NAKS!!!

I was pretty excited because I don't get to go out often with my TAPE friends as we're all busy with work and family. AND since we're all tanders na, we don't like staying out late too much. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Don't worry, I said "WE'RE" naman.

In deciding where to go, we all chose to go back to GINZADON because we remembered how much we enjoyed our last meal there. And just like before, we all enjoyed the food that energized us to an awesome night. Yup! We were all noisy having super fun that you'd think we were all 20 year olds.

20 year olds jamming to Juan Miguel Salvador.

Egad we're TITAS na talaga.

:)

Yay! Tita Peng is here!!!!!

Ladies night out starts NOW!!!

Wives, hide your hubbies, these hotties are coming!!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Kidding!

IPPUDO RAMEN (POWERPLANT MALL)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in Powerplant Mall for some lunch, window shopping, and people watching. When we had nothing else to do, we all got home and got ready for a late siesta and some serious idle time in the TV room.

Yep. I guess we're the close relatives with the sloth. Tee hee!!!!

Then my Mom called me saying that they'll be having dinner at IPPUDO RAMEN with Daddy's sisters and asked if we would like to join them.

DID WE??? Of course we did!!!!

Though it would disturb our declaration of laziness at home, it was our duty to our appetites and tummies to dress up once again and go to Powerplant Mall. Big steaming bowls of our favorite IPPUDO RAMEN awaits and were just too good to pass up.

Tapos we'll be treated pa?

Ay kakaripas talaga kami ng takbo! He he he he he he he!!!

IPPUDO RAMEN!!!!

IPPUDO RAMEN in Powerplant Mall just opened July of this year and woah, as expected, the lines are always long.

KIMONO KEN GREENHILLS

One weekend THE YAPPY BUNCH went to Greenhills to meet up with the other families of our BP GROUP!

And our venue for that night was KIMONO KEN!!!!!

KIMONO KEN was pretty full that night but since we were pretty (tee hee) we able to get a table for our big group.

A SAD VISIT TO GENKI SUSHI

I'm sure it's fairly obvious by now that one of our favorite restaurants is GENKI SUSHI. From its first branch with the long lines to the other branches that answer our "instant sushi cravings", GENKI SUSHI has always been there for us.

It is also with GENKI SUSHI that we find ourselves usually commemorating the start and/or end of summer . I really don't know why and how this came to be but since GENKI SUSHI has equaled "HAPPINESS" for me and the kids, they quickly hooked it up with their summer vacation.

Basta when classes end, we just HAVE to eat at GENKI SUSHI!!!!

HOWEVER, for this particular visit, it was a bittersweet dinner in GENKI SUSHI. The Yub and I decided to treat the boys here again to formally say goodbye to their SUMMER VACATION (to lessen the pain, kumbaga... He he he he he).  So everything was fun as usual -- chomp, chomp, chomp, order, order, order, train, train, train, but there were periods where one of the boys would comically wail and cry "I don't want summer vacation to end!!!!!!"

There... there... my sweet summer child (tee hee). Before you know it, we'll be back here again but this time to start summer. He he he he he he!

Good thing GENKI SUSHI is "here" during this sad time.

Tee hee!!!!!!

It was a quiet night n GENKI SUSHI!

SHYLIN 1 SEASIDE PALUTO AND DAMPA

I remember when I was younger, my family would go to Dampa paluto restaurants whenever we have balikbayan visitors whom we want to treat to a delicious seafood meal that's hot and fresh. Daddy and Mommy would do all of the shopping while us kiddies would work up an appetite while waiting in the restaurant.

Haaaaaaay! So wonderful memories!

Fast forward to 2018, the Yub and I've been wanting to eat in the DAMPA stretch of restaurants in Manila for soooooo long but we haven't got the guts because we know we don't have the big tummies for it either. The large greasy platters of saucy seafood left a very big impression on our minds that we cannot forget it. You know us, we're so kuripotations and we only want to order what we could finish so we figured that if it's only the 4 of us, our meal there won't be sulit.

But one time, enough was enough. We have waited for sooooo long (emphasis on the soooooo) that we thought, no matter how much our bill would amount to or leftovers we'd have, we'll just take it all home and not go out the next day. The Yub and I have been craving for DAMPA food for as long as we remember that it's time to just GET IT ON.

And that we did!!!!!!

YEHESSSSSSS.......... (cue in Marvin Gaye music).

It's DAMPA TIME!!!!

We finished late checking out museums for our INDEPENDENCE DAY outing that our empty stomachs were growling like hungry hounds. 

A SABADO DE FIESTA IN SAMBA - SHANGRI-LA FORT

Even if we have a very tiring and busy workweek, the Chinese Dimpol and I always make it a point to have some "gimik" time with the little lords. Besides the usual mealtimes (breakfast ftw!!!), we would usually plan simple outings with them that's outside our usual schedule (like Mati's Kali lessons and movie movie time at home). That's why we have reserved our weekends with them because the Yub and I believe that family time is always the best time. Not only that, since the little lords are fast growing up, I know that soon they'll be going out with their posse and girlies leaving the Yub and I all pathetically alone. He he he he! Wawa us!

Imagine our excitement when one Saturday, THE YAPPY BUNCH were invited to have lunch in Shangri-la at the Fort! I have read about this Peruvian feast and was really looking forward to trying it out with the boys. The great thing too is that we'll be having this great lunch with our other foodie friends from the KAIN TULOG GANG (KTG). It's been a long time since I saw them last and it would be great to catch up again.

Saturday. The boys. Chinese Dimpol. KTG friends. Samba. Shangri-la Fort.

Truly a fiesta of a great time! 

My gang this Saturday!!!!

OMAKASE (GREENHILLS)

Every year, it has been my tradition during Mother's Day to take the little lords out on a one-on-one date. We don't get to do so as much as I want to that's why it's great how this special occasion makes us really stick to it (and hopefully carry on with the tradition until they grow up so that they won't forget me... he he he he). Don't get me wrong, family outings are still the best but sometimes, it's nice to take out the boys on a date and get to know them more without the other brother. Besides making them feel special, getting them away from the family makes them open up more and just be themselves. I also take it as an opportunity to teach them how to properly behave and treat their ladies well when they go on on their own dates. Yup it's still far but you could never be prepared enough when it's the female creature you're talking about. He he he he he he he!

I know this is something that I should keep up because our dates are very memorable to the boys. When I ask Master Mati why he loves Mommy, "because she takes me on dates" is always on his list.  Here's hoping that they'll still agree to go out with me even when they're all grown up na. Huhuhu! Don't forget me please!!!!!!

For this year's Mother's Day, I'm happy that nobody was sick, had school requirements, or was somewhere for a vacation, the little lords were all at home so we were able to go on our dates as scheduled. With Andrei, nung una pakiput pa si bunsoy, but later on bumigay din (he he he he he). He asked if we could have some Japanese food and I had just the place for him...

OMAKASE!

I have often passed by this restaurant when I'm in Greenhills but we haven't eaten here as a family. That's why when Andrei requested for Japanese food, we went here! 

IPPUDO ON A FAM NIGHT

I'm sure you know by now how THE YAPPY BUNCH should always have ramen in our system; it's almost like a body necessity that when we don't slurp on piping hot soup and noodles, we'll become weak and useless.

Yes. Ramen is somehow like life support but in a delicious way. He he he he he he! And since we had a deep need for it one night, we asked my Mom and Kuya to join us!!!! 

For that night, we were craving for hot bowls of ramen in IPPUDO!!!!!

FLATIRON 1771 WITH MY AUNTIES

My Aunties (Daddy's sisters) were here and we thought of treating them out somewhere for Saturday dinner that's not in our usual list of restaurants.

But where to?

The Yub and I had remembered that we had a delicious dinner date recently in FLATIRON 1771 so we suggested the BGC restaurant hoping that they would love the food as much as we did. It was a miracle that they listened to us (they never do... huhu) because we were right -- my Aunties may have been to many buffets and restaurants in Las Vegas but they still enjoyed and savored the dishes in FLATIRON 1771.

We all had a great Saturday dinner because of the delicious food and wonderful company.  Too bad my Daddy is not here with us. The great night just made us miss him more.

:(      

FLATIRON 1771!!!

My aunties were loving the set up. It made them feel young. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

HORIBATA JAPANESE KITCHEN (LUCENA CITY)

One weekend when we were in my husband's hometown in Lucena City, Quezon Province, we wanted to try out something new besides our usual favorites PALAISDAAN, PEKING, CAFE ANTIQUA, BUBBLES, etc etc.

And with that, we came to HORIBATA JAPANESE KITCHEN!

HORIBATA JAPANESE KITCHEN recently opened in a gasoline station near Diversion road.

This new restaurant in Lucena City specializes in serving authentic Japanese food. Although they don't have my usual favorites of sushi and sashimi, I feel that this is still something to check out on a hungry day!  

FAT RESTAURANT

These days, the Chinese Adonis and I are watching our food intake because not only have we ballooned to the size of beluga whales but we are also concerned about our health. 

To be honest, and I'm sure it may come as a shock to some. I am already 40 years old. Yes. Yes. I know I don't look like it but that is the truth. I hope I didn't break any hearts out there who think of me as their high school buddy or college mate, but I have to declare that yes, THIS IS 40. And even if I don't look a little over 20 years old, I still have to be careful about my weight and watch my cholesterol consumption. 

Don't worry. I doubt you'll also have my hallucinations when you get my age. Nyuk nyuk!!!

Seriously speaking (or writing), yes the Chinese Adonis and I have been dieting for many weeks now but after seeing the many posts of our KTG mates about FAT RESTAURANT, we were caught in a diddle widdle. Is it time to abandon the grueling days of diet for a night of "nutritional sin?"

Our answer to that?

HELL YEAH!

Because the food at FAT RESTAURANT is just so effin delicious that it IS indeed worth getting fat for.

And I'm still not sorry about the extra pounds up to now!!!!

FAT RESTAURANT!

This new restaurant is located at the Fort and very near MIND MUSEUM!

Are you ready to get some FAT into your daily lives?

We certainly are!!!!

MY MOM'S 70TH BIRTHDAY DINNER PARTY

My Mom just turned 70 years old and besides having a family breakfast (GLORIA MARIS) and dinner (MAMOU TOO) to celebrate her birthday, we also planned to have an intimate dinner party for such a lovely lady! We only invited our very close relatives and her best friend to share this special evening with us because we want everything to be just for HER. It was great too that the people who joined us were the ones who truly mattered and we really appreciated their presence. They made my Mom so happy that night!

Normally when we have parties, it is my Mom who is chief of the kitchen. This time, we told her to just sit back, relax, and enjoy this dinner -- her children and grandchildren were in charge. And we cannot be more excited about it. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!

My Kuya Jon is an animator and drew this caricature of my Mom. 

THE PLAZA (DELICIOUS PREMIUM ITEMS/ FOOD TO GO)

I'm sure it may be obvious by now (if you are one of the two regular readers of my silly little foodie blog) that I am such a nostalgic person.  Yep that's me. The overly sentimental schmuck who will never throw away used slippers by the little lords because there is a memory connected to it.

So it was no wonder that when the Chinese Adonis and I attended a dinner featuring the delicious PREMIUM GIFTS/ FOOD TO GO by THE PLAZA, a flood of memories caused pandemonium in my big forehead as the famous catering service was present to 2 of my life's milestones!

Yes you gotta believe it! Even I was astounded myself.
       

For your information, THE PLAZA may be the longest catering service in existence in the Philippines as it was established by husband and wife tandem of Jose Cruz Reyes and Imelda Albano, in 1965.

And guess who the little cutesie poo who was born and baptized at 1985??? 

Yup! That white cotton ball is me!

Yep. The 80's still had that 70's vibe to it!

As THE PLAZA was one of the popular caterers at the time, it was also the venue for my baptismal reception! Isn't that such a coincidence? That's why every time I hear the name THE PLAZA, I get this warm and fuzzy feeling inside that I am within the depths of the familiar. 

Too bad I cannot find a clear picture with me in it but that's my brother and sister standing on the chairs.

THAT'S WHAT YOU GET Kuya Jon and Ate Jit for not reading my blog. HA! :P

For the ERICJAZ FOODIES union (blech) I made a scrapbook of everything that went on after the Chinese Adonis said in tagalog "Yub, it's okay. We could get married soon."

What the.......?????????????????

It sounded like the hostage was giving up to his captors!

Anyway I remember that THE PLAZA was our top choice to be our wedding caterer. What you see on the picture above is a page from my scrapbook about my meeting with THE PLAZA banquet head (sorry I forgot her name) and we were scheduled for a food tasting. 

We were expecting really just some little saucers of food. Imagine our surprise when THE PLAZA presented a full spread for us. OHMYGULAY! Our diets are in trouble now!

Yup! A decade ago I was already a master of making faces. Tsk tsk tsk... And wrong grammar. I won't tell where. Ha ha ha ha ha!

OF SUSHI CAKES AND VIDEOKE

Ever since I've known my friend Albert, I never stopped bugging him about getting a taste of his very special SUSHI CAKE:

If it's the holidays, "Merry Christmas! Where's my sushi cake?"

If he's celebrating a special event "Wow that is so cool! Now where's my sushi cake??"

If he's on Facebook and we were chatting about world peace, I would probably get the words SUSHI plus CAKE in the conversation. Not necessarily in that order. He he he he he!

So finally AFTER 4 FRIGGIN YEARS, my perseverance paid off when he told me that his birthday gift when  I turn 29 (ahem) is a Japanese dinner. And the piece de resistance? THE SUSHI CAKE.

Finally. I have reached my holy grail. 

And it was more heavenly than I imagined it would be!

Hail to the CHEF!

My birthday was actually at the end of February but due to some families going out of the country, out of town, or out of  load ( he he he he) we had my birthday dinner in the 2nd week of March!