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!!!!!!!

ANNAM VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT AGAIN!

We were in Eastwood one Friday night and suddenly had a craving for some Pho. With that, we instantly trooped on to ANNAM NOODLE BAR because the Chinese Dimpol and I had fun in our last meal there.

ANNAM!!!

Inside, ANNAM still had that cozy and intimate vibe that you wouldn't normally get in a restaurant that serves the very casual pho.

ANNAM NOODLE BAR PHILIPPINES

Before the "ramen boom", it is the very comforting Pho that ruled our hunger when we are craving for something hot and flavorful to slurp on when the weather gets chilly. I for one would always drool over the clear soup glistening and very aromatic with the chewy rice noodles and fatty thin cuts of meat. Each slurp becomes more unforgettable with the crunch of the bean sprouts and minty basil leaves. After you're done with a full bowl of Pho, it is very likely that you'll sit back, close your eyes, and silently rejoice over that wonderful meal. Don't worry no one will judge you. The diners from other tables might be rubbing their bellies anyway.

Wow. Just WOW. Like, Jon Snow winning BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS kind of wow.

Vietnamese Pho is truly something. It is what we always go back to when we are in search of a refreshing meal experience that will warm and satisfy our tummies. There is really nothing like a piping hot bowl of Pho!!!

And to further heighten the enjoyment factor for Pho lovers out there, ANNAM NOODLE BAR recently opened it's doors in their first Philippine branch! Great news right??? This popular franchise that boasts of "in the rage" locations at Singapore and Indonesia is going to magnify your love for Pho AND Vietnamese cuisine to a whole new level.

So yes, it is time to go back to the familiar hot slurps of Pho but now, a new "spot on the block" is going to give you a different kind of maximum enjoyment to your Vietnamese favorites.

ANNAM NOODLE BAR!!!

ANNAM NOODLE BAR is not your typical eatery that serves Vietnamese food. It has warm lights, brown and red hues, and a cozy vibe that is perfect for all types of diners!

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT (JONAHS' BIRTHDAY)

And once more I am back in 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT!

It is the birthday of our friend Jonahs (aka John Lloyd he he he he) and his beautiful wife Ann wanted something special where the BP Group could eat, dress up, and take lots of pictures (as usual). So with that, I suggested 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT by Chef Jessie since my family had such a great time when we celebrated my Wedding Anniversary, and my officemates loved the food when Maru Sotto treated us for his birthday. Another big factor for us in choosing this restaurant was that it does not get jampacked with people so I'm sure we could take a lot of pictures without getting weird looks from people. (Something I'm very used to. I'm not sure about my friends though).

So it was set: a Friday night with my favorite BP Group (sorry it's a secret what it means) to eat, dress up, gossip, and take LOTS pictures.

Oh and to celebrate Jonahs' birthday too!

Sorry John Lloyd! Ha ha ha ha ha!

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT!

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT (PART 2)

On our 11th wedding anniversary, my husband and I celebrated with the little lords in 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT by Chef Jessie (SEE HERE).  We had such a wonderful night that I cannot stop raving about it and giving out my heartfelt recommendation to anyone who will listen.

With that, when the very handsome Maru Sotto asked us where we want to eat on his birthday, 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT naturally came up from my side. I was happy that my "Ladies Who Lunch" group agreed. The last time I was there with THE YAPPY BUNCH it was at night. Having a meal in 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT in the daytime would surely put a different spin on things (pun sort of intended).

After our wonderful lunch and the candles blown, I was once again enamored with the "romance" of 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT. At least I was able to see that having a meal there while the sun is out is something worth making a return for. I cannot wait to bring back my little family here so that they'll be able to see a breathtaking view of the Metro in the light of day.

And I got handsome Maru and my "Ladies Who Lunch" group to thank for that! 

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT!

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT'S maitre d' was ready to welcome us! He he he he!

The restaurant was all about peace and quiet for that lunch time. There were only a few diners enjoying their meals in silence. Hmmmm... I hope we don't disturb them too much!

100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT BY CHEF JESSE

My husband and I recently celebrated our 11th year wedding anniversary last April and I let him take the reins in planning for it. By the way, I said "wedding" because we also had a MU, Mag-Un Anniversary (blech to the ultimate level) which we also celebrate every October.

With regards to our Anniversaries, you could say that we are pretty low key. No over the top gifts for us. In fact it was even a lucky day if I get a greeting at all!

I remember last year on our 10th Wedding Anniversary, I didn't receive a greeting from my VERY romantic husband. So what I did was, I posted a Facebook status about it, then a flood of wishes came from my friends and family. One day, two days, 3 days had passed and NADA. Until I received a comment, NOT A POST, but a comment from the Chinese Adonis on MY status.... Could you even find it?

Honestly, even I had difficulty finding it for this post. 

Very hard to see without squinting right? Okay to help you out, HERE'S the comment I'm referring to:

Wow! I received a comment for our 10th year Wedding Anniversary! Ma-LIKE nga!

OW EM GEE. I know! Ha ha ha ha! Oh well! Though I didn't see the joy of it during that time, I love recounting that DOA greeting whenever I feel like having a laugh with the Chinese Adonis. Ha ha ha ha! I've got to hand it to him though, intentional or not, he knows how to make something unforgettable. Ha ha ha ha!

Don't pity me too much. My husband may not be the best of Valentino's and I don't mind. In fact, after having past relationships with bad boys who surprised me with flowers and took my breath away with gimmicks, I would rather be with someone who is NOT used to wooing the ladies and just stay loyal.

Naks! I hope the Chinese Adonis does not see this, come to think of it, he doesn't read our blog anyway. Ha ha ha ha!

Check us out 11 years ago. YUP! We made these specially labeled frames for such special occasion!

Anyway, because of that blasted 10th year Anniversary, my husband wanted to do something special to make up for it (me thinks it's really because he wanted to shut me up since I always "reminded" him of it. He he he!) We were supposed to go to Quezon province but work required us to stay for Saturday. Though I suggested to the Chinese Adonis that we could still meet up with his family on Sunday, he suddenly became adamant about his "special plan" and said we could schedule a "Timbuktu getaway" at another weekend.

My hub? Adamant? Suddenly a turn on! He he he he!

The day before our Anniversary, the Chinese Adonis cannot hold his excitement any longer, he blurted out that we will be having dinner at 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT in Eastwood. Wow! I've read about the place and was instantly excited for our celebration. And since it would be a different kind of dinner for us, I cannot NOT have the little lords around to experience it with us as well.

It's okay. I would rather have family over romance. THE YAPPY BUNCH officially came to be on our Anniversary after all. 

The 100 REVOLVING RESTAURANT is located at the penthouse of the MDC 100 building in Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City.

The entrance!

RAMEN BAR

I know what you are thinking...

Yes, besides how you are sending a mental handshake to Liam Hemsworth for breaking it up with Miley Cyrus because of her love for "twerking", I know that you guys may be groaning again and thinking:

"ERICJAZ, come on?!!!! What gives?!! ANOTHER Ramen post?!!"

Well... I could just be lazy and say "This is our blog so just read all the ramen posts we could come up with..."

OR, I could be all sweet and nice and give you a hug then defend this move by exclaiming that I cannot NOT include Ramen Bar because uncool as it may seem, it ignited our love for the Japanese noodle dish.

Yes, please lambast ERICJAZ Foodies that we are somehow very "commercial".  He he he!

And please, do correct me if I'm wrong because RAMEN BAR did start the trend of Filipino slurping at every nook and cranny. And even if ramen greats like Ukokkei and Shinjuku have been with us longer, RAMEN BAR was somehow the firework that lighted up this passion for Ramen in the Metro!

And if it is not yet obvious for ERICJAZ FOODIES, where ever people are eatin', we are goin'!

We are cool that way!

You : (cough cough... not!)

RAMEN BAR!

It was my better half's week long birthday celebration (yep, that's how Team YAP does it) and one of my treats for him is our first time dinner at RAMEN BAR!

Why hello there Mark Anthony! I'll be stalking you later!

RAMEN BAR in Eastwood was quite spacious, well lit and had that simple chic vibe going on. 

You could also while your time in RAMEN BAR by checking out their cutesy patootsie cartoons!

Haaay... I miss the cartoon show Candy Candy....

Not that I was already born in the 1980s... my older friends just told me about it. Yes that's what I meant.... He he he he! (wink wink!)

... and just in case you feel like going to RAMEN BAR's restrooms, it's hidden in the corner :)

I swear that this is the first time I really ate in a specialty Ramen store that I asked the waitress "Which one here is similar to the broth of Nissin's Ramen?"

Hence, the face of the RAMEN BAR waitress... ha ha ha ha ha!

After she left.... 

Me : "Well? Which one is it???"

I could just choose from RAMEN BAR'S special menu if I want to!

We loved the water glasses at RAMEN BAR. So simple yet so original and durable. The glass is so thick I doubt if it will break if Andrei accidentally drops it!

My little guys liked it too and practiced drinking from it....

Until he got a full tummy!

He he he he he!

Yoda: A foodie.... He is not... MMMMM?

The birthday boy ordered RAMEN BAR's Yakiniku Beef  Topping (P165.00).

My husband forgot to ask the servers to remove the vegetables, his edible waterloo.... 

But he was so excited to eat his RAMEN BAR beef bowl that he immediately dug in!

Andrei saw that his Daddy was enjoying his RAMEN BAR beef so much that he tried to fend himself a piece using his chopsticks!

Yub also ordered RAMEN BAR'S Chahan (japanese fried rice P120.00) to go with his beef. Upon a chopstickful of this rich carb, he fretted a bit thinking he could have gone without the other one.... The fried rice was already jampacked with ingredients that it was a perfect meal in itself!!!

Well my Andrei could sneak out beef strips from his Daddy while Yub could fret all he wants with his chahan  but I will just have THIS!

RAMEN BAR'S Shio Ramen (P280.00)!

In their menu it was described as a salt based noodle soup with tamago egg, nori strip, and chasyu slabs....

I would describe it as a big bowl of Japanese heaven!!! Every spoonful of the broth would make you want to slurp some more! The Ramen was perfectly chewy to the bite! The toppings just added another depth of flavor to every slurpful!!!

This is so good, I dare not share!!!

Kidding!

But I did thought of it... Ha ha ha ha ha!

Also ordered some of RAMEN BAR'S Edamame (Soy bean pods) to nibble on in between slurps of the noodles! 

LET'S EAT!

This is the face of somebody who is so hungry that he is not anymore willing to do my usual "about to eat shots". HA HA HA HA!

As much as I wanted to keep my RAMEN BAR noodles all to myself, little Andrei was so cute that I just have to give him half of it all.

Tee hee....

He loved the RAMEN BAR noodles so much that he made a little dance using his hands!

My Chinese stalker finally got his RAMEN BAR fill and was now willing to do my usual food shots with him as model!

Give me a smile huh give a smile!!! 

Since we were celebrating his weeklong birthday, we ordered RAMEN BAR's Tempura Ice Cream (P150.00)

I lighted him a candle and we sang Happy Birthday to him. Forgot to take a picture though.... He he he he!

Little Master Andrei commandeered Yub's birthday dessert for himself! Ha ha ha!

My little guy enjoyed it so much and finished the whole plate! He did give us a tablespoon or 2 to try!

Since we enjoyed our first meal at RAMEN BAR so much, we came back with a vengeance with our first born Mati!

He was not able to join us the first time since he wanted to go with his Lolo and Lola for that night. Ha ha ha ha!

Little Mati's front permanent teeth just grew and he was not yet used to using it for his food! :) 

Little Andrei though was very supportive and wanted to give him a hug while he was eating his RAMEN BAR bowl. This made my Mati very annoyed! Ha ha ha ha!

But annoyed or not, Mati was still able to finish one big RAMEN BAR Shio noodles all by himself! :)

Last May, 2013, I dragged my husband to eat at RAMEN BAR once more because I got a craving to try their Spicy ramen!

My husband, the non-Ramen eater (boo), ordered his usual favorite the RAMEN BAR Karaage (P155.00).

I think there are about 4 or 5 chunks of this flavorful meat which comes with a simple salad and a teaspoon of their special salt!

Yub touches neither and just gobbles up the RAMEN BAR fried chicken!!!

As for me, my new favorite in RAMEN BAR is their Spicy Karaage (P280.00)!

This is my new love in RAMEN BAR... Spicy broth with their very tasty Karaage chicken!

LET'S EAT!!

ATTACK!!!

.... and in no time.... :)

He he he!

Ramen Bar

Eastwood Mall

G/F Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.

Bagumbayan, Quezon City

(02) 570-9457