Yabu... Delicious Tonkatsu!

My partner has been wanting to try Yabu for the longest time, and finally I gave in last week. After hearing mass, we went to the 2nd floor of SM Megamall - Atrium and finally found the restaurant. 

How would I describe the restaurant? At first glance, it looked like a Japanese Restaurant taken out from a 5-star class hotel. The design, color scheme and over-all look was very classy and fancy. In the middle was a set of Japanese Comic Strips supposedly to tell the story of "How Yabu Came to be?" Cool touch there!

The Maitre'D was very knowledgeable and pleasant. We were 2nd to get a seat, and were pleasant surprised to find out we already have a seat after about 5 minutes. I ended up ordering Chicken Katsu (which was my favorite anywhere) and he ended up having Rosu Katsu (if I spelled that out right - it was the thick Tonkatsu cut with a little fat trimming on the side).

The one who educated us about the sauce and how the whole shebang works didn't make us look stupid - but was actually nice enough to guide us through. It was fun making the sauce while waiting for the food. I didn't have this much fun - before the food - ever.

After some time, the food finally came in this big tray, with the unlimited cabbage, dessert, rice and miso soup. Wow! It was so pleasing to the eyes and it was almost literally calling out our names to eat them up! LOL!

Both of us found the katsu tender, juicy but suprisingly not oily. I've had bad experiences with Tonkatsu's before - wherein a big chunk of fat was there - and I don't like fat. Plus, it kinda makes me feel that it becomes an extender for the pork and I'm short-changed. Yabu's Katsu was a blessing - it was filling and light. The fat trimming on the Rosu Katsu my partner had was just right - and I didn't feel so shortchanged on the pork.

What makes this restaurant very memorable would be the service really. They were sooo prompt and efficient. I was so amused with those handling the re-fills, it's like they knew when I needed it. They were also very polite and always served with a smile. Simple things like that really makes a memorable experience.

With that said, we will definitely go back to Yabu. And as I said, their service is work every cent of the service charge they ask.

Food: 4 and half checks

Serving & Money Value: 5 checks

Ambiance: 4 and half checks

Overall: 4 and half checks! :)

Yabu SM Megamall

Second Floor, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

The Blackboard by Chef Michel ll Deviant Dining

This would be the nth time I would have visited the Blackboard by Chef Michel. I had been there a day after the opening and up until yesterday night, I was there too.

The thing about this restaurant is that you have to be reminded that most of the servers come from CCA...which means they are either in the process of studying culinary courses or are on OJT. With that said, you may not want to expect tip top service because you are dealing with people who are new in the industry.

If you would be going to the restauurant frequently, you would notice though that service has improved. Not yet perfect, but going there.

Now the food, that's what you have to go this restaurant for. Appetizers/Tapas - especially the Gravadlax and Salmon Croquetas - are to die for. Another favorite would be the chicken liver pate. I don't eat chicken liver, but the fact that you are able to make me eat that and enjoy it every time means it tastes good.

Gravadlax

Chicken Liver Pate

The main dishes changes depending on what's available or what the executive chef - Michel - would like to highlight for the diners. I highly recommend their diced chicken dish with vegetables or their US tenderloin steaks. Out of all the meals I ate, those would be the best. The steaks would be best with green peppercorn.

Pollo dela Casa

I've read in a previous review that suggested the line cooks be at par with the executive chef. And frankly, I do agree with that. I have been able to taste meals that were cooked directly by Chef Michel and by the other cooks, and for some reason, I can notice the difference. Now, take note that this happened back in December when it was new. Yesterday, I knew that it wasn't Michel who cooked, since he was directing the kitchen then. But I have to say...I liked the food yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot.

For drinks, try their iced tea. Its really good, and it's real iced tea.

Food has always been good and their service is definitely improving. Don't expect hotel quality/uber fine dining service just yet. But they are going there.

I highly recommend you go there for the food. If you want something done in a certain way, feel free to tell them. They will be happy to oblige if they can. That's what the deviant dining is all about.

The Blackboard by Chef Michel is located at:

18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center | 5th Level, The Podium, Luzon 1605, Philippines