The Girl Behind the Pen

Fusion cuisine is where different culinary traditions, be it spices from across the ocean or cooking techniques from opposite ends of the earth, decide to hold hands and create something entirely new. At Uma Nota, it's not just about throwing random ingredients together, though. It's about finding surprising pairings, bold contrasts, and unexpected flavors that leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. 

Located at Shangri-La the Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Uma Nota’s facade welcomes you with plain elegance but once you enter the restaurant, it’s as if you’re transported to a whole different place. Designed by the renowned Asmaa Said of The Odd Duck Studio, the restaurant gives vibes that will awaken your senses. 

The pièce de résistance of the whole upscale dining area is the Hanging Tree installation that will make you wonder is it really a tree? Come nightfall, the Living Room throws off its daytime pretense, morphing into a playground for the senses. Imagine dim lights igniting your desires, music that sets your heart pounding, and laughter that feels like a secret shared only between you and the night.

Feeling social? The Bar fosters an intimate atmosphere, while Tropicalia pays homage to the 70s Tropicália movement with its lively decor. And for those seeking a touch of history, the Meiji Room, with its Japanese mural, honors the rich heritage of Japanese immigration to São Paulo.

The Uma Nota-ble Food

Uma Nota's menu is a love letter to diverse flavors, where Japanese culinary precision meets the bold and vibrant tastes of São Paulo. 

To me, there is no appetizer more heavenly than croquettes. Ever since I tried croquettes, I made it to the point that I should have one in every restaurant I visit. Of all the places I went to, ANGKLA Beach Club and Boutique Resort in El Nido, Palawan had the best croquettes for me—until I tried Uma Nota’s Coxinhas de Frango (signature chicken and okra croquettes). Theirs appear to be the usual croquettes you’ll find elsewhere but the moment you take a bite, it’s like an explosion of flavors and textures blending perfectly in your mouth. And paired it with their homemade chili sauce? Divine! 

Another Uma Nota-ble starter we had was the Dadinhos de Tapioca. It’s Brazilian tapioca and cheese molded into dice and deep-fried to perfection that gives a crispy outer layer and a melt-in-your-mouth filling. 

Their Avocado Roll and Salmon Roll were something that was expected of a Japanese restaurant with a nice ikura topper. But their Tataki de Carne de Sol (lightly cured beef tenderloin, smoked ponzu, black garlic mayonnaise, crispy shallots) is like heaven in my mouth. 

Now let’s talk about the mains. Their Black Cod was interesting—and buttery. And the A4 Kumo-Oh Japanese Wagyu Striploin gave me premature ventricular contractions a.k.a. it made my heart skip a beat. We had ours well-done, as I always have for steaks, and it was just *chef’s kiss*.

Believe it or not, I’m not a drinker so even I was surprised that I was able to finish two glasses of an alcoholic drink—yes friends, two. We got the Kyoto Sour and Liberdade. Both were refreshing while giving you a slight kick of alcohol. 

No meal is complete without dessert, and Uma Nota doesn't disappoint. We indulged in the Abacaxi Churrasco (roasted pineapple, coconut ice cream, almond coconut crumble, and Japanese whisky caramel sauce). And the showstopper, the Matcha Layered Cake with Hokkaido milk ice cream wrapped in a pink cotton candy cloud. 

The Experience: Beyond the Plate

It wasn’t just Uma Nota’s food that took me by surprise but it's about the entire experience. The friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home. They're always happy to recommend dishes or answer any questions you have. And of course, the cool steady atmosphere will leave you wanting to stay long after your meal is over.

So whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a fun night out with friends, or a solo adventure, Uma Nota is the perfect place to be. 

Uma Nota Manila

Address: Shangri-La the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Contact: 09173072766

Operating hours: 6pm to 12am (Sunday to Tuesday) for dinner; 6pm to 2am (Sunday to Tuesday) and 6pm to 4am (Wednesday to Saturday) for the bar

Nestled in the heart of Antipolo, Rizal, Tahanan Bistro stands as a testament to traditional Filipino practices. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home. You are required to remove your shoes before entering the dining area, an age-old Filipino tradition that adds to the unique experience that is Tahanan Bistro.

As you find your seat, you’ll be amazed at the stunning views that face you. You can see the cityscape and the Laguna de Bay if my thoughts are right.

What sets Tahanan Bistro apart is how they put a fresh spin on traditional Filipino dishes. The menu is filled with Filipino home favorite cuisine, each carefully curated to bring out the best in each dish. Take the Ube Cheese Lava Cake and Bibingka with carabao’s milk vanilla ice cream, for example, melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces that have been baked to perfection. 

The Arroz Caldo is another favorite, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It has sous-vide chicken breast, adobo flakes, aji quail tamago, paitan broth, orzo, and fried enoki.

Left: Suam | Right: Pancit Malabon

Chia Pudding

Left: Pinasugbo | Right: Beef Shank and Marrow Croquette

One of the standout dishes is the Bistek Tagalog, a Filipino favorite that's elevated to new heights at Tahanan Bistro. The beef is tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the onion puree and adlai. It's a dish that will have you coming back for more, time and time again.

Bistek Tagalog

Prawn and Winged Bean Dumplings

Rellenong Pusit

Fruit Popsicle

What's impressive about Tahanan Bistro is that despite being a fine dining restaurant, it's not intimidating at all. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal place for both special occasions and casual dining. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, ready to recommend dishes that will suit your palate. The interiors are a beautiful blend of traditional Filipino elements with modern touches, creating an ambiance that's both comfortable and elegant.

The dining area is spacious and airy, with an open kitchen that allows diners to get a glimpse as the chefs work their magic. You can see the care and attention to detail that goes into every dish, as each plate is beautifully presented, inviting you to indulge in the flavors and aromas. Tahanan Bistro Antipolo is a restaurant that embodies Filipino traditions while putting its own unique spin on classic dishes. 

Just three months young, Japonesa in Poblacion, Makati is already making the buzz across the metro for good (and sumptuous) reasons. This Japanese-Peruvian restaurant is Notorious Concepts' newest child—the same group behind Alamat and West 32 located in the same neighborhood.

While Japonesa was launched last April, it already gained a sweet spot on every foodie and influencer's dining radar. Because of its popularity and multiple requests to cater to daytime market, Japonesa has finally opened its doors for lunch-lovers. They are now open everyday starting 11am.

To be really honest with you, I am not always a fan of Japanese cuisine when it comes to sashimi, sushi, maki, and anything that comes with raw fish or meat—but, I loved it there. I'll tell you why.

From maki to yakitori skewers, Japonesa surprised me in so many ways. Let's start with my menu favorite: bomba camarones. It comes with a bowl full of crispy shrimps and spicy aioli. This appetizer really served its purpose as it increased my hunger and prepared me for the main course.

Bomba Camarones, PHP 500

My second most favorite is Japonesa's signature roll called La Japonesa. It has crispy rice, spicy tuna, and green chili. Everyone in our group loved this dish. La Japonesa definitely deserves its spot as one of the restaurant's best. 

La Japonesa, PHP 650

I also tried their Pollo Negi which is a skewered chicken thigh with scallion. The meat is very tender and the sauce is like heaven in your mouth. Their Lengua Katsu (beef tongue katsu with creamy mashed potatoes) is also a crowd-favorite. 

Pollo Negi, PHP 220

Lengua Katsu, PHP 950

Sake Ajo Verde, the salmon with green garlic sauce, is definitely a must-try. From how the salmon was cooked down to its sauce, everything was good. If you love maki, I suggest you try Japonesa's Camarones Tempura. It comes with shrimp tempura. avocado, cucumber, and spicy aioli. Last but not the least, the Entero Shimeji. When you get a serving of this, you'll have shimeji mushroom with squash puree and garlic chimchurri. 

Sake Ajo Verde, PHP 790

Camarones Tempura, PHP 520

Entero Shimeji, PHP 380

Now on to the drinks! Of course, I wouldn't let the day pass without trying their most popular signature cocktail: Sakura. It's a mix of gin, strawberry, and hibiscus topped with fresh blooms that make it all the more Instagrammable. 

Sakura, PHP 400

Watermelon Hai-Ball, PHP 380 | 3 Olive Martini, PHP 550 | Cosmopolitan, PHP 400

You can also try their Watermelon Hai-Ball that is a mix of sake, watermelon juice, and elderflower. Not only is it aesthetically-pleasing but also flavorful. If you're having a girls' night (or day out), make sure to order a glass (or two) of Japonesa's Cosmopolitan and feel like Carrie Bradshaw for a day. Or, if you feel like having a James Bond moment, why not go for the three olive martini? 

Japonesa truly meets dining expectations with its offerings bursting with so much Japanese and Peruvian flavors meant to impress the foodie in you. 

Japonesa Poblacion

Address: 5658 Jacobo Street corner Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City

Budget: PHP 1,500 for two

Food: 8/10

Overall look: 7/10

Hospitality: 8/10

Is Japonesa Poblacion open now? Yes they are open.

Japonesa opening hours: 11am - 1am, Monday - Thursday & Sunday | 11am - 3am, Friday & Saturday

Contact information: Facebook / Instagram

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Follow me on FACEBOOK x INSTAGRAM

While each fine dining restaurant is unique, they all share a few common goals — to provide exceptional service, craft the most exquisite menu, and deliver a high-end experience. If you are looking to splurge on good food and good views, Mireio (pronounced as mee-reyo) is one of the many fine dining restaurants in Makati that will not disappoint you.

Situated in the central business district, Mireio is a brasserie-style restaurant offering Provencal-inspired cuisine. If you are well-versed in poetry, the fine dining restaurant's name will ring a bell. Mireio is named after Nobel Prize winning poet Federic Mistral's poem about a forbidden love between two young Provencal people of different social backgrounds. 

As you set your foot on Mireio's entrance, you will be welcomed by chic decor and a breathtaking cityscape view. The interior is simple but very elegant. The best tables are those in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows giving you an impeccable and unobstructed view of the Makati cityscape. If you love sunsets, I suggest you book for 5pm to see the whole dining area turn pinkish orange as the sun goes down. 

Just like the poem, this fine dining restaurant in Makati exudes romance and sophistication. You will not only see that from its interiors but also from the menu as they offer dishes crafted from the heart. The menu highlights the flavors of provinces in south of France. For starters, I ordered the roquefort cromesqui with iberico ham, tomato concasse arugula (PHP 640). Of all the dishes I tried at Mireio, this is my favorite. It is oozing with a savory flavor that bursts as you bite it. 

Starter | Roquefort cromesqui, iberico ham, tomato concasse arugula (PHP 640)

For the main course, I got their grilled free range duck breast, celeriac puree, green apple and duck juice. I’m a fan of duck but not the ones cooked in medium-rare. So I had to ask my boyfriend to switch meals. His was french free range bresse chicken supreme, creamy shallot puree porcini mushroom and baby spinach. It was delicious. I loved everything about it from the meat to its sauce. Then I paired it with Mireio’s cosmopolitan that’s just right for someone who doesn’t fancy alcoholic drinks too much. It is sweet and has a slight punch of alcohol. I liked it, too. 

Main course | Grilled free range duck breast, celeriac puree, green apple and duck juice (PHP 1,950)

Drink | Cosmopolitan (PHP 450)

Main course | French free range Bresse chicken supreme, creamy shallot puree porcini mushroom and baby spinach (PHP 1,500)

Then for dessert, I ordered the 65% maracaibo mousse with chocolate ice cream, truffle cake, and hazelnut crunch. I also tried Mireio’s coconut curd, fresh mango, and pineapple soup. Both desserts are heavenly! 

Dessert | Chocolate mousse (PHP 750)

Dessert | Coconut curd, fresh mango, and pineapple soup (PHP) 465

And as I said earlier, this fine dining restaurant in Makati will not disappoint you. Dining at Mireo Raffles Makati is one for the books.

Mirèio

Address: 9th floor, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffle Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

Budget: PHP 10,000 for a full-course meal for two

Food: 7.5/10

Overall look: 9/10

Hospitality: 8/10

Is Mireio Makati fine dining restaurant open now? Yes they are open.

Dress code: Smart casual

Contact information: +632 7795 1840 | mireio.makati@raffles.com

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Follow me on FACEBOOK x INSTAGRAM