Mendokoro Ramen

Manila's in the moment gastronomic indulgence is Japanese ramen.  With more than a dozen establishments springing like mushrooms in the city, foodies can't seem to get enough to delight their appetites.  The latest name to open its doors is Mendokoro. Located in the current on the radar scene(Salcedo village where hotspots such as Elbert's steakroom, Reidel, Lulu, Toby's Estate, Wildflour, Gino's, La Creperie and Hooch and the recently opened Pablo hold their playground).

Mendokoro is a modern Japanese ramen place with simple yet well made interiors.  Metal and wood is designed in minimalist aesthetics surrounding an open kitchen right at the center of the restaurant. Designed by Noel Bernardo( who's projects in include Republic in NY, most Elite Concepts HK restos) and his design firm EC Studio, one gets to feel the atmosphere as if they were transported to the land of the rising sun. Beauty is in the art of simplicity wherein the study of design and space becomes ultra chic. A variety of neutral tones unfold a refreshing and cool visual perspective highlighted by shadow play.

As soon as you enter, one is welcomed and easily assisted to the counter to order and get a number(yes due to the number of seats available).  Having a concise menu, one is rest assured that everything in it has been gastronomically curated.  Waiting didn't take long as we came in early before lunch. As soon as were seated, the queue outside was quite long.  This author or the super spicy ramen and ordered extra pork plus egg on the side.  Love the explosion of spice and flavors that weren't overpowering.  The pork was cooked well, the noodles seemed like it was the best in town while the egg was divine. The overall dining experience was fantastic!  Simple, quick an without the fuss and flash. Great ambience and good food is simply the best.  Mendokoro is on dry run until February and is open Monday to Saturdays for lunch 11:30am while dinner starts at 630pm with limited bowls until full operation.  A must-go for everyone but make sure to come early, no reservations and special treatments.

Amazing space.

Art of design.

Light and shade.

Linear perspective.

Lightscape.

Earth calling.

Not so ordinary.

Spice of life.

The best noodles in town.

Love pork.

Waiting game.

Stick it out.

Table setting.

Turning Japanese with Rita Nazareno.

We are located at the GF of V Corporate Center, on Soliman St. Salcedo Village Makati. 

Tel. 215-1751

The Last Crossover

Dusit Thani Manila's famed Sunday Family Crossover Brunch is having its grand farewell this sunday, February 24, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The culmination of this culinary feast which started since 2008 makes a milestone adieu after creating one of the longest gastronomic adventures in the local industry. Bid your last goodbye in a hotel-wide celebration of international cuisines and indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes from Basix all-day dining, Tosca the Italian Grill, Benjarong Royal Thai and Umu Japanese restaurants.

Offered at P1,800 net per person, the Crossover Brunch is inclusive of free flow signature beverage from the restaurants. Kids from 6 to 12 years old are entitled to a 50% discount, kids 5 years old and below are free of charge.

When one door comes to a close another one opens. Sundays will never be boring in Dusit Thani Manila because something new and exciting is unfolding for everyone to enjoy this coming March!

For inquiries and reservations, please call Dusit Thani Manila at (632) 238-8888.

Y-3 in Manila

Manila's retail landscape is booming with the influx of international brands. Adding to the spectrum of much wanted must-have names, Y-3 recently opened its doors at the Bonifacio High Street Central. The top of the line designer street-sportswear brand epitomizes the youth style landscape. Echoing the current trendsetting vibe, the Spring-Summer 2012 collection presents modern forward pieces reflecting a statement of distinct global wear style. The well lit and designed flagship store Manila echoes the iconic aesthetics of master Yoji Yamamoto. Unparalleled in his own genre, he has championed Japanese fashion by taking to the forefront sportswear reinvented with technology infused detailing, mod silhouettes and innovative forms. The fashion icon has set groundbreaking parameters in global designer retail in constant evolution with a a distinct niche global following. The optimistic presence in the market is a welcoming perspective in a culture overflowing with style individuality undefined.

Fountain of Youth

The skin is the largest organ of our body.  In the world of beauty, our skin are as precious as diamonds. Without doubt, history has celebrated women blessed with the essence of its beauty.  All over the world, having beautiful, radiant and flawless skin is like being in the state of eternity.  One race admired for this type of skin are the Japanese.  Their women are deemed as one of the most beautiful ever existed.  Known for their porcelain-like beauty, the world has wondered how they found ‘key to the fountain of youth’.
What's their secret? Manila can now experience the best of western technology and eastern practices at The Mariko Skin & Body Centre from Tokyo, Japan. They believe in the pursuit for eternal beauty.

BEAUTIFUL SKIN FOR ALL AGES
Japanese women are deemed as, having the most beautiful skin. Japanese Technology in facial care and products is by far one of the best in the world.Mariko Skin & Body Centre offers the science of Japanese Dermatology which offer scientifically proven skin care solutions for men and women of varying skin types and conditions. A collection of the finest and carefully formulated skin and body treatments formulated in Japan is for the woman who is committed to stay beautiful at any age.
Mariko caters to the specific needs of each generation - the young, the middle-aged and the older, more graceful women. The treatment prices are very affordable for anyone’s budget and what’s better is that you get the best results. A facial treatment will only cost you 99 pesos at least. Skin treatments such as Age-Less Facial Treatment, Acne Cure Treatment and Pure White Skin Treatments are scientifically and dermatologically proven to give great results. State-of-the-art Fraxelight Lasers, Ultrasound and Radiofrequency (RF) are also available. One need not worry about expensive price tags, the Acne Cure Facial Treatment is only P149.00, Fraxelight Laser Acne treatment at P2550 and its complementing treatment, the Pure White Medical Peel for scar removal is only P1650. A small price to pay for a whole new world of confidence. Candidates for treatment are those who have blackheads, whiteheads and larger spots on face and sometimes on the neck, upper chest, back and upper arms. All treatments uses U.S FDA approved lasers and products. When you choose to be beautiful, you choose to be happy and confident. Beautiful skin enhances people's lives. The Mariko Tokyo Skin & Body Centre aims to practically enhance one's beauty and bring out the best in the new you.

MARIKO SKIN & BODY CENTRE IS LOCATED AT THHE FOLLOWING BRANCHES:
MAKATI – G/F, LPL Manor, L.P Leviste street, Salcedo Village Tel. 5532397
GREENHILLS – G/F, Richbelt Terraces, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel. 7259406
MANDALUYONG – G/F, Maysilo St., Mandaluyong Circle(Mandaluyong City Hall) Tel. 4775736
PASAY CITY – G/F, Holiday Plaza, Arnaiz St. cor. F.B Harrisson, Pasay City Tel. 5521402

Tokyo Drift

After a series of Objects D' Art, the author decided to take a short break and put in a resto entry for a change. Monday last week, half of the team was already on vacay while the rest had to do a shoot.  The team had to get the pullouts as soon as the mall opened so we could set up and prepare for the shoot at 2pm.  The pullout  was quick so the author decided to bring the kids to somewhere they haven't been for lunch--Little Tokyo.  Located somewhere beside Makati Cinema Square, the Japanese village inspired area is like an oversized zen garden surrounded by interesting quaint Japanese restaurants.  One wouldn't expect a cluster of restos in the heart of Makati since side by side or block by block buildings stand tall in towering proportions.  A study in contrast it may seem, but being there a little before noon felt like we were transported to Japan.  Style takes a new form with interesting landscapes and design.  So serene and quiet, I could almost hear stillness speak.  As much as we wanted to go around and check everything out, the scorching heat on our skin made us feel we were literally baked under the sun.  After our realization and take note we didn't bring sunscreen, we rushed for cover and ended up in Nodasho.

A whole new world.

Wishing for the yellow brick road.

Bonsai.

No sticks, all stones.

Food for thought.

So we ended up in this restaurant and were their first guests of the day.  The author unfortunately wasn't able to take pictures because it was too dark and honestly didn't think he had a camera until after our meal.  We had sushi, sashimi, noodles and salad marinated in vinegar--yummy.  Everything was fresh, and I don't mean from long storage or fridge.  People started coming in and all the customers were either Japanese or Caucasians-we were the only Filipinos at the time.  The menu had an extensive selection of sashimi, sushi and noodles not mention their special lunch offerings. The food overall was fab, not too heavy and most importantly super reasonable.  Definitely planning to come back with the team in complete attendance, and am sure everyone will be in for a gastronomic delight. Something all the foodies out there will truly love. 

Mikka wearing a top, necklace and sunglasses all by Forever 21, skirt by
Wisdom, bag by Longchamp and shoes by Matthews.

Rudolph wearing a white top by H & M, trousers by Mundo, belt by SM, sunglasses
by Ray Ban, messenger bag and shoes both by Topshop, 

The author wearing organic tee by Pull and Bear, black linen trousers by Uniqlo, 
pinstriped shoes by Joey Samson, sunglasses by Balenciaga and oversized quilted 
tote by Vera Bradley.

Nodasho Japanese Restaurant, Unit 14 Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces St., Makati City.
Tel 8402741.