Saturday, January 24, 2015

My NOBU Manila Experience


I had the chance to try the newest Japanese restaurant in the Philippines today.
Nobu Manila located at City of Dreams, Pasay City

My husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday at NOBU. I have researched about this place since it opened Dec. 2014 but not many reviews and articles are out there for this casual-dining resto.

As we walked in their receiving area we were greeted by three beautiful attendants who graciously introduced us to the restaurant.

I noticed that there were few people dining there. Mostly foreigners and businessmen. One thing is for sure though, we were all there for some serious eating.

I am not posting how the place looks like because I think anything will be underrated if you don't see it for yourself.  It has a huge waiting area, you can either sit by the lounge or the bar area while waiting for your company. I suggest you try to go around and check out their Al Fresco dinning near the pool side. Its zen-like facade makes you feel a certain excitement that something wonderful is about to happen.

My husband decided to have dinner outside and we were led to a private cabana, around which is a pool that adds to a serene ambiance. (I was told that the cabana has a minimum of Php20,000.00 consumable. Thank God its my birthday and they let us use it without spending so much.

As we browsed their beverage list and menu, I realized that their food is simple and reasonable. For those who appreciate authentic Japanese food you will understand that  it won't be cheap compared to commercial eat-all-you-can restaurants.

My husband decided to have two entree's, of course one order of rice would not suffice so he ordered two. The steamed Japanese rice and a bowl of beef fried rice to go with his King Crab in cream sauce and Spicy Shrimps.

Since it was my birthday, I decided to be adventurous and picked the Omakase NOBU SIGNATURE meal. Guys this is a must try for anyone who wants unpretentious food. Nobu signature is the creation of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. They wont tell you what's included, the element of surprise is mind-boggling. This 8-course meal will cost you Php 4,000.00 ++. Don't be intimidated by the cost. It's worth it!

Their service is fast and in a matter of minutes my hubby's order came and because it was so tempting to devour he asked if he can start with his meal and he did. Oh just to note, their entree can be shared by two people.

Let me share with you my 8-course meal. The pictures that I'll be posting has no filter.



My meal started with a sushi wrap, inside are vegetables. Indeed it was a good starter.


2nd course: Salmon Tartar...(the round red fruit on the side is eaten to cleanse your palate for the next course. They said its mountain cherry) Plus factor is the caviar on top.



3rd course: Hand rolled sushi. Absolutely heavenly


4th course: Sashimi (the sauce is unexplainable. It had a good balance with the raw fish) I was beginning to feel full by this time.  


5th course: Seared Tuna with vegetables served with their NOBU dressing.


6th course: Shrimps in cream sauce (This to me was just okay.)


7th course: Black Cod with Miso. My favorite and definitely a one of a kind experience. My husband noticed how happy I looked when I had my first bite. 
The presentation is impeccable. 
This dish is to die for!


8th course: (I didn't get the name co'z I was still in cloud nine) It's like a tiramisu with cream, and pecans. It was a perfect ending to my mystery meal.


The experience of having Omakase NOBU Signature dish was something that I didn't expect. The magic starts when you don't know what's coming and each course will make you wanting for more. BTW, this is a partnership between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and renowed hollywood actor Robert de Niro.

MY TAKE: I'll give NOBU Manila  5 consumer diva stars. If you want to experience something new, this gastronomic feast is for you. Our bill was more than 10k but our satisfaction is worth a king's ransom. 



CD- Ratings
Consumer Diva






NOBU Manila
Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue 
Brgy. Tambo, Paranaque City
+632 691 2882 ; +63 26912885

Friday, January 2, 2015

How to avoid air travel woes (Part 1)


Do you know that air passengers in the Philippines are now protected whenever they travel.  2014 has been a nightmare for a lot of airline passengers. From experiencing traffic to and from the airports, long queues in check-in counters, delayed flights, low standard airport lounge and boarding areas. It’s still a struggle traveling around the 7,107 Philippine Islands.


Y’all need to know your rights as a paying customer…knowing is one thing, being firm on getting your benefits is another. 

Hope my blog can help you get around things in your future airline travels.

AIR PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS

IN CASE OF CANCELLATION OF FLIGHT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING:

Note: cancellation should be attributed to the carrier.

     A.   Be notified thru text or call by airline representatives.
     B.   Meals or vouchers of the same
     C.   Hotel accommodation near the airport
            ·         transportation from the airport to the hotel,
     D.   Reimbursement of the value of the fare,
            ·         taxes and surcharges included, of the sector cancelled, or both/all sectors,
     E.    Be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference, or, within   
            thirty (30) days, to a future trip within the period of validity of the ticket. However, for
            rebooking made in excess of the aforementioned thirty (30) days for a trip likewise   
            within the validity of the ticket, fees and/or fare difference shall apply.


Exemptions:

     A.  The carrier cancelled the flight 24 hours before the ETD (estimated time of departure)
     B.   The air carrier cancels the flight because of force majeure, safety and/or security
            reasons, as certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, you shall be
            reimbursed for the full value of the fare.



CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO


Philippine Airlines    -  (632) 777.5932
                                    www.philippineairlines.com
Cebu Pacific Air       - (632) 702.0888
                                    www.cebupacifcair.com
                             
Reference: