Often times, I scroll through my Facebook newsfeed and found a post about couples’ indecisiveness on where to eat. Relate? Yup. A little. Occasionally. I’m blessed with a boyfriend (not humble bragging about it. Haha!) who is easy to get along with, not picky yet practical. Whenever the golden question, “Where to eat?” pops out, our choices match perfectly when we end up in a Japanese restaurant. We are both fans of this cuisine and I don’t imagine tiring ourselves if this is our daily habit.

I was giddy to express my excitement to O when I received an invitation from Midas Hotel to dine at Yanagi, the hotel’s flagship restaurant. Knowing his thoughts and taste, he won’t deny this invitation as well even if it’s farther than our usual zone.

Meanwhile, as we entered the front doors of Midas Hotel, a sudden flashback occurred that I’ve been to Yanagi a couple or more years ago with O’s family. I asked him about it and he doesn’t seem to remember a dot. Anyway. It’s good to be back and document our experience at Yanagi Japanese restaurant.

“Yanagi restaurant’s enchanting name was hailed from a mystical Japanese willow tree that legendarily boosts the essence of love and dreams. Coinciding with its enthralling name, Yanagi put forward a bracing catch on authentic Japanese dining inviting guests, including us, to its homely-pondered setting.”

Head Chef Chester Lucas, a Filipino with years of experience in other five-star Japanese restaurants, leads the culinary team that bears in mind that serving authentic Japanese dishes is a rule of thumb. With Chef Chester’s supervision, Yanagi guarantees that the dishes are deep-seated traditional yet entwined with unique taste and presentation style. See for yourself!

5 kinds of Aburi Sushi on a long rectangular plate – Salmon, Tuna, Lapu-Lapu, Hamachi and Eel. All-star cast of sushi slightly burned with aburi sauce. To imagine what aburi sauce tastes like, the flavors of miso and soy are merged for an outstanding versatile sauce. Slices of fruits complement the colors as well. Unfortunately, there were only 1 of each kind. The technique to taste everything is to cut in half and share the love with O.

Tears of joy fell from my eyes after tasting this Kaki Papaya Yaki, a beautiful tongue-twister creation of Chef Chester. Grilled Japanese oyster in papaya topped with caramelized miso mayo sauce. To eat at Yanagi and forget Kaki Papaya Yaki is like losing a turn in monopoly. One word Chef Chester, genius!

I’m seeing the flow of miso sauce showering our dining experience. Even in this Yanagi Salad, mixed greens and vegetables are bathed in miso dressing. I don’t think you’ll run out of space in your belly since this is a light side dish to your mains.

The bright and happy-looking Tempura Maki opened my mouth wide to fit in a large sushi piece. Thick roll with prawn tempura and aburi sauce shows the creativity and imaginative mind of the chefs. Puts in together a strong winning sushi recipe.
I’m not surprised why Yanagi allures their customers to go back chasing for more of their unique yet authentic Japanese recipes.

We’re not yet over with aburi sauce. This Suzuki Miso Yaki, grilled seabass with miso paste, brought seabass fish to a higher level. To the extent that I want to take this home with me and let my family experience what Yanagi have created.

I normally push Ebi Tempura to the side, far away from my reach. I hate deep-fried tempura swimming in oil and batter when you take a bite. Yanagi drew me closer to Ebi Tempura, proving to me that their version is simple, clean and juicy. Thinly battered where the plump prawns are more visible. This is the proper way of cooking a tempura, not the commercialized style trying to thicken the batter and cover the anorexic prawns.

King prawns look more luscious sunken in an exceptional steaming egg sauce sliding down from the top. Ebi Tamago Sauce raced fast to my heart and my appetite! Now I’m seriously considering of hiring Chef Chester for my own kitchen. Hahaha! (Wishful thinking!)

Cold and grainy texture of Black Sesame Ice Cream is the way to end and seal the fabulous Japanese dining experience at Yanagi.

Don’t forget to order a cocktail or mocktail from Yanagi’s bar.

Clean and homey, the way Japanese welcomes their guests. The simplicity of the ambiance, dim lights and spacious and organized interiors, surprises guests like me with the quirky and avant-garde Japanese dishes the kitchen can invent.

Private rooms are available upon request. If you’re looking for a venue for your business meetings, the positive dining experience might open some doors for you.

If you’re looking at a value for money buffet, you can now dine in Yanagi as it offers “Misono Days” weekend buffet lunch for only Php1485net per person.

Be sure to keep your eyes on the teppanyaki station. 😉

What do you think of Yanagi in Midas Hotel?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: Mezzanine floor, Midas Hotel, 2702 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 11:00AM-2:30PM / 6:00PM-10:30PM

Contact: (+632) 902-0100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidasHotelAndCasino

Budget: PHP1500++

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