Birthday Surprise at Icho Japanese Restaurant, Greenhills San Juan, Philippines

This is a throwback post (pre-pandemic days) wherein Hubby surprised me with a birthday lunch at Icho Japanese Restaurant.

Back then, eating out was fairly easy; all we had to take note of was whether the restaurant had available high chairs and if there was space for our stroller. Al fresco dining was way low on our list of seating preferences and “the more people in the restaurant the better” mentality was still very much alive.

Hubby was in charge of the ordering that day.

To start off my birthday feast, he got 3 kinds of sushi (makis & aburi ones);

"Average" Dinner at Xiu Fine Cantonese Dining, Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines

We were in the mood for something new and fancy. Heard about the newly opened Xiu Fine Cantonese Dining in Connecticut Greenhills. This was previously Lugang, a restaurant I have purposefully avoided for personal reasons.  It was too late when I learned that Xiu was from the same management group. >.<

Made reservations days before and learned that they provide 2-seating schedules for dinner; 6pm and 8pm. We got the 6pm slot and drove all the way to Greenhills. 

As you enter, no one greets you or guides you to your table. It took awhile before someone came over to assist us. Soft opening jitters perhaps? 

We were seated by the huge windows, near the fountain/waterfall decor. There was a friendly fly that kept on coming back to our table. It was starting to get irritating but they soon offered a candle for the table. Krystle arrived a little after six. While waiting for our dishes to arrive, they served us the traditional peanuts for snacking.

The first dish that piqued our interest was their Honey-glazed Prime Cut Char Siu (Php 680). 

Honey-Glazed Prime Cut Char Siu (Php 680)

The name alone makes your mouth water; expectations were definitely high for this one. It didn't take long before they placed this on our table. Serving size is 3-4 people. Right off the bat, you'll notice that they cut the pork much thicker than usual which unfortunately bit them in the ass. This was tough to cut & chew, looked a bit pale and lacked flavor. Needless to say, for something that advertises itself as a "prime cut", it sure wasn't evident in this dish. Food-Stars Verdict? With the hefty price tag & lackluster taste, this was a miss.

Sweet and Sour Pork (Php 480)

The next dish they served was the Sweet and Sour Pork (Php 480). We requested it to be crunchy and they were able to deliver on that. Food-Stars Verdict? More sauce would've made this better. 

Steak Double Date at Cowrie Grill by Manila Hotel, Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines

Our trips to Greenhills are mainly composed of eating Chinese cuisine or the eat-all-you-can Teppanyaki. Imagine our delight when we spotted this steak haven just at the other side of the building.

  

We've already eaten at Manila Hotel but this is my first time to try Cowrie Grill. Hubby's been raving about this place so for tonight, we were having a date night; a double date to be exact.

Was lucky enough to have the restaurant to ourselves while waiting so I was able to take a lot of pictures. Loved the opulence of the place; the interiors manages to transport you inside a luxurious hotel restaurant, making you forget that you're actually in Greenhills. 

This is my favorite spot. 

This lovely alcove with booth looked really romantic. The curtains are drawn so I can get a better picture but you can always have them closed for privacy. 

 

 They offer you a guide for your preferred degree of steak doneness. Nice to see that they take their meats seriously.

While waiting, they serve a basket of dinner rolls with dollops of swirly butter. The ones that arrived on our table were a bit cold but they'll gladly heat up the rolls for you.

Christmas Dinner 2014 at Wafu Japanese Restaurant, Greenhills San Juan, Philippines

I love organizing Christmas dinners. It makes the holidays all the more special when we get to celebrate it with Good Eats & good company. For this year, Hubby's college friends were all game to try Wafu's Teppanyaki-All-You-Can. 

Because all other dates were unavailable, we were left with no choice but to have the 6:00pm time slot for December 19. While waiting for the others to arrive, spent the time taking pictures of the place. 

Check out the festive colors & bright lights running all through out the restaurant. 

Teppanyaki tables are on the 2nd floor. By this time, several members of our party arrived. 

Wafu's Teppanyaki-All-You-Can menu offers a diverse selection, making sure that they're able to tickle anybody's taste buds. ;)

With our tummies ready and while waiting for the Teppanyaki grill to be fired up, we ordered their ready-to-eat dishes. 

Potted Dreams at Roots Market Bistro, Promenade Greenhills, San Juan Philippines

In trying new food haunts, it seems that Greenhills hasn't been on our list as much as other places. So when an opportunity came up (Hubby had a dinner function around that area), I took it as a sign that I had to try out one of Promenade's selections. 

But eating dinner alone has never been my style. Luckily, my friend Athena was free... even at such short notice. (Hi Ats!)

The name alone makes me think of words like organic, basic & simple.

And their display makes me think of harvest & bountiful. 

They had two types of dining area; either this table top setup or the much fancier cabana-type seating. Of course, we had to go with the latter. ;)

Homage to Mason Jars

After browsing their menu, I gotta be honest with you, I couldn't wait for dessert. And can you blame me? ;)

Delightful Dinner at Choi Garden Seafood and Shark's Fin Restaurant, Annapolis Greenhills San Juan, Philippines

Chinese cuisine seems to be our ongoing trend of restaurant choices these past few weeks. For this week it's a trip to Greenhills for Choi Garden's famous asado pao. 

Making reservations is highly recommended. The tables begins to fill up when the clock strikes 7pm. While waiting for the food to come out, I managed to take photos of the place. My favorite part?

Welcome to my window of happy! ;) It's the succulent, crispy, soft & tasty favorites hung up ready for picking. 

I suggest munching on these peanuts while waiting for your orders. 

After a few minutes, our dim sum orders were the first to be served.

Siomai (Php 120)

Shao Long Pao (Php 120)

Eggyolk Pao (Php 120)

We've developed a taste for Custard Buns ever since our Taste Paradise visit. Choi Garden's version gets a thumbs up from me. Just look at the yellow custard center...

That rich creamy & yolk-y flavor is always a delight on the tongue. A word to the wise, get ready for sticky fingers; this yummy treat is quite messy to eat. ;) We also had an order of Radish Cake (Php 120) and a pot of Hot Tea (Php 40) for sharing. 

Lechon (Php 600)

It seems that in every dinner out, this has been a food staple. I think father-in-law has developed quite a taste for it. Choi Garden's version was quite good. The skin was crunchy while the meat was soft & tasty.  

Richman Fried Rice (Php 350)

This was simple & light on the tongue, which worked well with the main dishes.

Salted Eggyolk Prawn (Php 750)

From the buns to this, it was a night of yolks. Food-Stars Verdict? I've always loved salted egg so it's safe to say that this was a hit for me. ;9

1/2 Steam Lapu Lapu (Php 1100)

This was actually a recommendation from Choi Garden's manager, Sylvia. A different take on the usual steamed Lapu Lapu served in Chinese restaurants; this came out already sliced and de-boned. Also notice the sauce, instead of the usual light soy sauce this was citrus-y with sour overtones. Food-Stars Verdict? This was yum. ;9

Singaporean Bihon (Php 350)

This isn't on the menu but after having a couple of spoonfuls, it definitely should be. Food-Stars Verdict? This was actually my favorite of the night. ;9

After seeing boxes & boxes of takeout being carried out by the waiters; we couldn't leave without trying Choi Garden's Asado bun. 

Asado Bun (Php 120)

Okay I'll start by saying that this was quite good; better than what I was expecting actually. The next question is, how did it fare against Tim Ho Wan's buns? It actually depends on what you're in the mood for. I'm edging towards Tim Ho Wan just because theirs were sweeter & I'm a sucker for sweet stuff. I'm thinking Choi Garden is more for the older crowd who appreciates good asado.  

And for dessert, we had Taho. Loved how the sago was still soft after cooking. You can taste that they use good quality soy. Food-Stars Verdict? This is actually the first time that I enjoyed eating Taho. Good job Choi Garden! ;)

SERVICE:

TASTE:

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY:

Choi Garden Seafood and Shark's Fin Restaurant 

12 Annapolis Street corner Purdue Street,

Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila

02-7276042; 02-5863173

'Til our next Good Eat!

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