Say It Ain't So: Ukokkei's Shutdown

Sad that as of this writing, Ukokkei Ramen Ron remains closed after being involved in a little controversy. 

For now, I can only reminisce dining at the joint that serves the best ramen in town.

Makati branch

I have to admit that one can skip the non-ramen offerings because it's nothing to write home about:

Gyoza (120php)

Ebi Mayonnaise (220php)

Beef Saikoro Steak (260php)

It's really all about the ramen...

Aji Tamago(160php)

Order some eggs  to go with your ramen.

Tantanmen (390php)

Limited bowls every day so make sure to be at the restaurant early. Very rich with deep, complex flavors. 

Tonkokkei Ramen (360php)

Clean broth perfect for a rainy day. The simple broth made me appreciate how fresh the noodles were. 

Ukokkei Miso Butter (360php)

The broth was not as rich as Tantanmen but not as simple as Tonkokkei. I guess this was just right? lol

For now, we at least have the Malate branch to go to, but it's just not the same. Here's hoping to the reopening of the Makati branch asap!

Update: Good news folks! As of September 20 2012, Ukokkei Ramen Ron Makati has reopened.

Ukokkei Ramen Ron is located at 822 Aranaiz Ave. San Lorenzo Village, Makati. To check if it's already back in business call 8564588. The Malate branch is located at 888 Gateway Plaza 2126 A. Mabini St. Malate Manila. For more information, call 5165511 or 09154635286.

Señor & Señora at XO46

Considered by Esquire as one of best restaurants of 2012, I was excited to eat at X046.

From all the food, my favorite turned out to be the complimentary puto!  The puto had a sponge like consistency which made it super soft and to die for. 

More than the food however, these moments made the trip to XO46 memorable:

1. The wait staff addressed us as señor & señora consistent with its old world theme.

2. Drawing the ire of the folks pictured below as we were so loud catching up. While it's undeniable that we were a noisy bunch, I partly blame the compact space and poor acoustics of XO46. haha

3. The simple get together became a very belated birthday treat courtesy of  Norbert! 

XO46 is located at G/F Le Grand Condominium 130 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati. For more information, call 5536632 or click here.  

Cakes, Cakes, and More Cakes

It's time for another cake roundup! Here are some of the cakes I've consumed the past few months:

Estrel's Caramel Cake

Fluffy with a mamon consistency, the caramel icing is not as thick as Hizon's. A good alternative for those who prefer their caramel cake less rich.

Formosa's Taiwan Style Cake

Icing overload and sour fruits made this cake a disaster.

Lia's Cake in Season's Avocado Sansrival

The bitter avocado frosting ruined the experience for me.  

Cara Mia's Di Lusso

Loved the vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio combination of this ice cream cake.

Taza Platito's Yema Torte

Sweet! Not surprising since this cake is made mostly from condensed milk and sugar.

Aristocrat's Check It Out

Forgettable. Next!   

Peninsula Boutique's Blueberry Cheesecake

Pretty to look at but it didn't have the right balance of flavors. The sweetness of the cake made it impossible to taste anything else.   

Estrel's is located at 54 Scout Tobias cor. Fr. Martinez St. Quezon City. For more information, call 3722965 or click here.

Formosa Bakery is located at 518 Banawe St. Quezon City. For more information, call 5168319. It also has branches in San Juan and Binondo.

Lia's Cakes in Season is located at 25 A&B East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more information, call 3774808 or click here.

Cara Mia has 9 branches in Metro Manila. For more information, click here.

Taza Platito is located at 12-A Scout Tobias cor. Fr. Martinez St. Quezon City. For more information, call 3732732 or click here.

Aristocrat Bakeshop has 4 branches in Metro Manila. For more information, click here.

The Peninsula Boutique is located at The Peninsula Manila, corner of Ayala and Makati Avenue, Makati. For more information, call 8872888 or click here.