Sakura by Edo-San at Alphaland Tower

Sakura by Edo San at Alphaland Southgate Tower in Makati is an offshoot of the Japanese restaurant of the same name at the members-only private island club Balesin.

The restaurant's location is not the best (read: EDSA)  but those who will brave the traffic will be rewarded with a completely satisfying Japanese food experience. 

Complimentary Appetizer

Such a unique and kawaii complimentary dish of Japanese popped rice! 

Uni Sashimi (195php)

Very fresh and good value for money. The taste of uni always reminds me of the sea.  

Shake Sashimi (385php)

Just like the uni, our salmon sashimi was fresh with a buttery texture. 

Edo San Maki (672php)

Eel, cream cheese, avocado, and crab are some of the components of this maki. Beautiful colors and big on flavor!

Sukiyaki (560php)

I liked the paper for pot concept but this was a complete miss.

U.S. Tenderloin Steak (878php)

Perfectly cooked and great quality beef. The steak had strong mushroom flavors though so it's best to have the vegetables separated.

Sakura by Edo San also offers desserts that utilize ingredients that are distinctively Japanese:

Macha Creme Brulee (175php)

                     

Black Sesame Ice Cream

Bottom line: Skip the sukiyaki and enjoy everything else!!!

Sakura by Edo-San is located at Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Chino Roces cor. EDSA Makati. For more information, call 310 5677 or click here.

Dinner at Aubergine

One restaurant in the Fort that has stood the test of time is Aubergine.

Aubergine, which is the French word for eggplant, was spearheaded by chefs Hansjorg Schallenberg and Norbert Gandler over a decade ago.

Dining at Aubergine is an intimate experience, perfect for dates and other special occasions.

Aubergine is also the training ground of senior students of The International School of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) but food thankfully doesn't suffer.

Amuse Bouche

Organic Arugula Leaves in Balsamic Vinaigrette (580php)

Home smoked duck breast and caramelized mango, grated ‘Chevre’ cheese, cherry tomatoes, roasted sunflower seeds and garlic croûtons.

Cream of Wild Mushroom (350php)

With croûtons and truffle espuma

Veal Cheek, Short Ribs, and Ox Tail (1,260php)

Barbequed braised US Angus beef short ribs on potato mousseline and slow cooked veal cheek in Port wine jus with oxtail ravioli .Grilled Portobello mushroom and honey glazed carrots.

Grilled Supreme of Chilean Sea Bass (1,480php)

On Porcini mushroom risotto with green asparagus and tomato-leek confit in Madeira nage

Australian Lamb 3 Ways (1,160php)

Sous-vide lamb shoulder confit, oven roasted lamb loin and grilled lamb chop. Served with artichoke couscous, grilled polenta, ratatouille, mustard seed-chives sauce and papaya salsa.

Aubergine Surf and Turf (1,750php)

Grilled tiger prawns and roasted Australian Mulwarra beef tenderloin with sautéed mushrooms and pan seared duck foie gras Béarnaise sauce and Madeira jus, wild mushroom risotto and glazed vegetables.

Palate Cleanser of Sherbet

Chocolate Pyramid

Belgian chocolate and vanilla mousse with passion fruit ganache 

Aubergine is located at 32nd and 5th Building 5th Avenue cor. 32nd Street Fort Bonifacio 1634 Taguig. For reservations, call 8569888 or click here.