Kaya Express

We were supposed to watch Inception in G4 but we weren't able to get seats when we got there so instead, we had an experimental dinner. We we're looking for this Indian restaurant in Glorietta 4 but we think it had been closed or maybe it got relocated.

We saw a Korean restaurant, Kaya Express. And since most of the diners were Koreans, it got us interested so we decided to give it a try.

We were three and we ordered the following:

- Kalbi Jim (Korean beef rib stew): P200
- Kaktugi (spicy pickled radish cubes): P35
- Kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage): P35
- Kim (dried seaweeds): P40
- Bap (steamed rice): P50
- Aligue Bibimbap (2 orders; bowl of aligue-flavored rice topped with veggies, slices of squid, shrimps, and egg): P220 each

Total bill was P800 and they didn't have a service charge. The kaktugi was good. I think that was the best order we had. The korean beef rib stew was just okay. I actually don't think the taste or the serving gave its price justice. The kimchi was good; the taste was very typical if I may say. The Aligue Bibimbap was said to be the best-seller but we were kind of disappointed with it. It turned out to be bland in flavor and there were only few pieces of squid and shrimp in it. Let's just say we got bored with it after chowing down half of it. I think that's when the kimchi, kaktugi, and kim became useful. Those actually helped a lot in adding an extra punch in the flavor department and texture to what we were eating.

The staff was very nice. The assigned waitress, Karylle, was very patient enough to describe most of the dishes in the menu. The whole dining experience was okay. One downside though, there were some flies near our table and we got a bit annoyed by it from time to time. Do we recommend the resto? We'll give a yes if you just want to try Korean cuisine and do not want to shell out huge bucks since the price range of the main dishes is from 150-250php (that can already be considered affordable since some Korean restaurants have a pricier menu). Overall, we all think we just paid for the "experience."

Kaya Express has several branches but the one we visited is located at 169 G/F Glorietta IV Ayala Center, Makati City.

Tatsunoko

For the people located in the southern part of the metro, if you're on the hunt of looking for a cheap yet authentic and yummy Japanese food, TATSUNOKO RESTAURANT in BF HOMES PARANAQUE is the best stop.

From the outside, you wouldn't think that they serve one of the best Japanese food in town since it just looks like an old house. The place isn't as fancy as some would want it but it is pretty decent. The place has a space for 3 cars but you can also park your car along the side of the road (don't worry it's pretty safe since I've done it several times). They also have 2 comfort rooms, 1 for the boys and 1 for the girls.

Japanese frequents the place as well so that can be taken as a sign that they do really serve tasty and authentic Japanese food. If you're a smoker, you're welcome to smoke inside the resto so, I wouldn't recommend the place if you got infants or kids or if you're one of those people who get bothered by smoke. They are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm except on Sundays. I'm not sure though, but I think they open at 5pm on Sundays.

We were three who dined in and we ordered the following:

- San Mig Light (2): P40 each
- Kahi Fry (breaded oyster; 4 pcs): P190
- Gyoza (dumpling; 6 pcs): P90
- Tuna Sashimi (2 orders; 8 pcs per order): P145 each
- Teka Maki (tuna sushi; 2 orders; 8 pcs per order): P65 each
- California Maki (huge serving; 2 orders; 8 pcs per order): P135 each
- Sukiyaki (huge serving of soup that has noodles, tofu, shitake mushrooms, egg, beef strips, and veggies; good for 3-5 people): P190
- Ebi Tempura (4 pcs of shrimp and 2 pcs of fried veggies): P170
- Iced Tea (2): P35 each
- Soda in can: P35

It was one hell of a food trip and was only for P1515! The waitresses were very accommodating and courteous and they were not the type who has the tendency to be partially blind and deaf when being waved at or called. The food was served promptly and always with a smile. They don't charge for their service, so please do leave a tip. Will I come back? Without a doubt!

Tatsunoko is located at 452-A El Grande Ave. BF Homes Paranaque City. Telephone number is 825-05-31.