risotto – Jellybeans in the City

Did you know that Japanese culinary traditions have a strong influence on Peruvian food?

As it has the second largest ethnic Japanese population in South America, brought about by Japanese immigration starting in the late 19th century, it is hardly surprising that Peruvian cuisine would feature more than just a few Japanese touches.

Hokkaido’s robotayaki (the method of charcoal-grilling meat, seafood and other ingredients to imbue them with a delicious flavor and smoky aroma) makes its influence felt in Peruvian cuisine in the recently opened Nikkei Robata branch in Uptown, Bonifacio Global City.

Whether enjoying the hustle-and-bustle of the street in its al fresco area or relaxing in its well-appointed interiors, foodies can look forward to expertly grilled top-quality meats and seafood that makes for a deliciously satisfying meal.

During our errand day in BGC, my daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to have lunch at Nikkei Robata, where we enjoyed:

Chips (Complimentary). Crispy potato chips served with a tangy cream dip.

Unagi Nigiri (₱250). Two pieces of grilled sliver of eel doused in teriyaki sauce served on top of sushi rice.

Panko (₱395/5pcs | ₱680/10pcs). Panko-covered slices of salmon, kampyo, truffled cream cheese, shiitake, cucumber and onion leeks all rolled together and served with salad sauce.

Salmon Risotto (₱680). Main dish composed of grilled salmon belly served on top of risotto with shimeji, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, as well as asparagus, then doused with spicy and cheesy huancaina sauce and sprinkled with parmesan.

Specialty Drinks (₱180 each). Sometimes, the adventure of our day comes in the form of an unusual drink that accompanies our meal. While these (thankfully!) do not contain alcohol, they added a refreshing aspect to our lunch.

Dining here might be a bit pricey but, from its upscale yet comfy surroundings to its unique menu of Japanese-Peruvian dishes, Nikkei Robata certainly promises a gastronomic adventure!

Check it out for yourself!

This Nikkei Robata branch is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Ritz, 36th corner 8th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 975 0870428.

Another branch is located at Second Floor, Newport Mall Garden Wing, Newport World Resorts, Newport City, Pasay City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 945 5511898.

For more details about Nikkei Robata, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Nestled into east of Manila is a hidden haven for food and nature lovers. Called Burrow Cafe, it is located in the Antipolo Beehouse, a nature reserve set in a quiet residential subdivision away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

My daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to treat my mom out to Sunday brunch at Burrow Cafe. This mother-daughter-granddaughter outing is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time but never found the time for until now.

So last Sunday, off we went up Ortigas Avenue Extension towards Antipolo and into Beverly Hills Subdivision where the Beehouse is situated. Upon arriving at the Beehouse gate, we went down 76 steps (good thing I didn’t wear heels!) to a lush green courtyard with another flight of stairs leading to what seemed like an underground bunker.

When we entered the cafe’s premises, however, we were treated to an abundance of light and greenery, thanks to the cafe’s large panel windows which let in a lot of natural light and give diners a relaxing view of the surrounding forest. Artfully laid out wood furniture, potted and hanging plants as well as other bric-a-bracs further accent the cafe’s nature theme while hammocks hanging from the ceiling provide some splashes of color and whimsy to the interiors. Outside, there is a balcony that overlooks a nearby mountain stream.

There, my mom, #ExhibitA and I chatted about life and gossiped about mutual acquaintances (hahaha!) while enjoying our brunch made with ingredients sourced from the Antipolo Market or grown within the cafe’s grounds.

Our meal included:

Beef Short Ribs with Corn and Green Bean Risotto (Php550).

Fish and Chips (Php420).

Key Lime Pie (Php190).

Burrow Home Brew Iced Tea (Php120) and Avocado Fruit Shake (Php180).

Though quite tasty, food items are limited and a bit pricey. Given the cafe’s lovely and restful ambiance and warm, friendly service, however, I’d say dining here is well worth the expense and effort.

After all, nothing but the best for my mom and my baby girl.

Burrow Cafe is located at the Antipolo Beehouse, 113 Beverly Hills Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Dolores, Taytay, open Wednesdays to Thursdays from 8am to 4pm and Fridays to Sundays 7am to 4pm. Although walk-ins are welcome, table reservation is highly recommended through email (burrowcafe@gmail.com) or mobile (+63 917 6229795). For more details, visit the Antipolo Beehouse website.

Notes:

Beverly Hills Subdivision charges Php20 for cara entering the area so keep some change handy.
The resto is not wheelchair-friendly.
You might also want to check out the cafe’s retail area which sells reusable straws, homemade self-care products, zero-waste household ware and paper products.

Tag: risotto

Lunch at Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Nikkei Robata, BGC

Food and nature-tripping at Burrow Cafe, Taytay