Crazy Katsu

       We went back to U.P. Village on a Sunday night hoping to catch the Sizzling Seafood Salpicao and Gising Gising at Tomato Kick. But the restaurant was closed so we went to hunt for a new restaurant and it led us to Crazy Katsu. It is located at No. 81 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City.

          Crazy Katsu’s ambience and menu is quite simple. Upon seating, the staff gave us a pitcher of ice cold water and drinking glasses. For starters, we ordered Miso Soup (@ 30 Pesos) and fried Gyoza (@120 Pesos). The black vinegar for the Gyoza was on the strong side. 

Brewed Iced Tea and Miso Soup

Gyoza

        For the main course, my sister ordered the Pork with Ginger (@ 140 Pesos) It was good but a bit dry. I ordered the best seller, Chicken Katsu (@ 145 Pesos). It was a little bit spicy and delicious. My partner ordered Katsudon (@ 150 Pesos). We ordered another Pork Tonkatsu (@ 140 Pesos) just to sample it and it was sumptuous. 

Pork Katsudon, Chicken Katsu and Pork Tonkatsu

Pork Katsudon, Pork Ginger, Chicken Katsu and Pork Tonkatsu

                                          

         For drinks we had Green Tea and I had their home-brewed Iced Tea (@ 30 Pesos).  It was just too bad their pudding was not available; oh well, maybe next time.

            Crazy Katsu is a good find- simple, tasty and very affordable!

Mang Larry's Isawan at U.P. Diliman and Tomato Kick at Maginhawa St., U.P. Village

             On a Thursday, my friends and I went on a food trip. First, we went to Damsa Burgers, a deal I purchased at Metrodeal. It was hard to find in New Manila. Much to our dismay it was a tiny shack not worth making our trip or a review.

            Our next stop was U.P. Diliman. I thought Mang Larry’s Isawan was still beside the Post Office. Well, we learned that they moved near Khas Restaurant another favorite hangout of mine before where I used to have lunch or early dinner. 

            For the first time, I’ve tasted the isaw and barbeque at Mang Larry’s. It is a thriving business and we have to fall in line and it was very long. We ordered the Pork Barbeque, Chicken Isaw, I think my other friend had Baticolon and the Special Isaw ng Baboy. 

            The Pork Barbeque was ok nothing special about it. The Chicken Isaw was good but it was the Special Isaw ng Baboy that was the best! A winner I must say. The sauces were undeniably yummy. Mang Larry prepared 2 large jugs for the sweet and spicy and the vinegar sauces. I think we had 4 pieces or more of the Pork Barbeque, Chicken Isaw and Special Isaw ng baboy. It

 was just irresistible. 

Nacho Supreme

Quesadilla

            We drove to Tomato Kick Restaurant and bar located at 55 Maginhawa St., U.P. Village, Quezon City. We walked up to the 2^nd floor of the building and we found our way to Tomato Kick. We preferred to stay inside. It has a laid back ambience. I wanted Mexican food and they were offering Nacho Supreme at 130 Pesos and Quesadilla at 60 Pesos and that’s what we ordered for starters. The Nachos were just alright and the quesadillas were really good. 

Sizzling Seafood Salpicao

        I looked at the menu for more pica-pica. They have Sizzling Seafood Salpicao and Gising Gising (Sizzling mussels, squid, leaks and mushrooms in gravy) both at 160 Pesos. They were so delicious and affordable. The drinks were cheap too. A cocktail drink was about 120 Pesos, an Antonov bottle of vodka was less than 100 Pesos and Soda in a glass was 30 Pesos. It was a delightful food trip and definitely right on the budget. 

Gising Gising

            

Yanagi Restaurant at Midas Hotel

            I purchased two vouchers from Metrodeal for Yanagi Japanese Restaurant located at Midas Hotel at 499 Pesos each. It was a good deal since Midas Hotel is fairly new and the restaurant’s ambience is at a high end.

            My partner and I went there for an early dinner before going to the Phantom of the Opera Musical at the CCP. We were greeted cordially by the staff and we were led at a table near the entrance. We were served Miso soup followed by a Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura Mix.

            There were only a few selected dishes at the buffet counter. They served Yasai, House salad with either Sesame dressing or Miso dressing, Assorted Sushi and Maki. For the main course they had Tori Teriyaki, Gohan Rice, Fried Rice, Beef Croquettes which are my favorites and Beef Sukiyaki which is quite sweet for my taste.

            For desserts, they offered slices of fresh melon, pineapple and papaya. They also served Red Bean Dessert and Coffee Jelly which is also my favorite. Yanagi Restaurant serves unlimited coffee or tea.

      

            This culinary experience was unforgettable and I am willing to purchase more vouchers for this deal.