Trying out OOMA Japanese Rice Bar by Chef Bruce Ricketts

Hello guys/girls, how's your weekend so far? I hope it's pretty good as most of you probably had their long weekend and I'm sure you're ready for work tomorrow.  But let me share to you my weekend as I'm not one of those lucky people who had normal holidays.

I traveled to Japan today and I visited this awesome place, nah I'm kidding but I wish I had that chance.  Now, kidding aside my friend Anj can't stop talking about this place since she dined there a couple of weeks ago and told me I'm going to like it.  When this friend of mine talks about things like this with a manner of urgency, this better be good I told her.

Since I'm so stressed due to the long work week I had, I agreed to go.  The place is OOMA Japanese Rice Bar by Chef Ricketts.  All I know about him that he is part of the Moment Group to which has opened a lot of great restaurants here in the metro (Thank you for that) and his vision really clicks with all the masses without food being so up the bar in price.

What intrigues me more is when I saw Manila Bulletin writes about this place and when a place reaches the papers it's just two things, it's really good or someone pays for the advertising in my opinion.  So today, I had to go after also reading a lot of good reviews on this new place.

I'm such a fan of themed restaurants especially when it jives to the food they serve.  This place is set-up like no other I've been into.  It looked like a background in an old Japanese marketplace.  This like took me to another dimension. A+ for creativity on the place.

While I think that the place is small than what I'd expect, it's still has a cozy feel.  The long lines coming here is really worth the wait.

The servers are very friendly and willing to answer quickly on your questions.  They are also prompt and set good expectations.  

While waiting for our food, I was reading the menu and found out that the word "OOMA" is a play on the Japanese word translating to the word "umai" meaning good.  

To my Filipino readers, remember "Umay" in our language translates more to "enough" or "tired of eating the same thing" well I just thought about that since I find it wonderful having different meaning of terms in different languages.

Going back, for me their vision is to create good food that is usually craved by the people. This is of course summarizing my take on what I've read about them below.

 Let's continue, I'm the type of person that I need a soda, juice or whatever type of drink every time I eat.  Good thing they offer bottomless brewed Lipton iced tea (85).  Next I'd like to show is the that paint brush like thing below, it's their soy sauce and I think it has mirin on it that you brush away for the maki's you eat.  Cool concept :)

 For appetizers, we got the corn and oyster kaki-age (php 155).  Basically this is tempura style fried oysters and Japanese corn in tempura batter matched with Kimchi Aioli and Seaweed (Nori) Salt.  I like texture and crunchiness of the kaki-age; however, I'd enjoy this more if there's a lot of osyters inside it.  Also, the kimchi aioli is kind of bland to me, I mean I don't feel there was kimchi at all.  What I liked though was the nori salt.  It's not something I'd crave to order but a nice to try. I'm giving it 3/5.

 Here's a closer view of the Corn and Oyster Kaki-age. 

OMMA taco maki shown below was an inspiration that comes from the "temaki" or cone shaped maki. Each serving has two taco maki's and what I've tried was the Uni Ebi Tamago Taco-Maki (php 220).  The presentation is unique like an open face maki as they say and this has sauteed prawns, kani, tamago, uni, wasabi, ginger and alique mayo.  Who can say no to that description right.  The first piece just went inside my mouth and it's gone.  The different ingredients just married it's way to my palette and all that's left to me was a smile, craving for more.  :) This is definitely a good 5/5.

On to the next dish, it's the Salmon Tartare Aburi Maki (php 295).  Aburi means to burn something and this is Japanese blow torching raw fish to showcase the flavors of the dish.  The first time I'd tried Aburi maki in Akira, I was in love.  This is better than regular maki's I've tried.  Oh my gosh, I'm salivating now just remembering how satisfying this experience was.  Each serving comes with 6 pcs and this includes scallops, salmon, cucumber, uni aioli, shiso leaves, togarashi (Japanese for genus Capsicum, or specifically the species Capsicum annuum, and commonly translated as chili pepper. When the term is used in English, it refers to any number of chili peppers or chili pepper-related products from Japan) and house tare.  First try of this dish the flavors just bursted out in my mouth and they had a party.  It's very fresh, and full of it's savory goodness. I can't say anything bad about it, it's heaven.  It's a big 5/5.  

 We had to try some more and the last one we tried was the Unagi Maki (consists of Broiled Eel, cream cheese, fried shallots, toasted rice) and this cost 299 php. It's like the typical maki but just with toasted rice and if you know me I love eel with teriyaki sauce.  While it's good, I feel that it's just like basic maki as I enjoyed the aburi version more. I give this a good 4/5.

Think we're done, nah that's just starters.  Here comes our main dish.  We ordered 3 cups of chahan (Japanese fried rice) that claims to be good for sharing at 99 pesos, it's a good thing we asked (like hungry eaters we are) and the waitress showed the good for one cup but segway and said this place offers complimentary plain rice in case we want extra rice.  

I'm not too fond of this but it tastes good.  I just fins the one's I've tried at other places better.  Love though the rice consistency on this.  I'd give it 3/5.

 Last we tried was the Hanger Steak (php 495) and this is basically Sous-vide hanging beef tenderloin usually a lesser known type of beef coming from the diaphragm of a beef or cow, from what I've read this is also considerably same as flank steak.  As a meat eater, I love how great this dish was served.  The steak was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful.  This is served on top of a sweet potato mash cooked in white truffle oil, ponzu butter, shitake mushrooms with crispy baby potatoes and green onions.  

Anything truffle related I always try for it's flavor.  I am a sucker for rich tasting food and this is a good thing to seal my tummy and say good night, lol.

 Overall, I'm satisfied with my experience and I'm definitely coming back for more.  I'm also curious about the Unagi Don and the other aburi maki's and the desserts.  We went here so late so we had to rush but it's still a very successful experience.  Thanks Anj and Erik for recommending this place to me.

 I had a very nice time and I hope you guys like what I've shared today.  Do comment and tell me your thoughts if you have dined here and you recommendations as well of what I or me and my friends should try next.  Don't forget to share and stay awesome people.

Oh before I forget, this is located in 3F of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ooma-824041817678130/timeline/

xoxo,

Julienne/Jelly

Pantene 3 minute Miracle Conditioner - Total Damage Care 10

Do you remember the last time you had a bad hair day and you just don't have the time to just deal with it.  Next thing you know, you are in a routine of having that bad hair day due to your busy schedules that consists school, work, errands and all the things you do in a day, we always need to do things fast.  

I ain't going to lie, that when you rush in the morning go on with your quick shower and even with damp hair you just raise it up in a bun and poof out of the house.  Or do you remember that awesome weekend where you had your hair all sprayed up with products and ironed it like hell just to look perfect. Or the time, you had your hair straightened, permed or colored.  These causes damage to your hair.  More often than not, we forget how to take care of our hair.

Admittedly, even single brushing of the hair is now a chore to some and when the hair is damaged that's when we try our best to revive it.  Buy hey, I found this product where you can treat your hair/scalp on a daily basis and it will only take you 3 minutes.  Not bad at all right.  

Who among you guys have tried power dose, keratin treatments and all other treatments, spa and masks you can thing of.  Pantene's 3 minute miracle conditioner (Total Damage Care 10) does these tricks to make your hair shinier, smoother and damage free in just 3 minutes.

Sounds deceiving right, I remember when I first tried this product I was like alright all conditioners will make your hair soft and after hours it's gone but not this.  It instantly revitalize your hair and make it live and free from damage.

This product as well is designed for daily use, great! But tell you this even if you like forget to use this daily, the effect of the product lasts.  I can even wear my 2nd day hair with no oil up.  This also prevents split ends with continued use (3 months) and loss of protein to the hair as the company claims it.

As you can tell by now, I'm totally in love with this product and I'm completely sold.  There is also a variation for hair fall I believe for this miracle potion lol.

This comes in two sizes, the 70 ml bottle (php 80 I believe) and the 150 ml has a 159 php srp.   With it's price, this beats your treatments you do at the salon.  Hey I'm not saying the salon treatments are not good they're great but it's not economical on a average type of gal unless you are like a super rich person that can do high maintenance weekly or monthly treatments.

I love how it smells, it doesn't linger but it's fruity or berry type.  Also, look at the packaging, I so love it as it's sophisticated and looks very elegant.  It screams to me like I'm a make you beautiful today.  Very good packaging mad props to the people helped with the overall experience of this product.

My rating for this one is a big 5/5, I believe it's a very innovative and powerful product we have out in the market today and I'm very pleased with my experience.

Okay, so as always let me know your thoughts and comment down below if you have tried this or what you want to see in the next blog.

I'll talk to you guys soon! :)

xoxo,
Julienne/Jelly

Ramen Nagi Experience

As the ramen craze continue to go big in the Philippines, I had my fair share of experiences in a couple of restaurants and of course, you my dear readers will get a taste or should I say a glimpse of my experience. 

 

Hello my fellow foodies, I'm back with another review and this time we go to Ramen Nagi in SM Aura.  I know I'm a little late in dining here but hey better late than never right.  I heard a lot of good things about this and I feel it's finally time and since me and my buddies are hungry let's get it on.

For starters the place looks like all Japanese inspired places I have gone and it's like the typical ramen houses I also see in pictures or movies.  It's the improved "karinderia" in my opinion.  Not that I'm saying the place is cheap or anything but the feels of the one stop and go restaurant.  It also looked like anime to me. :)

 

As I explained in my last blog, they said that ramen houses are typical workers fill-up when hungry station.  After a long day of work; maybe after a cool drinking session or just simply looking for a good noodle soup.

So much for my lengthy opening.  Now on to it, the restaurant offers 4 varieties of the basic ramen. For beginners, they offer "Butao" which is their signature tonkotsu ramen with pork broth.  They also have the "Akao" The Red King their ultimate savory spicy flavor.  They also have the Green King "Midorio" which is the one's with pesto on the broth.  Lastly, they have the "Kuroo" Black King which is the one's made with squid ink flavors.  The menu is plain and simple which is good. Other places may have tons of food offered but only a few a good.

All of their dishes is complete with a slice of pork, veggies and other toppings.  You may opt to add extra toppings if you wish.  But as a big eater just the big bowl is enough for me.

The condiments selection of sesame seeds, vinegar, fresh garlic and beansprouts on the table if you want to add some.

For appetizer, we got the Curry Spring Roll (php 150), if I remember it right we had 5-6 pieces and we had ketchup for the sauce.  This dish is yummy as the curry wasn't overpowering and just right to start up your taste buds for the dish ahead.  This has mean, vermicelli, veggies and all the good stuffs inside.  Definitely a must try. 5/5 rating.

  

Of course a visit to a typical noodle house will not end without tasting their "Gyoza" (php190).  It has the meat inside, veggies and spices wrapped in dumplings and the super awesome sauce.  This was a good try apart from the others I've tried but nothing so fancy. 4/5.

  

We now dig in deeper for the type of ramen we've tried.  Let's start with the Black King "Kuroo" (php 410). So basically the lady told me it's Butao base with squid ink sauce and you have ground meat "the ball" with your veggies and the slice of pork.  Mind you they will ask you how hard you want the noodle is, how spicy (the rating) you want for the soup and what kind of pork you want (mind you I told her the belly).

It was said to have fragrant blackened garlic and calamari ink in a silky broth with succulent chashu; finished with a ball of minced pork, black sesame and Nagi spices.  Yey, almost the same description as mine right. :)
 This dish ranked 1st on the other places I've tried.  This is love.  The soup itself was a winner as it's super tasty and it will certainly make you feel full.  The squid is not fishy and you can really feel that yeah it's authentic.  This has been my favorite and I give it a big 5/5.
 

Next in line is what they call the Red King "Akao" said to be a striking blend of garlic, chili oil and cayenne pepper in a velvety broth.  This again comes with a ball of miso-infused minced pork and special nagi goodness.  It's offered to all spicy eaters out there.  This has a good balance where you'll not just burn your tongues and not taste it's goodness. 5/5 for this oh so good dish.

Something out of the box pick is the Green King -Midorio (php 410) it's the one infused with basil and olive oil "pesto" with the delectable tonkotsu broth this was really a different approach with Parmesan cheese. This was for persons who doesn't like it spicy.  It's very earthy due to the basil and refreshing at the same time.  It's not my favorite but it's not bad.  4/5 rating for me.

We didn't try the "Butao" King as this is the base of all of the varieties of these ramen we had.  One con though I had is that they don't allow take-out.  I understand that these dishes are not good served hot but if you can't go take-out if you haven't finished a meal isn't very customer friendly.  But I think it's also a marketing strategy to keep you coming back for more.

My overall thoughts is that I still give them a 5/5 rating for restaurant appearance, friendly staff and awesome dishes.  I will definitely come back to this place, specially on a cold rainy night before ending a long day at work or wherever.  

Right now I'm salivating while writing, I better eat now, lol. Until next time my dearests.  Tell me your experience below if you have tried this place or any thoughts about it. 

Likewise, let me know what you want to see next here in my blog. 

To know more about Ramen Nagi, please visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/RamenNagiManila

xoxo, 
Julienne/Jelly

Etude House: Baking Powder B.B. Deep Cleansing Foam Review

I have always been a fan of one step cleansers as I really hate doing tons of things just to clean my face.  Lazy right, but I know some girls have at least experienced the same thing once in their lives. I ain't ashamed to say I am lazy sometimes.  

So today, I'd like to share to you guys my views on Etude House's Baking Powder B.B. Deep Cleansing Foam. Phew! That's a mouthful right.

The Packaging

It's tube type and has a very fun and simple packaging.  You may think that it's like a toy but isn't.  The design is nice to the eyes and I just hope the explanation at the back will have a bigger description versus smaller notes. Sometimes I get the feel that if it's like that you don't want us to know what's in it.  Rating: 4/5.
 

Consistency and Scent

The product has as very thick yet has a smooth consistency and it's gritty like "granular sugar".  I love scrub like products as it makes me feel all squeaky clean. It maybe also be because I'm a fan or scrubs that's all. For the smell, well technically baking powder doesn't have smell but this cleanser, smells like lemon/lime which are one of my favorite scents.  Thumbs up Etude House! 5/5 rating for this category.

 Forgive the picture below, I tried my best to take a picture of the product itself but it's a fail.

The Works

Now we go on to using the product. You just actually need a small amount (maybe 2 pea sized for a face like mine) on a damp face.  Try to massage the product on your face but not so hard as remember it's a little bit rough in texture.  Using circular motions avoiding your eyes and up to your neck lather the product.  Then will a little more droplets of water and this turns into a foaming wash where you will no longer remember the sandy like texture of it.  I also like a product with a good bubble if you know what I mean. 5/5

 
 This is how the product looks like after just applying it on a damp face.  It looks like I played with powder in my mom's make-up table.

The Verdict

With the product claims to penetrate and deeply cleanse within the pores and remove make-up and residues. I strongly feel that they have lived up to my expectations.  After washing my face with or without my make-up I no longer feel I have to worry about remaining products on my face. With how I use make-up, I know for sure what product works to take all the gunk off my face.  Trust me! :)  This has also said to be ideal for B.B (Beauty Balm) users. As many of you know, the BB creams are a little bit hard to remove with it's lotion type consistency.

In totality, I find this product a great alternative for the expensive make-up cleansers in the market.  Compared to my Philosophy Purity 3 in 1, it's a good everyday wash as well.  Yey for 5/5.

By the way this product costs 398 pesos for a 150 ml product.  Definitely a big thumbs up and I hope this review is helpful to you ladies/gents out there. :)

Leave a comment down below of your experience and your thoughts about this product.  

I hope you guys have a great Wednesday! :)

xoxo, 
Julienne/Jelly

Locavore Kitchen x Drinks Experience

Hello my dearest readers,

I'm in a good mood today and I am so excited to share with my experience at one of the local restaurants here in Pasig where I have heard a lot of news about.  The restaurant's name is Locavore Kitchen x Drinks they are located at 10 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City (if you know there Ace Water Spa is, that street just enter and a couple of blocks and you'll never miss it).

I've been trying to invite my friends to go here and my dear friends Anj and Erik went with me, hooray for impromptu invites. Anyways, as I was reading the background of this restaurant, it says that the word "Locavore" is a term used for a person who eats food that is grown, raised, and produced less than 100 miles from home.  It sounded all organic to me then so I said to myself I had to try this.

Okay, so to continue we arrived roughly about 9:30 in the evening for a late dinner and we were so lucky as the place was not packed that day.  The previous attempt that we had, it was a weekend (Friday) and the place was full.  It's not only a dine-in spot but it's a chill out place with friends for a couple of drinks or plainly hangout.  

Let's get it on with the food shall we?! So the picture below shows their best seller Sizzling Sinigang and this is not the typical sinigang that we are used to.  As you can see, there's no soup and my friend Anj was like, guys are you sure as I want soup! So year, instead of the tangy broth it's what they all sampaloc gravy type.  

Yes, you heard me right "sampaloc gravy" kind of sauce.  It's basically beef short ribs sauteed in french beans with gravy and garlic confit.  The serving for it's price is a good one in my opinion as it's good for 2-3 persons.

I love how tender the meat was and I love the french beans as the flavor or the sampaloc gravy went in it and yea it's fresh.  Just so you know I don't like eggplants and string beans/baguio beans in my normal sinigang as I feel it takes out the taste.  The garlic confit in this is also to die for, not overpowering at all and the tomatoes is so fresh. It's a thumbs up 5/5 for me.
 

Another view of this masterpiece

On to the second dish, it's what they call Lechon Oyster Sisig (php 360). First off, let me tell you guys what more can you ask for when you hear the word lechon in a dish.  It's a Filipino delicacy that you wait for every time there is a big event.  Oysters are of of my favorites specially if it's in "kinilaw form" ceviche but this is a different twist.

The sauce was quite sweet but it's not that overpowering.  It's just a so so dish as it's like normal sisig that is mixed with oysters.  Nonetheless, I like it. it's a good 4/5 for me. :) 

 The last on the list was the Pares Mami (php 350).  Look a the presentation, there is a kettle filled with the soup and then the noodles, meat and others are on a cast iron pot.  It's very cute and unique.  For the taste, the soup base could be improved as my fist impression was packed noodles?! or what it too much umami flavor.  The meat was tender as well and the egg was cooked right and the noodles are just right.  If maybe an add on to your dish I'd say try it but as the main dish, I'd rather skip it.  I'd give this a 3/5.

By the way, the way how they serve each dish is one of a kind.  Rustic cast iron pans over a wood type plate of some sort.  Over the next table we saw their appetizers that are like local fish balls and quail eggs (kwek-kwek) are on sticks and served with glass cups for the sauce.

Lastly, the place is very cozy they have an air conditioned room but the capacity was not big but since it wasn't hot that day I wasn't complaining if we were in the common area.  The place looks good and it's very inviting.  You can either hangout with friends or dine with family here.  I love the rustic approach to this place. 4/5 rating for me.

 Whoopies, look at this sign.  "Banyo" - "Comfort Room"

I surely had a great time here and I love the experience.  I hope you guys loved this article.  Comment down below your thoughts and if you've visited here already.  Let me know any suggestions you may have.  See you on my next adventure.

P.S. 

You can visit Locavore's website at http://www.locavore.ph/index.php/menu.


xoxo,

Julienne/Jelly