Katsu Yakitori Bar

Whenever you want to party or eat out, The Fort / Bonifacio Global City is always one of the top choice areas.  Why?  Because there are A LOT and I mean A LOT of good restaurants and bars located here.  Personally, I love BGC because there's no traffic, the place is so organized, and I can find everything I want here.  There's the Starbucks drive thru, Mercato Cetrale, the huge Fully Booked, and my favorite restaurants too.  Anyway, to cut to the chase, there's a new place in The Fort Strip which I already tried twice and I think you might like it.  It's KATSU YAKITORI BAR. 

KATSU opened last May so it's only 2 months old, and is located right beside Amber Ultralounge and Scarlet Lounge at The Fort Strip.  It's perfect for sumptuous dinner before you party, maybe a midnight snack after your night out, or just a quiet date with your special someone.  The first thing I noticed with Katsu even before getting inside is it's cool exterior and architecture.  The one-story restaurant has wooden walls and flooring (looks like Japanese bamboo).  It has an open air deck or patio in front for smoking guests and for those who want to enjoy al fresco dining.  The exterior looks very appealing to me.  Then upon entering, I also liked the interiors and ambiance.  The lighting is good, furniture is modern, and the place looks nice overall.  The ambiance would make you think it's an expensive restaurant BUT it really isn't. That is one of the best things about Katsu -  the food is very very affordable.  I wouldn't say "cheap" because it connotes something derogatory, but for the quality of food they have, yeah it's affordable (good value for money).  And because I came back twice, the food was obviously satisfactory! I'm not jumping up and down after eating (yeah I do after Antonio's and Aubergine haha!) but the serving is big and they are tasty enough for me the Jap-lover.  If you want to enjoy decent Japanese food, Katsu won't fail you.

So what was on the table?  We tried the Dynamite Roll which had salmon skin, scallions, and cream cheese topped with spicy salmon, Aspara-Bacon Maki which was basically asparagus wrapped in bacon Yakitori with sauce,  the California Roll which is an all time personal favorite, the Agedashi Tofu Steak, our Japanese resto staple Gyoza, and my Katsu favorite Spicy Tuna Roll with Kani.  All dishes had subtle yet authentic Japanese flavor and were yummy.  I wish the Tofu Steak was a little bit saltier though but all the rolls were good.  For those who want simple Japanese dining but in a more upscale environment, this is the place for you.☺

Dynamite Roll (P245)

Aspara-bacon Maki (P85 for 2 pcs)

California Roll (P225)

Agedashi Tofu Steak

Gyoza

Spicy Tuna Roll with Kani

Katsu
Unit E Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue, corner 26th Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel. 846-1715, 846-2649, 552-21650
e-mail: barcraftconcept@ymail.com

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Mario Badescu Who?

So my first statement would sound a bit arrogant but here it goes: I'd like to think that I have/had good skin.  I went through the problematic puberty stage without having acne and breakouts.  Occasionally, I'd get one small zit when it's the time of the month but 95% of the time my skin is clear, not oily, and with small pores.  I guess I also owe it to my genes because both my parents have really good skin.  Yes, I "was" lucky. WAS.  Unfortunately, year 2010 (that was late last year), my skin started to change.  It became a bit oilier on the t-zone and worse, I developed four to five zits every month even when I didn't have my period.  I was really freaking out because I never had huge pimples on my cheeks!  Before when I would have that occasional zit, it would be one tiny red dot on my forehead, nose, of chin, but NEVER on my cheeks! NEVER!

This really really bothered me.  So I went to the dermatologist (for the first time in my life) but she would just tell me it's hormonal or stress-related and that I shouldn't panic because it's really a mild breakout.  She also gave me some topical medicine but it didn't work for me.  I felt really ugly having these zits and red scars and for me it was a drastic change from being used to having clear skin.  So I researched on products that might help me and I came across MARIO BADESCU.  (This was after trying Clinique, Garnier, etc.) At first I was like, Mario Badescu who??  The brand is not that popular Philippines probably because it's not heavy on marketing but I did hear a couple of good reviews about it.  So I went to Rustans Essenses to look for Mario Badescu products and decided to give them a try.  

The recommended zit-zapper is the MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION.  It's a small bottle of solution with light pink creamy bottom and alcohol-like top layer.  It looked and smelled very "medicinal" and I was convinced to shell out P1045 for a small 29ml bottle.  Geez my wallet almost fainted! ☹ Yeah it is very expensive for a pimple treatment when you think about it but I was hoping it would be worth it.  Thank God they had freebies too.  Oh, and as if my wallet wasn't already complaining, I also purchased the MARIO BADESCU CORRECTIVE COMPLEX EMULSION for P1245! Of course I wanted something for my acne scars as well so there goes my moolah!

My Mario Badescu Corrective Complex Emulsion (right most) and the freebies in sample sizes

The verdict?  MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION did improve the state of my giant zit after two days.  The stubborn zit did not disappear magically like how others described it, but definitely improved and healed faster (2-3 days) than when I used my derma meds.  It did sting a little bit as soon as the pink stuff touched my pimple but it only lasted for about 5 seconds and was tolerable.  Since I use it before going to bed, I just have to wait for it to dry for about 10-15 minutes to make sure it doesn't just transfer to my pillow.  Basically, it's easy to use and you can feel that it's really working.  Another good thing about it is that a little goes a long way (you only need to dab a small amount of that pink sediment) so the price wouldn't be an issue anymore.  The only thing I dislike about it is the smell.  It stinks! It smells like strong antibiotics and it really stays until the morning.  Nevertheless, I say it's a pretty efficient product overall and I'm glad I tried it.

The zit-zapper!

Oh and make sure you don't shake the solution! Only use the bottom part.

As for the MARIO BADESCU CORRECTIVE COMPLEX EMULSION, I don't have visible results as of the moment but I like the consistency and I'm glad it doesn't stink.  It doesn't feel oily on my skin (which is very good) and there's no sting too.  I'll do a review after a month to let you guys know.  I also have to try the other freebies in sample sizes.  Who knows, there might be a holy grail product there.  In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it works! ☺    


♥ Mario Badescu convert, 
TFVS

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DELIMONDO DELICIOSO!

After discovering Delimondo two years ago, I was actually hesitant to try it.  First, the packaging looked too simple (plain white paper) so I had this impression of it being an "amateur product".  The second reason involved already having a trusted brand - Purefoods, which also had quality and delicious corned beef.  It was actually not love at first sight for me and Delimondo but after giving it a chance, I realized I got it all wrong and claimed that it was the best corned beef I ever tasted. It was love at first bite. ♥

Up until today, my opinion has not changed.  Delimondo is delicioso and still the best! Every time I eat Delimondo corned beef, I get giddy like a kid getting to eat ice cream or hotdogs.  The meat is just so juicy and so tasty!  I don't even add any seasoning anymore when I cook it (or ask yaya to cook it).  I just put a lot of white onions, set the nonstick pan to heat, let it cook in the beef's own juice, and walah! Comfort food and favorite breakfast food perfection! ☺

I love both flavors (Ranch Style and Garlic and Chili), but most of the time I prefer Garlic and Chili with my steaming rice.  It has the perfect kick of spiciness for me. Mmm absolutely delicious! ♥ Plus, I love the fact that it's proudly Pinoy made. For those who haven't tried it, you're really missing half of your life. Seriously! Just give it a try and you'll be a convert too.

The Delimondo line is available at Petra and Pilar, Salcedo Saturday Market, and S&R. (Peso Power: Ranch Style Big - P145, Ranch Style Small - P110, Garlic & Chili Big - P155, Garlic & Chili Small - P115)  You also have to try their drizzling oils and sausages.  All delicioso!

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SHOP MUJI

Ever since MUJI opened in the Philippines, I felt relieved because I no longer have to hoard my trusty pens every time i go to Hong Kong or Singapore. Hooray!☺ But despite my pen obsession, MUJI has definitely become more than just a supplies store for me.  You can find really yummy snacks there, home decor, organizing stuff, and even good apparel!  Uh huh, the store has almost everything you (or I) need.  So, yes, I have to admit that a visit to Muji at least once a month is a must for me for some dose of retail therapy.  Speaking of which, I want to share with you THREE MUJI THINGS that are in my TO-BUY LIST right now.  Here it goes:

TFVS CURRENT LIST AS OF JULY 20, 2011:

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #1:  A BUCKET OF MARKERS

Okay, I can already hear my boyfriend's voice saying where the heck would I use these... He's right!  These are definitely not 'necessary' for my everyday life but I can't help it!  They are just so adorable.  The little markers are cute and colorful and even the clear plastic bucket is cute too.  It's like a bucket of candy pens (yeah unleash the kid at heart).  Sorry guys, I really have a thing for pens, markers, and art materials.  Most of them just get dried up in my cabinet though, since I'm no artist.  But what can I do, I love them! ☺ Considering the not so affordable price, I'm not sure if anyone else would want to buy these, but, well, fine, I'll think about it.

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #2:  POLKA SCARVES

I know Philippine weather isn't scarf-friendly but these are cute ones!  The price is quite steep for a scarf but hey a scarf can last for years and years - it's a classic piece.  Maybe I can wear it to work where it's freezing cold.  And besides, the material isn't too thick.  I love the soft fabric actually, the design just comes second.  The scarves come in brown, blue, white, black, and pink.  Hmm I wonder which color I should get.  What do you think? 

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #3:  SEAWEED SHAMPOO AND 5 FRUITS CONDITIONER

I've always wanted to try Muji's hair care products but I always forget about it.  Maybe it's time to purchase these goodies and let you all know how it goes.  After all, Japanese beauty brands never fail.  Plus, the price isn't so bad.  I think these are more affordable compared to the markers and the scarf haha!
 
Okay, now I'm excited to head off to Muji and buy these! See you later! 

(P.S. I just love the MUJI store because it is such a peaceful place to be in.  Don't you agree?  I love the atmosphere there.  It's very relaxing. Ciao!)

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Jelly On Your Hair

I change my shampoo every two months because one, I easily get bored with scents and two, I heard it's healthier for your scalp and hair if you don't just stick to one brand.  So, last May, I tried out L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION SHAMPOO and L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION CONDITIONER.  Because I have dry treated hair, I thought these were perfect for me.  I also wanted to try ROYAL JELLY because I heard a lot of good things about it. Royal Jelly is actually honey bee secretion and is popularly used as dietary supplements because it has vitamin B-complex, proteins, amino acids, and minerals.  Sounds like my hair's gonna be really healthy right?  ☺

 

 

At first glance, the orange and white packaging looks appealing and fresh.  Orangey-yellow matches the royal jelly I guess haha! I wanted to use it right away!  Although the scent is not fruity (I love fruity products), it was mild and it kinda smelled like honey so it's good.  I like the soft creamy consistency that feels silky even on the hands.  So... what did the jelly finally do to my hair?

The L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION SHAMPOO was a sweetheart and it was impossible for me not to fall in love with it.  It kept my hair so soft, smooth, and shiny and I just couldn't stop massaging my scalp and hair with the creamy lather every time I take a bath.  It smelled good and felt good without the greasy icky oiliness which some moisturizing shampoos have.  It definitely moisturized my hair from the roots to the tips and I did feel that my hair became healthy and more manageable.  I love it!  As for the L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION CONDITIONER, it's pretty much the same as the shampoo.  Scent was mild and honey-like, and it was soft and smooth to use.  My problem here though would be it's consistency.  Because my hair is very dry, it needs a more potent and rich conditioner that would really smoothen out my frizz and repair the damage.  Sadly, the conditioner was a little too mild for my coarse and brittle hair.  So, I had to use a creamier conditioner (of a different brand). For girls with moderately dry to good locks however, I do recommend this product.  It still smoothens and conditions well and keeps the hair healthy.  I guess my hair is just really bad nowadays.

Overall, I really liked the L'OREAL's RE-NUTRITION LINE and I'm definitely buying more.  If Winnie the Pooh likes hunny, I like Royal Jelly for my hair. ☺

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MUST TRY MONDAYS

Hello, Monday!  Hola, readers!  TFVS is back and blogging.  To start the week right, TFVS recommends three must-trys for everyone! :)

MUST TRY # 1:  PRINGLES SEAWEED

Photo from TVFS Instagram (iPhone)

Who loves Japanese food?  Do you like Nori?  Then this is the best junk food for you! I love it because it really does taste like nori/seaweed without tasting too artificial.  It's not too salty, just the right amount of seaweed flavor.  Pair that with the thin crispy goodness of Pringles and yumyumyum you can't stop munching.  I'm sure it's available in most supermarkets so go on and try it! :)

MUST TRY # 2:  BAR DOLCI MACARONS

Photo from TFVS Instagram (iPhone)

TFVS has already did a review of Bar Dolci and here's one of the reasons why we keep coming back - the macarons!  These sweet goodies are P50 each and they have unique flavors to choose from.  It's a personal favorite of mine and I recommend dark chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla.  When I want to satisfy my sweet tooth, this never fails! Try it!

MUST TRY # 3: TGIFRIDAY'S JACK DANIEL'S RIBS 

Photo from TFVS Instagram (iPhone)

What can I say? This is to die for.  I love ribs and I absolutely love Jack Daniel's!  So combine those two together and it's a match made in heaven. ♥ The sauce actually does everything.  It's really the highlight of the dish.  If only I could ask for 3 more cups of that mouth watering sauce... There's also Jack Daniel's Pork Chops by the way.  But I like ribs better.  Try it and see for yourself! :)  


Have a good week, everyone! ☺

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