Full Moon

Another restaurant near Little Tokyo that's very much worth mentioning about is Mangetsu (萬月), which playfully translates to full moon (満月). This restaurant is near the old Sango's burger restaurant in Mile Long Building along Amorsolo Street in Makati. 

And the fennel bulbs would commend Mangetsu as one of the best Japanese restaurants in town. The offerings in the menu are formidable, and the variety of sushi is quite good. Also on the menu is gratinated rice, and more traditional Japanese staples like rice bowls and sukiyaki. 

 

On the picture above are baby squids with chili miso sauce (Php350). The squids are tender and not at all tough, which is usually the problem with eating squid. The real thrill is in the sauce which is just a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy. There is also a strong hint of sesame. 

 

Next is beef packed with egg (Php300), cooked and served on a huge Japanese bamboo ladle. The dish is served piping hot, and the sauce resembles that of sukiyaki, only more copious. It's on the sweet side, probably with liberal dashes of rice vinegar and sake. The beef is also tender, and overall, a delightful dish. 

Next is assorted sushi (Php420). Included are sashimi balls, which are very visually appealing. Not to mention, the quality of the salmon and the tuna are very good. The flesh literally glimmers when lit. 

 

Next is tofu gratin (Php380). It's an inventive dish. Mozzarella cheese is used. Soft tofu is used and it all melts in the mouth. The dish is mild and quite delicate, and one can sense the milk in every spoonful of it. 

 

Lastly is the sweet potato ice cream (Php165). Homemade vanilla ice cream is topped with pureed sweet potatoes. The taste of the sweet potatoes totally complements the vanilla ice cream, and the result is a heavenly dessert that is truly comforting.

A delightful experience at Mangetsu, from appetizer all the way to dessert. :-)