New York Bar ♥ ♥

 

Listed as a must in every single Tokyo guide and rated one of the best rooftop bars in the world, I do not dare leave Tokyo without a visit to this much celebrated hotel bar. The minute I walk in I understand why Sofia Coppola chooses this place for her movie Lost in Translation. Set on the top floor of the Park Hyatt, New York Bar welcomes its guests with these views:

 

 

Although nothing can ever replace that special spot Hong Kong night view holds in my heart, looking down at this perfect picture of Tokyo, with a cocktail in hand, is not too bad a place to be in, not bad at all. It is the perfect ending to the perfect meal we had earlier at Steak House Satou.

 

Espresso Martini and Rose Martini

 

ROSE MARTINI RULES!

ESPRESSO MARTINI FOOLS.

 

Just a few steps from the bar is the equally famous New York Grill. A look at its menu and I suddenly wish I was born with two stomachs. Or three. Life is just so unfair.

 

New York Grill

 

But no worries, New York Grill, I will be back for you!

 

New York Bar: 52/F Park Hyatt Tokyo, Nishi-Shinjuku 3-7-1, Tokyo. +81 3 5323 3458

Steak House Satou ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Top 3 Reasons I Like Cary Ng:

3. He is a great boyfriend to Tinnie.

2. He is online 24/7 and is always ready to give advice on all things geeky techy.

1. He introduced me to Steak House Satou, where I had one of the best steak meals of my life.

 

Steak House Satou occupies a teensy weensy space on top of a meat shop in the markets of Kichijoji. I am a bit hesitant to come all the way here on a 4-day-first-time-to-Tokyo trip as Kichijoji is not anymore on the JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro lines, and therefore out of our virgin tourists route. But with much convincing and repeated assurance from Cary that this is THE place for Matsuzaka steak, I finally give in and plan our Welcome-to-Tokyo-Happy-Birthday-Jeremy dinner here.

 

 

This 18-seater restaurant is almost always full. We are lucky we get here at the perfect time – when everybody else has gone and just a little before the restaurant closes on us.

As per Cary’s specific instructions, we order the most expensive set on the menu – Tokusen Sirloin Steak Set 180g at Y8,400, and Tokusen Sirloin Steak Set (yes, again!) 270g at Y12,600.

 

Salad & pickles that come with the set, Asahi for the Birthday Boy

 

 

Tokusen Sirloin, A5 Matsuzaka Beef

One bite and we are blown away. I just have to say, I have never had beef this good before (ok, ok, I have, but on one occasion only!) The marbling makes the meat so tender and flavorful that each bite is a burst of joy in my mouth. Even the garlic chips and bean sprouts on the side are exceptional and are perfect complements to the steak. The meal leaves us speechless, but if you see the delirious smiles on our faces  then you will know that indeed, there is no need for words. And the best part is, for the price Satou is charging,  this top quality steak set is an absolute steal! To be in Tokyo and not take advantage is just utterly crazy.

 

Steak House Satou: 2F, 1-1-8 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo (東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺本町1-1-8) +81422216464

Hutong ♥ ♥ ♥

Hutong has been voted many times as one of the best in Hong Kong. This comes as no surprise as dining in this uber chic resto is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. With stunning interiors, the enchanting view of Hong Kong Harbour as backdrop, and food that never fails to please, it is easily one of the best in my list, too. So imagine my delight when Jeremy and Doty flew in from Manila. Aaahhh... just the excuse I have been waiting for!

 

 

 

There are two things that keep me coming back to Hutong:

Crispy Deboned Lamb Ribs

This is absolutely the best! How the chef manages to make the skin so crispy and the meat so tender is a true testament of his masterful culinary skills.

 

Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Sichuan Red Peppers

Served in a red basket full of red peppers, this dish is so red you sweat just looking at it. And it tastes just as hot as it looks! There is no stopping us though. Bring on the rice, Baby!

 

As we are all big eaters, we order three more dishes to share amongst the four of us.

Braised Beef Rib Wrapped in Lotus Leaf

 

“Ma-la” Prawns with Sichuan Chili & Chinese Celery

 

Spicy Ground Meat with String Beans

The beef and prawns are just ok. What surprises me is the string beans, a rather simple dish but done exceptionally well. I can eat bowls and bowls of rice with it.

Yes, it is THAT good.

 

The Hutongers: Jeremy, Alvin, Me and Doty

 

Hutong: 28/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon +852.34288342

yes, i LOVE to eat!

 

A friend once called me a walking Michelin. Good food is my passion and I am in constant search for it. Because of this, I have dined in more places than most people, making me weigh much more than most people, making me the go-to person of friends for restaurant recommendations, reviews, down to the dishes to order.

Whether or not he also meant I bear great semblance to Bib the Michelin Man, I chose not to ask.

    

 

With much persuasion and encouragement from friends come the birth of this blog. I hope you enjoy reading about my food adventures as much as it excites me to share them with you. I wish only that I had taken photos of all my past meals. Nonetheless, I will try to document as many as I can from today on, even if it is pure torture to see and smell food but not be allowed to taste until I get some decent photos! So to my will-be eating companions, thank you in advance, my dahlings, for being so patient!

Hence the story of my love affair with food begins. ♥