Mr. Yusuke Katayama, the man behind Tsukiji admits to two passions: golf and Japanese food. Mr. Katayama first journeyed to the Philippines 20 years ago to tour the golf courses. While he was teeing off in different clubs around the country, he discerned a lack of authentic Japanse cuisine. From golfer on holiday he transformed to serious restaurateur. With his wife, Minny Katayama, and some Filipino partners, he opened Tsukiji Japanese restaurant in the Milky Way building along Pasay Road in Makati to great success. Now, the restaurant takes on a new course, emerging as Century Tsukiji, the banner Japanese restaurant of Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila.

Hot kitchen and tempura chef Shinji Furukawa, Yusuke Katayama, Minny Katayama, teppanyaki chef Kamura Seiji Kamijo and sushi chef Yamazaki Seito

According to the Katayamas, the menu of Century Tsukiji echoes the four seasons of Japan, with each season marking a distinct assortment of culinary delights. For example, the daily catch of fish varies during winter and summer, in the same way that different vegetables are harvested during spring and autumn. The Century Tsukiji team prides itself on preparing strictly authentic Japanese cusine. No fusion dishes, or recipes tweaked with local substitutes or shortcuts are served here. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used in preparing every item in Century Tsukiji’s menu, most of them imported daily from Tsukiji, one of the largest wholesale markets in Tokyo, where one can find the freshest produce – from vegetables and fruits to meats, fishes, and other marine products.

Daily deliveries are made through Century Park Hotel’s affiliation with Philippine Airlines, as both enterprises are run by business tycoon, Dr. Lucio Tan. Moreover, a formidable team of Japanese culinary experts stands behind Century Tsukiji – led by Mr. Yuseke Katayama as consultant, Mr. Kamura Seiji Kamijo as teppanyaki chef, Mr. Shinji Furukawa as hot kitchen and tempura chef, and Mr. Yamazaki Seito as the sushi chef. Classic, all season Century Tsukiji offerings worth trying include the Gindara Teriyaki, succulent and flaky gindara fish, with a delicate smoky flavour, topped with a rich sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce; Kaiso Salad, a refreshing concoction of crisp greens and savory crab meat; and Hotate Kaiyaki, delectable scallops fire-grilled in butter and sake wine.

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Valentine Treats

Lovers everywhere can choose where to spend Valentine’s Day from these venues that offer all the elements for a romantic rendezvous.

Traders Hotel
On Feb. 14, guests at Traders Hotel Manila offers special Valentine treats for couples. For only Php3,000++ per couple plus taxes and service charge, Traders Hotel (3001 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City) provides a special Valentine’s dinner prepared by its executive chef in a romantic setting at the Paseo del Sol. It includes buffet dinner, a glass of wine, entertainment and a special Valentine’s gift.

For only Php7,500 plus taxes and service charge, couples can enjoy an overnight stay in a Traders Club room and experience the wide range of exclusive privileges extended to Traders Club guests, including complimentary daily breakfast, afternoon tea and sunset cocktails in the Traders Club Lounge which offers a breathtaking view of Manila Bay and its magnificent sunset. Call (02) 523-7011 ext. 2996 or send an email to events.thm@shangrila.com

Discovery Suites
Lovers on Valentine’s Day can avail of the hotel’s Valentine’s Day Suite and Dinner Package for only Php5,500++ This love offering allows couples to experience a private, romantic interlude in a one-bedroom suite, Guests may choose from two romantic dinner offerings—a five-course Italian set menu for two at Serendipity Lounge or a dinner buffet for two at Restaurant 5. For the five-course dinner, walk-in diners may avail of this special set dinner menu at only Php850++ per person inclusive of sparkling wine. Diners will also receive a special Valentine token and will be serenaded by a live acoustic guitarist.

Guests who will avail of the Valentine’s Day packages have the chance to receive special gifts from Jewelmer, Tissot Swiss watches, Crabtree & Evelyn, Cinema 2000, Eastwood Cinemas, Montre and Lancome, Paris. Discovery Suites is located at 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Renaissance Makati City Hotel Manila
Renaissance Makati City Hotel Manila (Esperanza cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City) outlets present superb choice of Valentine’s Day dinners. At the Bocarinos a sizzling six-course set menu of continental cuisine is offered at Php2,200 per person that includes a glass of sparkling wine, a stemmed rose and a box of delectable Valrhona chocolates.

The Coffee Shop offers a buffet that includes sparkling wine, a stemmed rose and a box of Valrhona chocolates for Php1,270 per person. Fine Cantonese restaurant Emperor Court features an eight-course set menu that is offered at Php3,388 for two persons. Ladies receive the traditional rose, a box of deluxe Valrhona chocolates and complimentary glasses of sparkling wine for the couple ensure the addition of sparks to the idyllic evening. All prices are subject to VAT, local government tax, and service charge. For details, call (02) 811-6888.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
Enjoy Valentine with an evening of Bossa Nova rhythm and beat with one of Manila’s most promising young singers, Sitti at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila (1588 Pedro Gil cor. M. H. del Pilar, Malate, Manila). Accalimed for her sweet and soothing voice, Sitti will perform at the hotel’s newly opened Ballroom. For Php2,000, enjoy a Brazilian themed cocktail buffet at the foyer, two rounds of refreshing drinks while experience a one-of-a-kind Bossa Nova fever. Call (02) 245-1234 ext. 7803.

Gift Ideas
Bizu Patisserie makes valentine extra special by offering long-stemmed roses from Ecuador to go with its array of cakes and pastries. The choice ranges from roses and other sweet choices like heart shaped Strawberry Chboust or 30 pieces of delightful Valrhona Truffles in special jeweled boxes to dainty Macarons de Paris comes in a clear box of 14 pieces, featuring the new dark cherry chocolate flavor, among others.

Aphrodisiac-themed set entrees will also be prepared. Call Bizu outlets: Greenbelt 2 (02) 757-2498; Alabang Town Center, (02) 809-2498; Glorietta 4 (02) 757-2086; Greenhills Promenade (02) 724-2498 and Mall of Asia (02) 556-0858.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Love week at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu’s finest, offers special room and dinner packages for the Valentine’s season this week. From February 13-15, enjoy an overnight stay in a deluxe room with a romantic private Valentine Dinner offered right at your room at only PHP2,000+++ pax.

On Valentine’s Day, couples can have a sumptuous buffet dinner at Café Marco with its signature Asian-Western cuisine along with its strolling violinists. Or spend an equally memorable evening at the Garden Terrace while dining and dancing under the stars to Interact, one of Cebu’s top bands. A special treat is the candlelit dinner comprising set main course with buffet appetizers and desserts. Both venues go for PhP999+++ per person only.

The hotel has been turned into a one-stop shop for Valentine’s gifts with chocolates and flowers sold at the lobby. Couples may also have their futures assessed by fortune tellers. For the rest of February till March 3, diners can fete the Year of the Pig by way of the splendid Chinese Food Fest at Café Marco. On Saturday, February 17, join the Marco Polo Reunion Dinner at PhP11,888+++ per table of 12. Or the Chinese New Year’s Day on Sunday, February 18, as three Beijing chefs from Marco Polo Parkside Beijing serve their masterpieces to your family and friends. The chefs; namely, Lu Zhen Ning, Xie Bing Fu, and Huang Yan, have also cooked for the delegation from the People’s Republic of China during the recent Asean Summit. For reservations and inquiries, pls. call Carlo Borromeo, PR Manager, at (032) 253-1111, 234-8108, or 0920-945-7829.

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The Heritage Hotel Manila and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia recently inked an agreement to stage the “Indonesian Cuisine…the Ultimate Diversity” food promotion on Mar. 9-23. Eddie Yeo, general manager of Heritage Hotel (3rd left) and Mr. Sanusi, minister/deputy chief of mission, Indonesian Embassy (2nd left) signed the contract. Maila Sonja Tahar, minister counselor of Indonesian Embassy (extreme left) and Gibetth Gloria, the hotel’s food and beverage manager witnessed the partnership agreement (extreme right). Heritage Hotel is a member of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and Resorts (M&C).

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