This February 14, which we all know as Valentine's Day, it is for sure, and always that many girls and boys get their roses, sunflowers, daisies, or whatever their favorite flowers are from their significant someone. As for me? I got a cactus! Yup, cactus! Because Dada treated me a lunch date at Saboten. And Saboten in Japanese means cactus. Uh-huh, that is the V-Day flowering plant I received this year. Cutie, right! I know! Heehee 💖 I do not usually meet Dada on the exact Valentine's. It is either an advanced or late celebration. Cliche, but it is really really really true that every passing day is a "Happy Valentine's Day" for the two of us. Whenever Feb 14 comes, I spend it with my Mama. Yes, more of Galentine's Day instead! The 2020 and this year though were an exception. Because two years ago, we attended the UP Fair, our most exciting annual tradition. And before the concert proper, we had Tokyo Tokyo for lunch. That was why remembering it now, it was like wow, level up the Jap restaurant we were eating at this 2022! Which I said, at Saboten. Not sure why I told these details too. But yeah. Just sharing. As usual ~ Regarding that unusually good Monday, Dada and I met around one in the afternoon. Since it was past lunchtime, the 11:11 couple was both hungry already. And so, while on the way to Bonifacio Global City, we were already deciding where to eat. My sweet jowa had been inviting me to feast at Saboten ever since. With that then, I already sensed that it must be a great dining place. However, looking at the store seems like Saboten is a fancy Japanese restau, so I want something going on first if we would be dining there. Although I know we could pay, that does not mean we should spend too much kind of mindset, you know :) I see Saboten as a commendable food chain for birthdays, anniversaries, and all that important celebs like this lovely day, but not for spontaneous or random food trips because the price is in the mid-range. The appetizers cost PHP 100 to PHP 300. Specialty course sets are ranging PHP 420 to PHP 775. Some have Small-Medium-Large choices, but some are fixed. Like Dada's order, The Original Tenderloin Set, he had the biggest. While for me, the OG Rolled Tenderloin Set, I did not need to choose a size. Though sharing sets would be sulit as we came two-gether, Dada and I discussed just trying the food we crave. Sharing sets are at PHP 1175 to PHP 1500 depending on the number of people and inclusions you are having. So to be honest, it is not bad. But most probably, if we are to calculate the average cost per meal at Saboten, it must be around PHP 500 to PHP 700 + service charge. When Dada and I opened the door, we were accommodated cheerfully by the Saboten staff. They checked the tables first, then led our way. And you know it, the menu was given to us, of course. Then after ordering, we were given shredded cabbage, pickles, rice, and miso soup because all set meals offer those complimentary. And what is nice about the free food, they are refillable! So much love for the cabbage and the creamy sauce provided. Also the miso soup, it tastes authentic. Just that, solve agad, tbh. About the meals? Dada had the Tenderloin, the signature menu of Saboten. As Saboten is known for the original and authentic tonkatsu house from Tokyo and Shinjuku, you should know that breaded deep-frieds are the way to go here! My man's meal was tenderloin, so it was cut into big squares. As for me, I got the loin cutlet, so it was arc-shaped. Also devoured such deep-fried shrimp because I was craving for tempura and rolled tenderloin cheese cutlets because they looked so palatable that made me curious about it. Yasss, my set called Rolled Tenderloin Set A includes all those three. And you know, I read that these super tender fillets are one of the bestsellers since 1966, so what an honor! Whereas, my takeaway trying both mine and Dada's and the compli meals, I could say that Saboten's menu is really amazing! The taste of the tonkatsus were good and not oily even when deep-fried. And! Eating at Saboten was just so, so, so filling! Ela Manila approved 💖 My first-ever dining experience at Saboten was and would always be worth remembering! First, because Dada and I dated here on Valentine's. And not just Valentine's celebration per se, but the exact V-Day! Awww, yay! Second, because of the delicious and satisfying meals we enjoyed. Though kinda above the budget-friendly criteria, I still find the costing reasonable. Good meals, good deals and that is the most important thing anyway. The third must be because of the staff. Different from what I imagined, the staff were nice. Like, nice nice! Despite it being a posh restaurant. You know, semi-fine dinings like these, some employees tend to be intimidating. But here, they were warm and welcoming to the customers. I am saying this here because I sincerely appreciate the service. Also the interiors, I love it, and that is the fourth reason! Saboten's design has oriental, minimalistic feels. With the brown hues and greens dominating the resto, it is very zen-like. Museum-y, spa-ish vibes, and very calming, in all honesty. And hmm-mm, providing these info, me likey the overall Saboten visit in conclusion. Truly grateful for lunch-ing here! Would always go back here -- definitely 💖 Saboten Ground Level, Serendra Piazza, BGC https://www.facebook.com/raintreesaboten/
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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