September 2024 Dining Radar: Kei Maki, Inatô’s new menu, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, and more

Location: Verve Residences Tower 1, BGC, Taguig City

The Wildflour Hospitality Group diversifies its portfolio with an exciting new concept: Kei Maki, a Japanese restaurant specialising in hand rolls. At the helm of the hand roll bar is chef Kei, who brings with him global experience from San Sebastian to California. It’s purely bar seating in this sleek 24-seater space, a purposeful design choice that allows guests to enjoy their maki straight out of prep—an experience best enjoyed in small groups or even solo.

See also: Oak & Smoke: New restaurant in Salcedo Village

Location: Alegria Alta Building, Pasong Tamo Ext, Makati City

Few establishments exude such timelessness and class as M Dining + Bar, the European fine dining favourite headed by chef Tom Bascon. After six long months of renovation, Bascon and the team have finally reopened their doors to the public, ushering in a new era realised by interior designer Jonathan Matti. While the majority of the menu is comprised of brand-new dishes, regulars can let out a sigh of relief knowing that M classics like the chorizo puffs and buffalo wings are not going anywhere.

Read more: Ruby’s QC: The chic new lounge that honours the woman behind Max’s fried chicken

Location: 497-C Rosa Building, Calbayog corner Esteban Street, Mandaluyong City

Bryan and Maxine Kong, the couple behind the Japanese-inspired ice cream brand Kurimu, are bringing forth another innovative new F&B project: Now Now. Described as an experimental Asian brunch concept, the six-month pop-up is a collaborative effort with chefs Mateusz and Lisane Łuczaj, whose culinary experiences span Poland to Spain, Denmark, and more.

Although Now Now currently operates as a pop-up, the team teases that it will evolve into a permanent restaurant before long. In addition, fans of Kurimu can look forward to the launch of Softu, a spin-off opening in BGC offering milk soft serve ice cream with an enticing array of toppings to choose from.

Read more: Introducing Now Now and Softu: Asian brunch plates and Japanese soft serve ice cream

Location: 5659 Don Pedro St, Poblacion, Makati City

Chef JP Cruz and the Inatô gang change things up with their new “Bahala na” menu, a multi-course menu (with generous supplements) that changes day-to-day, depending on what seasonal ingredients they have handy on your visit. Since launching last August, they’ve played around with a number of dishes, but one in particular has got everyone talking: the Ibérico pork burger steak.

Craving your favourite dishes from the à la carte menu? Fret not, for the original à la carte experience is still available for the second seating at 8.15pm.

Related: Inatô by JP Cruz, a new Filipino dining experience

Location: Eco Plaza Building, Chino Roces Avenue Ext, Makati City

The hospitality group behind Ginza Japanese Restaurants teams up with Tokyo-based yakitori master Masahiko Kodama to present an 11-course omakase unlike anything Manila has seen before. At The Counter at Ginza One, expect a quality dining experience that celebrates the delicious depth and breadth of chicken, with yakitori as the star of the show.

Grilled over Japanese binchōtan with expert precision, the succulent yakitori ranges from momo (thigh) to tebasaki (wing), hatsu (heart), or even liba (liver). In addition, guests are treated to tasty appetisers and hearty dishes like a soothing chicken soup with soba.

Tatler Tip: Chef Kodama returns to Manila once a month to continually tighten operations and refresh the menu—be sure to check their social media page to see when you can catch him behind The Counter next.

See also: Raising the steaks with Hanwoo, Korea’s native beef and national treasure

Location: The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table, Rockwell Center, Makati City

Chef Josh Boutwood takes over The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table with a brand new pop-up concept. With Boutwood as the blacksmith and the space as his Anvil, witness how incredible ingredients are brilliantly transformed into gastronomic delights, but rest assured that you won’t find anything overly elaborate or unnecessarily complicated. “No artsy flairs,” Boutwood shares, “just really good food presented well, full of flavour, and ultimately, delicious.”

Related: Inside Tatler Dining Kitchen: A sold-out pop-up with chefs Miko Calo and Stephan Duhesme

Location: Newport Boulevard, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City

Gordon Ramsay, perhaps the world’s best-known celebrity chef, brings his expertise in all things grill from London to Manila with his first-ever Philippine outlet. At Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, indulge in Ramsay’s refined takes on steakhouse classics from a crispy crab cake with poached egg, Hollandaise, and caviar, to a strong selection of meats and seafood off the charcoal grill. Of course, his signature beef Wellington made with MB7 Wagyu beef fillet is also available to order, complete with mushroom and truffle duxelles, creamed potatoes, and red wine jus.

See also: Inside the first Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the Philippines

Location: Garden Towers, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City

Sugi Japanese Restaurant springs back into action just in time for its 40th anniversary, donning a new look designed by architect Lara Fernandes Barrios. While the family favourite has a new address, the food is exactly as you remember it. Drop by to enjoy the iconic Sugi dishes you know and love, plus an extended sake selection.

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