We got started with a couple of appetizers : Edamame, Crispy Salmon Skin and Kani Salad. From the first couple of bites I can already tell they used premium ingredients. Of the 3, I would probably recommend the salmon skin and edamame if you're looking to enjoy a full meal. The Kani salad while equally delicious was kinda filling for me. We also ordered california maki and dynamite rolls--both were pretty good too. 

As a side story, my husband always orders Gyudon when we eat at Japanese restaurants. He's an extremely picky eater when I met him, he didn't even eat beef. I made him eat beef by taking him to an extremely expensive Japanese restaurant and they had the most savory, most tender and most flavorful beef gyudon. From there, I was able to transition him to other form of beef hence the beef gyudon in all my japanese resto posts lol. You can pretty much call him a Gyudon expert given his experience. So his rating for this is 4/5, he says the beef is not as fatty compared to others (which he prefers to avoid highblood lol). But I guess if you like fatty gyudon, this isn't for you. He also prefers the egg to be more overeasy than cooked all the way but he said it isn't a big deal. 

You know I could've lumped this under sushi and sashimi but no, I want this to have its own section because it deserves the spot. Aburi literally means “flame-seared”; the technique involves using a torch to gently scorch the surface of the fish, transforming its flavor and texture. But for this dish it involves Foie gras, can you imagine--flame-seared fattened duck liver. Rich, buttery and delicate and literally just melts in your mouth. The flavors were luscious, delightful and decadent. I almost cried devouring this and for the price, it was really a steal. PLEASE for the love of god if you ever visit, try this. 

Genki Sushi is a chain of conveyor belt sushi restaurants established in 1990 in Japan. The chain expanded to include locations in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Kuwait, the Philippines, China, Australia, Cambodia, Myanmar and the United States, including, California, Hawaii and Washington. (via)

Place

The location that I frequent to is the one over at Ayala Malls the 30th. The closest to me though is the newly opened branch in Megamall but we all know how parking is a nightmare in Mega. I also love the 30th's ambiance since there aren't a lot of people and the branch isn't always full. Parking is also always available at the mall. One of the things I love about Genki is the ordering system. It isn't like the conveyor belt sushi places in Japan where food just keeps on coming and all you need to do is get your desired dish. In Genki, you can use a tablet to place your order and in a few minutes you can expect the cutie patootie train to deliver your order. 

Some dishes aren't delivered through the train because 1.) they're either too big and actually does't fit the train 2.) the dish has soup and being transported via the train can cause the soup to spill. In this case, the waiter delivers your order. 

Food

Ahhh, where do I start. Okay so while waiting for your order, you can make your own green tea. On the table you'll have matcha powder and a faucet of hot water, amazing. I also love this part. The tea isn't overwhelming and that's coming from someone who doesn't like Matcha. You can also start preparing your soy sauce. On the side of the table, they also have pickled radish available at your disposal.

And noooow, on to the Sushi and Sashimi! So obviously, I've been here several times. But during this visit, here's what we ordered : Salmon Roll (P90), Miso Soup (P90), Salmon Belly (P90), Norwegian Fresh Salmon (P90), Salmon Roe Gunkan (P280), Chuka Wakame (P140) and Gyudon (P280). Lol don't judge me, I love Salmon! Of course everything was good but of all the things I've tasted here, my top favorites would probably be Salmon Belly and Salmoe Roe Gunkan! The Salmon Belly because, while it isn't the best Salmon that I've tasted, it comes close to the best one I've tasted in the past. And for the price, I'm not complaining! As for the Salmon Roe Gunkan on the other hand, this is the only place I've had it because other restaurants are sooo pricey! But my first time was an amazing experience. When people told me it's salty but creamy, I couldn't quite figure out what they meant until I had my first bite. If you want to know how that actually tastes like, Genki Sushi would be an awesome starter!

As I type this, I'm already drooling just by looking at the photos. I had to satisfy myself by watching Youtube videos of sushi and sashimi while I still can't go out of the office--ahh, what a torture! Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I had a movie date with my sisters at Cine Adarna in UP. We watched Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa, and I had a minor flashback and recollection. The movie reminded me why I loved film so much, and why I chose to direct a movie in college. When I think about it now, I find it funny because life doesn't really go the way we want it to. I would've wanted to pursue film after graduation if only money wasn't a problem and if only I didn't have any responsibilities with my family, lol. No regrets though, I'm in a good place and I've helped my family since I started working so we good, bruh. 

Moving ooooon, I asked my sister (who's still studying in UP Diliman) if she knew any Japanse restaurant that has Sashimi and she told us we should try ROKU. We got a bit lost on our way to the place because it is located inside a building. More on that as I discuss the place. Let's begin!

THE PLACE

As mentioned earlier, ROKU is located at Oracle Hotel Building. While on our way, Waze told us we've reached our location but we couldn't find it. We decide to move forward a little bit more until Waze recalculated the route and we finally found our way to Oracle. The place was quiet, simple and pretty straightforward. You can choose to be seated at a table or at the counter for a legit Japanese experience! Parking wasn't a hassle as well because we were able to easily find a place for the car. I just think the parking space was a bit small though; we got the last slot so I think we're lucky. But still makes me think how it'll look like when it's packed. Service was okay. The staff was very responsive and our orders did come quite fast. One order though took quite a while. If I remember correctly, it was the ROKU rolls. But other that, everything's all good.