What is it with Japanese food that captivates the soul of our tastebuds? Not too long ago I had this misconception that japanese food was expensive that made it out of reach for people focusing on their budget. This was till I found Izakaya Kikufuji in Little Tokyo, Makati. 

At the date of this writing, I recently visited Osaka, Japan and I found that the Japanese dishes were cheaper in Japan than in the Philippines. The prices at Izakaya Kikufuji is comparable to the prices in Japan with little to no premium. In fact, there is barely any difference if you convert it. (This is comparing the prices of dishes in a city of Japan compared to the prices of Izakaya Kikufuji)

Unagi Sashimi Platter!

The Ambiance 

If you are coming from Chino Roces Ave., you will find a row of Japanese restaurants each with their own Japanese inspired facades. In the middle of those restaurants is a big white sign saying 'Izakaya Kikufuji' in Japanese and in Romaji.

As you step inside you will see a receptionist at your immediate left, tables at your immediate right, and in front of you is the bar where several Japanese chefs prepare your dishes. At your far left are Japanese style tables with cushions for seats that are all on top of tatami mats. Under the said tables is a hole where your legs can dangle. It is also encouraged that you take off your shoes before you sit on the tatami mats.

The Sushi Platter! Eel, Mackerel, Tuna, Squid, and Salmon

The Food

Izakaya in Japanese means a place that serves food that accompany after work drinking. So you would be right if you guessed that Kikufuji serves Japanese comfort food along with alcohol. This would entail several classic dishes like Ramen, Soba, Udon, Karaage, Ricebowls, Katsus, Sushi, Sashimi, and the like. 

The sushi and sashimi platters came in first and they look divine. The sushi is as you see it above while the Sashimi platter came with a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup. As they were placed in front of me the smell of the ocean came with it. There is something intoxicating about that smell of fresh fish meat.

Each sushi had that wonderful fluffy rice that fills you up quickly topped with soft seafood meat. My personal favorite were the eel, the tuna and the salmon. It's a personal preference that I didn't like mackerel too much as I am very picky with fish meat.  

Rice bowl, Miso Soup, Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel and Grilled Eel

The same can be said with the Sashimi as it is basically cut from the same source that is shipped daily into our shores. I think a trademark of any good dish is that it can stand on its own with or without sauce. In fact I tried each one without the soy sauce first and then with it. I was still blown away each time. 

Kikufuji so far is the closest to the Japanese dishes that I've tasted when I was in Tokyo and Osaka. I cannot stress how little difference I could notice with the Izakayas I've been to. 

Soba Noodles Topped with Nori!

Aside from the Fresh fish, I also ordered cold soba. It came with a plate of soba noodles topped with nori and a bowl of sauce where I dip the soba into. The noodles by itself is soft to the bite with a fine texture carried by wonderful flavors of the wheat flour it was made from. The sauce is a mixture of soy sauce and broth that brought contrasting flavors when mixed the noodles were dipped in them. In fact with each slurp of noodles, the flavors constantly battled for my tastebuds' attention. Sour notes constrasting with the wheat flavors with the saltiness of the seaweed. It was quite the delight. It is also a wonderful pair to Sake.

Crispy! Crunchy! Karaage!

The Service

Like any Japanese establishment, the service is unparalleled. All the waiters and waitresses were in Japanese traditional costumes and serve you with Japanese hospitalities. They are patient and are easy to approach. Some dishes are prepared quickly while some can take up to ten minutes but are worth the wait. I still remember my first bite of the dipped soba noodles. I can't get over it every time I remember. 

The Price

As I mentioned, the prices here are affordable for Japanese food. The main dishes start at Php 110.00 and can get up to Php 730.00 depending on the ingredients. The Unagi (eel) rice bowl for example goes for Php 650.00. (WORTH IT THOUGH!) The average price range is at Php 200.00 to Php 350.00 per dish. This is quite affordable as compared to the more premium establishment with little difference in quality and flavor. 

The Verdict

What We LIKED:

• Affordable High Quality Japanese Food
• Fresh Ingredients
• Authentic Ambiance

What We Almost LIKED:

• Almost always full
• You have to have a reservation to have sure seats
• Parking can be a hassle at Peak hours

Do you want to Contact 'Izakaya Kikufuji?'

Address: 2277 Chino Roces, Legaspi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 893-7319

Operating Hours: 
Mon-Fri: 11AM to 1:30PM, 6PM to 10:30PM
Sat-Sun 11AM to 1:30PM, 6PM to 10PM

When the arrival of craft coffee, craft ice cream or anything craft for that matter came, it was only a matter of time did I question when would some craft or at least new creative sandwiches would arrive in the metro. Lo and behold when I heard that an establishment was cooking some good hotdogs and burgers that uses BACON fat, well you could say I was intrigued. 

Enough Said

Lazy Bastard is located at the corner of Galaxy and Jupiter St. Bel Air Makati which is surprisingly where one of my favorite Ramen, and one of my favorite Japanese Bakery is located. (Mitsuyado and Yamato Bakery) It is conveniently located at the basement with the entrance at the back side of the building. The parking is one of the problems that I have encountered here.

Hidden entrance at the back of the Building!

The Ambiance

The Facade is hidden because it is at the back of the building, but you won't miss the huge sign that says 'Bacon and Burgers this way ->' As you walk down the stairway you notice the prominence of British subway inspiration.

As you open the door you see a hallway with a couple of tables on the right and a bar with stools on the left. At the end of the hallway is where you order and pay.

It feels like a hole on the floor restaurant which I think is the best thing for this kind of place which is an eat and go place. It isn't that big so you're encouraged to enjoy your food at a faster pace but not to the point of rushing that it makes you gag.

The Kimchi Dog!

The Food

They are very proud of their creations that I can't help but praise them. What you will notice in all their items is that they use bacon fat when they cook some of the ingredients, and they use potato bread that is softer than the normal buns but have this light sweetness that really compliments the salty bacon or the peppery burger patty.

As you receive your dish and for some reason you added bacon, you will notice how generous their serving is. In fact, If you look closely at the burger picture you will see that they didn't separate the strips of bacon, it was a batch of it. I however found the bacon to be a little saltier to my preference but that wonderful crunch is still there!

The Bacon Cheeseburger with that generous serving of bacon!

The burger's buns and condiments are as fresh as they can be, and when you take that first bite you immediately notice the light sweetness of the soft buns blending with the vegetables, the condiments and the peppered patty. They advertise that their patties are a little on the peppery side, and I think it is a matter of preference but I found it intense enough for me to want a little less of it.

What really blew me away was their Sloppy Joes! So far it is the best one I've ever had in the Metro and I highly recommend you try it.

Nearly half a paper bag full of fries!

They also have add-ons so you can add an extra patty, extra cheese, extra jalapeno or etc. for your preference. They also have a promotion where in you just add Php 90.00 and you get to choose from French fries, Onion Rings and taters and pair it with your dishes with your chosen beverage.

When it comes to french fries, McDonalds is the standard and I am happy to tell you that I think their fries is a little bit better than McDonalds and their serving is quite generous where I got nearly half a paper bags worth of it.

The onion rings on the other hand was good. The outer layer was well season and crispy while the inner onion ring was still fresh but with hints of caramelisation and no sign of getting burnt.

Those Crispy Onion Rings!

The Service

The people were kind are always ready to listen to your requests and suggestions. The lady at the cashier made it so easy to pick which dish I wanted as she was wonderful at explaining the differences between each dish.

I did find their cooking time inconsistent. There were times where it would be done in ten minutes but there were times where I waited for twenty minutes until I got my order.

Some people may also find the place a little small, and I think this place is just for when you want to just eat your food and go, not the place you would like to sit down and have a long conversation.

The Breakfast Sandwich!

The Price

The sandwiches starts at Php 150.00 on wards! The Sloppy Joes with the Php 90.00 combo is the best deal for me. I would also add some Jalapeno and damn. It roughly cost around Php 300.00, and I will not regret it. 

 The Verdict

What We LIKED:

• Ambiance is for I just need to eat good food and be on my way
• The Buns are soft and flavorful
• Bacon Serving is generous
• Condiments are fresh
• Arguably one of the best Sloppy Joes in the Metro!

What We Almost LIKED:

• Those who are looking to sit down, eat and talk for a while won't like it. (They can move to the secret bar right next door
• Burger Patty was to my preference too peppery while the bacon was generous but was a little too salty
• Inconsistent serving time. Can vary between 10 to 20 minutes.

Do you want to Contact 'Lazy Bastard PH?'

Address: Basement Floor, 22 Jupiter St. Corner Galazy St. Bel Air, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 832-5330
Facebook: Lazy Bastard's Facebook Page

Website: www.lazybastard.ph

Instagram: @lazybastardph

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11AM to 3AM

Two-thousand fourteen (2014) was the year where the disconnected undercut with a modern twist to the Pompadour hit the Men Hairstyle trend like Football Fever during FIFA season. At the time, I didn't know what it was called that. Apparently, It was the haircut that Justin Timberlake, David Beckham, and several other celebrities wore that inspired Men and some Women to do the same.

Around May of that year, I was frustrated because the haircuts I was seeing on the street wasn't up to par to the online images I saw. One of my Best friends, Jed who was residing in Canada showed pictures of him with that style of haircut. He told me that you need a skilled barber and a good product to keep that hairstyle. It was then that I was introduced to the 'Pomade.' Specifically, the water-based one where it can be restyled just by wetting your hair again; moreover, it would easily come off with a simple rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

I made it my mission to look for that pomade brand my friend told me about. So like any start of a   journey today, I Googled it, and to my surprise, a local barbershop carried it which is conveniently laid out for me on Google Maps. 'Back Alley Barbershop' was the name and it is located near the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Salcedo Village, Makati. 

I texted them with the number posted on their Facebook page and asked to reserve a canister of the hair product. They replied promptly and did so as I requested.

This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with being a better man and the beginning of a relapse of a dysfunctional relationship with my wallet since STEAM sales were created. (Steams sales are the PC Gamer's dream sales where games can get discounts of up to 80% off in huge batches) My wallet never truly forgave me for all those Sales I plowed through. I kept telling myself that at least I would look good. Oh, well.

A Wonderful Semi-Industrial turned New York Apartment Style Aesthetic

The Ambiance

So I followed the map and found this lovely place with a wonderful semi-industrial turned New York Apartment style aesthetic. It was a scene to behold.  Right away you see the reception desk with all the products they carry, a lounge area where you can sit down and enjoy a drink and listen to high quality Vinyl on their turntable and right across are the Barber chairs and the Mirrors above the desk full of metal and leather utensils.

The dashing young man at the reception desk welcomed me warmly and asked me if it was my first time there. Yes it was. I mentioned my reservation for a canister of the pomade. They showed it to me and I paid for it. 

He then decided to show us around and tell me about their services. They offer the old school style of haircut and shave. The third thing is the hungover treatment. I then decided to have my haircut here.

Observe the myriad of ways the barber snips your hair strands to achieve your desired style

The Haircut

For as long as I can remember, I was having my haircut at neighbourhood barbershops that were hole in the walls where a haircut was priced from Php 30.00 in the nineties and went up to Php 50.00 in recent years. In contrast, there are barbershops in Beverly Hills, California that offer haircuts that could cost up to a USD 1000.00 and I could never comprehend how this is so.

What I had known for years where in I go in, sit down, instruct the barber of the cut I so desired and then wait and let the magic happen wasn't the complete barbershop experience. Apparently, aside from the haircut itself, there would be a massage, multiple applications of several hair products at different points of the cut. In addition, after your cut you are given a complimentary beverage of choice of either fresh brewed coffee from an AeroPress or a bottle of the Craft Beer. (which is different every month)

The haircut process itself is more tamed and more elegant

The haircut process itself is more tamed and more elegant than what I was accustomed to. If you decide to try Back Alley's Haircut, I encourage you to watch how your barber strokes the clippers/trimmers (the white and black handheld machine they use to shave your hair) and the myriad of ways and angles the barber snips your hair strands. Of course, at any time, you can talk to him and converse about adjustments to the style you asked prior. At the near end of it, you will be given a simple but effective massage on your upper body and extremities coupled with a warm towel to give you your much deserved relaxation. Before he does the final combing of your hairstyle, you are given an option to try out one of their hair products to keep your hairstyle in place even through the most active lifestyle.

Here is a video that will show you the typical haircut (some parts are sped-up because I know your time is precious) you will enjoy at Back Alley:

The result is not just a haircut but a labor of love! The labor where the little details matter! In fact, as you look closely, you will marvel at how the strands of hair blend together especially the ones with different lengths and at how finer this is than your normal haircut. The over all experience is why I have this service every month. (Yes, even the beer.)

The result is not just a haircut but a labor of love!

The Shave

After coming back to this place for months, I decided to try their shave. I specifically stopped shaving for two weeks before to time it with my next haircut. At the end of the cut, I could feel that that time has come as the tension rises slowly as the barbers chair started to recline. A towel was placed on my upper body and I started to grin from ear to ear even though I was trying so hard to keep calm and be cool. Alas, I failed.

he started with an application of cream on your face

My barber at the time was 'Edwin' and he started with an application of cream on my face, followed by a relaxing face massage that ends with a warm towel that wraps your whole head. He continued with the shaving cream itself and starts to precisely and carefully shave the facial hairs that I asked to be shaven. He repeats the massage and the towel wrap but adding several after shave creams in between and finishes of with a final towel wipe.

"he starts to precisely and carefully shave the facial hairs I asked to be shaven" 

 The Hungover Treatment

The Hungover treatment is a little more complex.  It is a sequence of hot and cold towel applications with facial scrub, clay mask, moisturizer and other creams. I could never really understood when it was explained for the first time but I highly recommend having it! It is one of those things that is best experienced than spoken of.

In fact, a lot of their patrons come for this service alone even though this is the service with the most premium. Let it be; I mean all you have to do is lie down and let the magic happen.

with different creams in between every application

In fact, the owners tested it themselves. They got themselves hungover and had this treatment on themselves. The list of creams is a long one and it is best explained by gentleman at the reception desk. In fact when he explained it in theory, I could only grasp it by so much.

with the barber massaging you more extensively than in the one in the haircut

As I was experiencing it first hand, I was confused because the barber was just doing the same thing over and over, with only the temperature of the towel and the cream changing each time, yet slowly with each sequence I felt my relaxation rising significantly. Near the end of it I just wanted to sleep while I was being massaged because it was just so good that when I was awaken I could only scream 'ANG SARAP!' Even after a couple of hours after the treatment I noticed that my skin was glowing and that it had softer and better texture to it!

Ang Sarap!

Here is the video of the typical Shave and Hungover Treatment (Again, some parts are sped-up for your convenience):

The Price

Haircut starts at Php 250.00 - Php 400.00 but is priced at Php 700.00 together with the shave. The shave itself is Php 450.00. while the Hungover Treatment (HT) is priced at Php 750.00 individually but is priced at Php 950.00 with the haircut. If you want an HT and a shave, it will set you back Php 1000.00, and You can have all three for the price of Php 1200.00.

I personally tip my barber of the day and it is up to you if you would and how much you will be willing to give these fine gentlemen. 

The Conclusion

It was because of the whole top-notch experience did I truly understand women and their salon time. In fact, I come back here every month for my haircut. I will reserve the hungover treatment for special occasions or when I really need a better pick-me-up than brewed coffee.

The premium price for their service may not be justified to some but I think you should at least try it once to see if this type of thing is for you. I for one love the experience and of course the beer.
It is also a good place to bond with your buddies and children.

After coming here for a while, you may develop a preferred barber and I have personally tried the services of JR, Edwin and Jonas. They each add their own personal style and flare to their haircuts and it will show as they start snipping your hair down, yet they are all the best at what they do. I encourage you to support their profession and let us all work together to bring old school back!

Do you want to Contact 'Back Alley Barbershop?'

Address: Unit 1D, Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Bautista St. corner Sanchez St., Salcedo Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact number: (+63) 947 518 5736

Facebook: Back Alley Barbershop Official Facebook Page

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM to 9PM

Sat-Sun: 10AM to 9PM

Special Thank You Kenzo Ortiz and the team of Red Models and Talents !