Flavors unite: Japanese restaurant, Filipino chef unveil new treats

In the spirit of Philippines-Japan Friendship Day, Japanese restaurant chain Watami and Filipino-British chef Josh Boutwood of the Bistro Group recently unleashed new offerings for adventurous palates.

Now available at Watami branches nationwide are Teishoku sets, each set complete with one entrée, Japanese rice, miso soup, sides and salad, starting at P395.

The Teishoku selection offers options for everyone. Select from seven different entrées: Chicken Teriyaki, Karaage, Katsu Tozi, Udon (+P55), Nanban (+P85), Tempura (+P85) or Gyu Zara (+P95). The sets are available for dine-in only and cannot be combined with additional promotions or discounts.

Apart from the sets, other must-tries are Salmon in Stone Pot, an array of grilled skewers, Salmon Taco Aburi and Matcha Cheesecake.

At Ember by chef Josh Boutwood in Greenbelt 3, the eponymous chef recently introduced a two-course Prix Fixe lunch menu, which includes the diner’s choice of appetizer and main course, and optional dessert. Ember’s dishes, described by Chef Josh as well-rounded in flavor and texture juxtaposed against the restaurant’s modern chic ambiance, continue to draw discerning diners who love to create memories through an exceptional meal.

At chef Josh’s Juniper restaurant at Level 1 Streetscape of Shangri-la Plaza Mall, the new lunch menu includes the Japanese-inspired rice bowls such as Gyudon, fused with soy egg and Kimchi into a for an added Korean flair; Teriyaki Pork Belly, Bean Sprouts, Pickled Cucumber; Soy Glazed Salmon, Edamame, Tapioca; and Miso Marinated Wings, Cabbage, Sesame.

Besides rice bowls, also new on the menu are sandwiches priced at P375: Grilled Cheese with Cheddar and Gruyere, Spiced Tomato; Turkey Ham, Sun-dried Tomato, Arugula Garlic Aioli; Miso Marinated Wings, Cabbage, Sesame.

Chef Josh recommended these new dishes for a brief lunch break or catching up with friends and family amid a light, airy and refreshing ambiance of Juniper, which recently opened and was inspired by the berry that gives gin its signature flavor and aroma. The unmistakable Chef Josh’s touch is evident in the food they serve — creative, delicious and not bounded by a particular cuisine.