Yakimix and Sambo Kojin

They say it’s impossible to talk about one without having the other in mind. Bloggers confess on not being able to avoid mentioning both when writing an entry for any which of them since they pretty much have the same concept, and they offer similar food selections which dining regulars like myself are particular about. On top of that, they are within the same price range so a comparison is inevitable.  My very first yakiniku experience was with Yedang, so I already had a sort of reference when I tried these two. Here is my attempt for an objective comparison, and to justify why the latter won my heart. J

I first heard of Yakimix from my sister in law and her boyfriend who are regular customers. I got a chance to try them just a couple of months back out of curiosity, plus I already wanted to understand what loyal visitors have been raving about. My friend and I visited the Podium branch for lunch one day. I had the assumption that this is their branch with less customers plus it’s the one closest to the office, just perfect for my first time.

photo credits:

Yakimix Philippines Facebook page
http://aehthea.wordpress.com ; http://www.atwerpslife.com

They have more branches, they have one in almost every major mall or landmark in the city. Their stores exude elegance. Flashy chandeliers, classy lighting, glossy leather couches, and their staff all looked like hotel employees in their uniforms. Their food selections are mostly on the Japanese-Chinese cuisine. Of course they have all the options: meat, poultry, seafood, cold cuts, noodles, rice, and desserts. I was able to find everything that I thought of from their wide options on both raw and cooked menu. Despite that, I did not feel like wanting to come back for more after my first visit. I might consider visiting other branches hoping for a different experience one day, but it won’t be worth my own expense. That was exactly how I felt, unfortunately. Even more after I tried Sambo Kojin.

Since we’ve been to the famous crossover buffet of Dads-Saisaki-Kamayan a number of times, and I pass by EDSA everyday, we couldn’t avoid but notice the new Sambo Kojin, this was how I first learned of it. I heard from a good friend as well sometime last year that it’s another well raved yakiniku place, I didn’t understand why until I finally got a chance to taste the experience.

It was on the last weekend of the school’s semester break, and the last day of my long weekend from work when my husband, daughter and I craved for some nice dinner. We were not up for even just half an hour drive and we didn’t want to get out of our comfy shorts and flip flops, but we wanted to try out something new. Good thing that the West Avenue branch is just a 10 minute drive from our place, plus they don’t have a dress code (lol) and so we went.

 photo credit:

Sambo Kojin Facebook page

The West Avenue location, if I’m not mistaken, is their third and newest branch. They may have just a handful of branches, but they are all accessible. Their stores may not showcase the same level of elegance without the fancy lights and chandeliers, but their white leather seats are stylishly modern and truly comfortable. Their staff, mostly male, are in black uniform which adds to the Japanese restaurant vibe. Their food selections are on the Japanese-Korean cuisine with options of the musts diners crave for when doing buffet. Other than that, their bacon bar, Korean side dishes and Kamameshi rice got me sold! Now I understood why it was normal to compare. I couldn’t wait to come back the soonest possible, and I started craving as early as the following day. I ended up trying all three branches, on three different occasions, just within the same month. J

Rants and Raves:

ú          Yakimix maybe more popular because of accessibility, they are everywhere. Sambo Kojin only has West Avenue , EDSA Greenhills, and Eastwood.

ú          Yakimix has elegant interiors that make you feel like you are actually in a high end restaurant. Sambo Kojin is simple but classy and homey.

ú          Yakimix has couches, sometimes it requires a bit of an effort for those who are seated by the wall to move out of the table and grab more food. Sambo Kojin has a number of couches too, but their seats are positioned in a manner where everyone has enough space to move from and be able to stand up for refills. They offer single seats too.

ú          Yakimix and Sambo Kojin have similar grillers, just not sure if they’re of the same brand, but speaking out of experience, the ones from Sambo Kojin doesn’t seem to be non-stick.

ú          I find it difficult to hold the XL tongs at Yakimix, the ones in Sambo Kojin are easier to manage and it doesn't cause a mild sprain in the hands.

ú          Sambo Kojin waiters are waaaaay more accommodating. They are all over the place, raise your arm and they will all try to attend to you first. Even the chief waiters have visibility and they will take part on assisting you like a personal butler. I have visited all their branches and that was the case each time. As for the staff of Yakimix. They just do not have the customer service skills required of a restaurant.

ú          Although Yakimix has a wider selection on food, nothing stood out. Their sushi rolls maybe colorful but they tasted the same and are all bland. They always run out of Tempura (like seriously?!), and raw shrimp. Plus you have to season the meat on your own, or were the marinade just not that distinct? There isn't any flavor worth remembering, and I can’t even point out a single item that would pass as a favorite.

ú          Sambo Kojin may not meet the same level of quantity in terms of menu, but their food options are of high quality. Their selections are more unique and they all make the tummy happy! My family and friends can attest to how much I love bacon, so their bacon bar is just worth my every penny. Veggies, greens, mushrooms, and my favorite- crab stick wrapped in bacon is heaven! They NEVER run out of Tempura. Some waiters will even go around tables every now and then to offer more fresh from the pan tempura goodness for your convenience. Their sushi rolls each have remarkable flavors. I love their Korean side dishes, their raw meat are marinated in distinct yumminess, plus they have additional sauce and oil options on every table. I can list a number of favorites, but that bacon bar is just a big hit.

Now that we have more and more dining options and buffet restaurants are really popular, competition is at peak. Other than the good news that more diners are now health conscious, restaurant owners and managers should be keen on the level of service and flavor they deliver. It’s no longer just eating after all, the dining experience should speak for its worth.

Yakimix

Branches, Contact numbers, prices and other info:
http://www.facebook.com/YakimixPhilippines/info

Last visit: October 2012

Sambo Kojin

Branches, Contact numbers, prices and other info:
http://www.facebook.com/SamboKojin/info; http://www.sambokojin.com/

Last visit: November 2012

Pampered Nails and Body

It was last week when I randomly browsed through my Metrodeal account and found out that I still have a couple an unused vouchers for a massage at a not so well known spa expiring in a week time (Nov 18). I honestly couldn't remember purchasing this deal until I eventually realized that it was because I used some of my account credits then and not through Paypal so I lost track of it. I immediately called the number and inquired about a possible extension but of course they refused. I decided to schedule the service last Saturday after work and just right before the coupon's expiration date. I asked my husband and daughter if they wanted to join but since I took the early Saturday 10am slot, they said no. :) I invited my long time spa buddy, Eva since we were due for massage the same weekend anyways and it didn't take her another viber message to say yes. (lol)

And so we went, it has been a while since we both visited The Forum a.k.a. Robinson's Pioneer and it was a surprise for us to discover a new nail and body treatment place situated at the busy 2nd floor. We arrived before they even opened the store so we were first to be assisted. We waited for about 15 minutes while our therapists prepared. We were asked to choose the treatment and massage oil we prefer, wherein we got four options, two of which you would need to pay additional PHP50 for. The receptionist was friendly and knowledgeable. She was able to explain to us the difference between our massage style and oil options and provided the benefits of all choices. I just don't understand why we were not allowed to upgrade what we initially purchased, we were willing to pay extra but it was not an option. I decided to get Swedish Massage and to use their Rain fall oil with a scent of lavender.

We were then ushered to our massage cubicle. I was initially given a space by the entrance door and when I requested for the one on the far end, the therapist agreed. The massage cubicle was average in size, the typical ones divided by curtains, with a massage bed, clothes hook and your own light that can be adjusted to your preference. Everything is in brown. They didn't have any lockers so you would need to hang your bag/stuff on the same hook but they will give you a hanger for your clothes. I was provided with the towel and bath robe since I wanted to take a shower prior to the massage and was properly assisted by a couple of therapists, consistently checking on what I need and how I was, until I finally headed to the shower room.

I was surprised with the size of their shower room, it was big given the compact place they have. It was clean, properly tiled, there was a water heater and a shower gel with dispenser. Shampoo and or conditioner was not available but it wasn't an issue for me since I avoid getting my hair and face wet anyways. There was also a small lavatory with a mirror and most importantly, the shower room smelled clean. I had no problem paying the additional PHP50 fee all in all.

I headed back to my massage cubicle where my therapist was waiting for me, and the treatment began right after I lay down and took my robe off. The therapist consistently checked on my pressure preference. I can feel that her hands were small but her strokes were really good. It may not be a massage that I will never forget but this one's worth its original price.

An hour later and I was offered with a cup of tea. I was just turned off when I was asked to get up and sit down instead after the treatment. I know that it was a form of urgency since they'd rather not have their customers fall asleep for practical reasons, but still, I would want to have the say to when shall I decide to start dressing up and leave the room as a paying customer. Good thing everything was a great experience so far so I let it go. And since my friend had to have her nails done as well, we stayed around an hour more at the place that gave us a chance to have a chitchat with some of their employees. 

The nail technician was friendly and answered all our curiosity. We learned that the place was just more or less six months old. This explains why their furniture and other relaxation paraphernalia are still almost brand new. They have a wide selection of nail polish: Orly, China Glaze, Sally Hansen, and they already offer the new Gel Polish from Orly too. Their prices were decent, given their posh place and uber comfortable nail treatment seats, plus WiFi is available so you won't get bored.

Was it a good deal - absolutely. Will I come back - yes. I am actually looking forward to trying out their nail care services, my friend was all positive about it.

Photo Credit: Pampered Nails and Body Facebook page

Shout out to the owner of the place for the interiors, the services, the brands and for hiring these talented and friendly staff. Crossing my fingers to a well maintained place and level of service. This was an awesome discovery for us. It's great to know a reputable R&R option we got at the Forum. See you all soon! :)

Pampered Nails and Body

Address: 2nd floor Robinsons Forum, EDSA corner Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City

Website: http://pamperednailsandbody.weebly.com/; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pampered-Nails-and-Body/448130858533968

Last visit: November 2012

Nuat Thai

Yesterday, I got a chance to visit a fourth branch since I learned about this massage chain sometime last year. You can see them in almost every major road in the Quezon City area. It seemed like an average massage parlor from the outside, the typical ones that you might not even trust, but once you experience the surprising touch of haven they deliver, you would find yourself wanting to come back for more. Allow me give you a rundown of my experiences.

I learned about them through a discount and deals website. I remember it was a promo for a massage that's worth less than two hundred pesos, for a branch that's just a few minutes drive from where we live and/or their branch that's just within walking distance from where I work so I purchased three vouchers. Wellness and relaxation promos excite me the most since they are the ones that could cost you even up to your daily wage per treatment. So for me, half the price treatments for an establishment that's close to my home or office is always more than a double treat!

My first experience was with their Congressional Avenue branch. I had a hard time calling for reservations. This is maybe due to the number of people who purchased the same deal, trying to place reservations the same time I did. I finally got a chance to talk to someone, and reserve a slot when I decided to call their number on the first few minutes of their opening hour. We were able to get a reservation for our desired time, although it was outside the time frame indicated on the voucher's terms and conditions, they were kind enough to grant our request.

We arrived after dinner, around 9pm ready for the massage. I didn't know what to expect but I pretty much have an idea that given their price range, it might actually be just your average massage salon and it was. Their reception area is small, there's a couple's seat where you can wait, which is also the same area where you will be given a foot soak before anything else (good thing I anticipated that they might not have a shower room). We were provided with slippers, ushered to our massage cubicles and were asked to change to the massage clothes given.

It was a lot of firsts for me and my husband. It was our first time to visit such massage salon without locker rooms and amenities like sauna or jacuzzi. It was our first time to be in two separate cubicles, and also our first time to experience massage beds on the floor. But our biggest first that night was the fact that he got a masseur while I got a lesbian masseuse. That was I guess the most awkward part of our experience. Forgive us, but we were both not comfortable with the "gender" of our massage therapists. I was afraid that I might offend both of them so we let it pass and moved on with what we were there for - the massage. To our surprise, both therapists were really good. Their strokes and pressures were perfect! They were both really polite and professional too. We didn't feel harassed or anything and we were even looking forward to coming back.

I still have one voucher left then and I thought of trying their foot massage this time. Weeks after, I went to their Pearl Drive branch after work one afternoon after placing a reservation earlier that day. I remember that because of schedule challenges, the reservation I made was even days after the deadline of the deal but again, they gladly accommodated.

This branch seemed bigger with better interiors. I loved their lazy boy seats for foot massage sessions! It was really comfy and relaxing specially when fully reclined. I noticed as well that they also have lesbian employees here, like majority of them. I sort of have concluded that maybe their workforce is like this with the rest of their other branches. My first massage experience with them was a "wow" so it shouldn't be an issue. True enough, the foot massage was as heavenly as my Swedish massage experience. It was similar to the foot massage I had from Let's Face It a few years ago. They used a wood stick for the pressure points on your foot combined with a relaxing rub up to your lower legs. It also includes a few minutes of hand, head and shoulder massage which made the whole experience definitely worth trying. I felt so relieved after an hour even without the whole body pamper. I couldn't wait to try their other branches and services as soon as I left.

Lucky enough I was able to purchase another massage deal, for their newly opened Pasig-Shaw Blvd branch this time. I brought my daughter along since she has started to love getting massages herself at this early age. The store has a similar setup with the one in Pearl Drive but theirs is pretty brand new. They don't have a waiting area so they let us sit at the comfy lazy boys they use for foot massage as our therapists prep our massage cubicles. They have a shower room complete with water heater and toiletries, very basic but nice and clean. We both got female therapists this time and the massage was as good as before. My daughter rated it as the best she experienced by far. :)

It has been a while since my last visit. I've been wanting to go back to Nuat Thai since my last awful massage experience (read here). So my friend and I scheduled a visit and this time, it is to their biggest branch in the city, Tomas Morato. I've read a lot of positive reviews about the place. Although yesterday wasn't my first time at Nuat Thai, it was my first time to finally try their signature Thai Massage. And since we felt that a spa visit wouldn't feel complete without the usual Swedish, we decided to do an hour each of both.

Tomas Morato branch is really huge. It's two storey and I saw a number of massage cubicles even just by the first floor. The setup is pretty similar to the other branches, their signature foot massage chairs and massage beds on the floor for example, but they offer more space here and they have free wifi. Since our schedule was on their first hour after opening, there's not much customers yet and we were able to get on with the treatment right away.

The Thai Massage was pure bliss! i don't think I have tried this approach in the past on its own but I really see myself getting it regularly. It's a dry massage that focuses on pressure or stress points with a little stretching and it was worth every moment of it. I really felt relieved, that kind of relief that I haven't felt from a massage in a long time. I mean I love the hilot approach of Swedish which is why I've been loyal to it since, but Thai massage might actually be the one that would work best for me. I even thought of dropping the other hour for Swedish since I already felt too good, but since I knew it would add up to the satisfaction, I went on and I'm so happy I did.

Price list and location of Tomas Morato branch:

Nuat Thai may not pass the five star spa standards in terms of facilities, but they deliver genuine relaxation by getting the job well done. They have branches in several locations and their salons, although not spotless, are all hygienic and well maintained, plus their staff are all courteous and accommodating. On top of all that, you wouldn't need to spend a fortune to experience a massage that might just be the best one you've been looking for.

Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage

Addresses:

Unit 2 & 3 MVGI Building #34, Congressional Ave., Quezon City

Unit C2/F 8101 Pearl Plaza Bldg., Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Unit G02 & G04 TCI Tower, West Capitol Drive cor. Stella Maris St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City

277 Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Limbaga Street, Quezon City, Philippines

Website: http://nuatthaiph.com/; http://www.facebook.com/pages/NUAT-THAI-Tomas-Morato/100914679957707

Last visit: November 2012

CityBuffet Restaurant

Although my office for the last three years is located in the busy business district of Ortigas, I rarely go to Robinson's Galleria. I mean if I had to go to the mall to meet some friends after work or at times when we crave for some out of the norm dish for lunch, Shangri La Mall or Megamall, depending on whether or not I am in the mood for walking, would be the top options. Galleria would be last since I have not really associated the place with dining or not even anything at all for some reason (I'm really sorry Mr. Gokongwei). Well that was just until CityBuffet Restaurant opened.

I can't recall when they officially opened for operations exactly but I remember that it was just this year. I was doing some research online on some buffet options within our office area other than the usual when I came across a review of the place. At that time I couldn't find any other information of them aside from that site, they were not even listed in munchpunch nor myfoodtrip yet, but it was written that they were "just like Yakimix minus the grilling" so we decided to give it a try.

You wouldn't miss it, it is indeed easy to find. As soon as you get to the top floor of the mall, across the cinema area you would see a Chinese-restaurant-themed place that looks really inviting from the outside. It has a glass wall stretched to and from both ends of the restaurant so you could see the lighting fixtures and dark grey laminated cushioned seats that all looked really elegant. Their signage though is like that of a fast food chain, it doesn't match the elegant feel of the restaurant interiors at all. Their buffet table is visible but you can barely see most of the food unless you enter the restaurant for a closer peek, which they allow. Some customers would first check on the current menu before deciding whether to dine or not, wherein of course most of them did.

Our first experience was memorable. It was just their soft opening then so everything from their decors down to the utensils are brand new. Their buffet selections was like an array of happiness. They have Chinese, Japanese, American, Filipino and even a few Italian selections (e.g. pizza, pasta). They also got more than a couple of ice cream flavors, a variety of dessert options from the tarts, cakes, rice cakes, panna cotta, halo-halo, etc. They have a salad bar, a sushi counter, and multiple dispensers for soda and juices. Although the food flavors weren't remarkable, it's above average than the usual experience, plus some of them are different from the casual viand you get to see on a standard buffet. Bottom line, I was looking forward to coming back the moment we stepped out of the place, it was a PHP499 well spent for dinner and drinks.

My schedule did not allow me to come back until last Monday, for a quick lunch out this time. I called ahead to verify their hours of operations for lunch to make sure I make it just in time before closing. Lunch starts 11am, the buffet is open just until 2:30pm while they close by 3pm. We arrived 1:30pm and as expected, they have just enough number of weekday customers and some of them are already on their desserts. Perfect timing since I needed to make sure I maximize my 1-hour break having the buffet stretch almost all to ourselves, ha! ;p To my surprise, lunch is even a way better deal for PHP399 with drinks.

I already knew what I was craving that day. I have this thing about over-planning almost everything, like planning ahead the things I am to look for and get in a bazaar, and so I also have a mental list of the things I will eat in a buffet visit. ;) With that in my subconscious, I was a little disappointed to find out that a number of these cravings were not offered that day for unknown reasons. Maybe because their selections have changed since their soft opening, but hopefully not because they are starting to lose track of maintenance.

My tummy wasn't as happy as how it was from my first visit. The menu isn't as extensive, the dessert options, salad bar and sushi counter didn't looked as enticing as before. The only food on my plate that was warm were the plain rice and the corn soup, the rest of the viands I tried looked like leftovers and they're all cold. I took a couple of sticks of yakiniku and they're both dry, chewy, and cold. They don't have shrimp tempura that day (sadness!) so I settled for vegetable and kani tempura but they were cold. Even the ramen was dry and cold. Their fruit tart will break into pieces as soon as you place them on your plate. I couldn't find the ice cream cups and when I had to ask for one, a waiter handed me a big red plastic dish container so I could get one myself (didn't even know if the ice cream cups on the thing was sanitized) plus their iced tea options were all bland.

I had the impression that maybe because we arrived an hour before their closing so they had to turn off their warmers or that's why it was evident that all their crew couldn't wait for the customers to leave so they could start cleaning up. We were told that the food will be pulled out by 2:30pm but we could stay until 3pm, we weren't able to do so as well since for some reason, the aircon was turned off together with the buffet setup. It was very disappointing to see how the place have started to turn ugly in less than a year. I just hope they can have this corrected before they even start losing regular customers. 

Will I come back? Sure. They gave a lasting happy first impression so I could afford to forgive them, everyone has their own Manic-Monday and this one might just be one of theirs. :) I hope the succeeding ones will be a way better experience each time though. They offer buffet so consistency is a golden rule. I am crossing my fingers wishing for them to keep that in mind. Customers would've been looking forward to regularly dining at Robinson's Galleria because of their place, it would be stupid to take that status for granted.

Pictures? Google 'em or check their Facebook page, see link below.

CityBuffet Restaurant

Address: Level 4 Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas Avenue

Website: http://www.facebook.com/CityBuffet

Last visit: October 2012