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第６回目の今回は、フリーペーパーVol.7（P21）及びウェブ（要約記事）でご紹介したDusit Thani Manilaの中にある日本食レストラン「umu（ウム）」の記事をご紹介します。
Umu Japanese Restaurant by Dusit Thani Manila
～Nature and tranquility in the heart of the city～
You would think that a city like Makati, with its corporate buildings and sky high condos wouldn’t leave room for a spot of greenery and nature. But visit Dusit Thani Manila’s Umu Japanese Restaurant and you’ll find out just the opposite!
Umu Japanese Restaurant is a secret gem amidst the fast-paced economic hub of the Philippines. True to its name, Umu gives honor to the earth and its gifts through its artful cuisine and serene interiors. Finalist in the design category in the recent Hotel World Global Hospitality and Design Awards in Las Vegas, Umu continues to amaze all.
Upon entering the restaurant, you will be greeted by the Sushi and Robata counters with rows and rows of mouthwatering sushi and sashimi. You will also notice that the wall is adorned with wooden planks with the names of fishes and other sashimi items engraved on them. The hallway leading to the pavilions and main dining features a three-dimensional art wall that gives a modern feel to the area. It is a feast for the eyes as well as for the palate.
Chef Kenichi Kanauchi heads the team of chefs that makes the cuisine of Umu both unique and pleasing. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Chef Kanauchi started his personal training in culinary arts at the early age of 15. Now, he is a master of a distinctive technique of Fusion Style Japanese cuisine. The unique and ingenious presentation of each dish is his personal interpretation of Japanese food and the Japanese way of life.
The freshest and probably the most authentic sashimi offered in all of Manila is the Nanasyumori, composed of salmon, tuna, lapu-lapu, squid, botan ebi and mackerel. Its delightful presentation, composed of pebbles, ice and mist is like poetry breathing out life to an otherwise regular Japanese fare. But there is nothing ordinary with Nanasyumori as it is very fresh and delectable.
The Salmon Roll likewise is very tasty with its unique herb dressing and perfectly proportioned, with just the right amount of rice and salmon to complement each other. The Yuba Nabe with Skim Milk Tofu and Uni is very pleasant and comforting, just like chicken soup! The taste is surely different but the calming effect is the same. Of course, to give a sample of Chef Kanauchi’s skill in fusion style cuisine, we were offered the Fusion Style Lapu-Lapu Sushi with Herbed Wasabi Sauce. It is a perfect demonstration of East meets West with the right amount of herbs and dressing. The Lapu-Lapu, a local white fish is also very delicious and is a perfect partner to the vinegared rice, ikura and umibudo. The Japanese Iced Tea was an ideal companion for all of the dishes. To end our meal, we had a trio of desserts starting with Fruit Cocktail, cubes of fresh fruits and a delicious sweet syrup, then the Frozen Pudding which is very creamy and soothing, and last but not the least, the Cheese Mousse with Strawberries and Azuki Beans - a bestseller and specialty of Umu. Other Umu forte dishes include the Wafu Steak and Teppanyaki.
To complete your exceptional dining experience, you can choose where to eat! Umu features Sushi and Robata counters, 4 Teppanyaki tables, three private Pavillions (open for reservation), the main dining area adjoined to the al fresco dining area and three authentic Tatami rooms. Umu even boasts of a beautiful Japanese garden with a Koi fish pond. Almost all areas of the restaurant have a spectacular view of the garden, which makes your dining experience even closer to nature.
So if you are craving for authentic Japanese food and relaxation, come to Umu and have the time of your life!
Umu
Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City
Telephone: 867-3333 Fax: 867-3888
Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m for lunch and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner
