By: Marianne Escanilla
Traders Hotel embarks on a new gastronomical journey as its
newest Japanese restaurant and Sake bar, Kitsho, recently opened last September
to serve authentic Japanese cuisine.
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| Buta Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork Belly) |
Kitsho,
which means Happiness in Japanese, is a traditional yet modern venue to
experience genuine Japanese tradition through your palates. Guests can discover
new heights in Japanese cuisine as Japanese Executive Chef Masahiro Mizumoto
prepares signature dishes such as Live Lapu Lapu and Lobster Sashimi, Kaibashira
Butter Shoyuyaki Uni Sauce (sautéed Japanese scallop with uni sauce),
Beef Tongue Misoyaki (grilled beef tongue in miso), and Kitsuba
(red bean cake). A wide range of sushi, sashimi and tempura is also offered
at Kitsho in their sushi bar. Sake lovers will also enjoy Kitsho’s cozy bar
that features an extensive sake list.
The Buta Kakuni (Japanese braised
pork belly), which is all organic pork, is prepared for almost three days to
achieve the tenderness and its rich flavors that would surely excite your taste
buds. Chef Mizumoto picks sea urchins from the Bicol Region as the primary
ingredient in his signature dish, the Uni Tempura (sea urchin tempura), while imported salmon from Norway is
the main ingredient in his Salmon Tartaryaki (sautéed salmon with tartar
sauce).
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| Japanese Executive Chef Masahiro Mizumoto |
Chef Mizumoto assured that all ingredients used in all the dishes served
at Kitsho are fresh as he himself goes to the market four times a week to
personally pick and choose the ingredients he would use. Some ingredients used
in some of his signature dishes in the menu selection were imported directly
from Japan
Kitsho
caters to the majority of the in house guests of Traders which mostly composed
of Chinese, Japanese and Koreans. But, Filipino guests as well enjoy the
diversely flavored Japanese foods at Kitsho. “Here at Kitsho, we want to bring
happiness and satisfaction to every guests who comes here and we want only the
best and the freshest Japanese food for them.” Chef Mizumoto said.
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| Lobster Sashimi |
Aside from the menu selection of
Japanese food, Kitsho also offers the charm of an
authentic Japanese bento box at an
affordable value. The bento box,
which means “convenient pack,” has been part of Japanese popular culture that
can be traced back as early as the 1600s.
The bento box is a home-packed
meal usually prepared by Japanese homemakers for their spouses and children
when fast food and restaurants were unavailable. The food is artfully arranged in a wooden
lacquered box, similar to what is used today.
Kitsho’s Bento Box Take (Special) is also prepared faithful to its tradition and
authenticity; however, guests can enjoy the Kitsho bento box in a modern yet relaxed ambience. The meal consists of steamed Japanese rice,
two kinds of sashimi, green salad, Japanese omelet, daily appetizer and miso soup. For the main dish, guests can choose between
chicken teriyaki, sautéed organic pork or saba shioyaki. Guests can also
pick fresh fruits or ice cream for dessert.
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| Kitsho Private Dining Room |
Together with the wide selection of food and drinks, the
interiors of Kitsho and the ambience it exudes add up to the complete Japanese
experience for every guests. The dining room house booths and lounge seats that
can accommodate 90 persons. The four
private rooms feature collapsible walls to convert the space into one large
area, ideal for intimate gatherings that can seat up to 20 persons. With its
contemporary design with traditional Japanese music, Kitsho is definitely a
must when you’re craving for Japanese cuisine.
Dine in at Kitsho Restaurant and Sake Bar and experience a
wonderful journey with authentic Japanese cuisine that is surely one of the
best in the metro today. Kitsho is open for lunch and dinner from
Tuesday-Sunday and dinner on Mondays.
For inquiries and advance reservations, please call (63 2) 523 7011
local 2912 or 2913.
