Lamon Review: Shonantei Japanese RestoBar

I am a sucker for Japanese food, ever since Dad always brought home Maguro Tuna Sashimi from Farmers Market, Cubao from our younger years.

Now, every time I go into a Japanese restaurant, I have a hard time choosing whatever I want to eat. From the simple sashimi, to the complex sukiyaki, the choices are hard and endless.

My default order if I can't choose is always Katsudon (Deep fried pork cutlet with Egg on top of Steamed Rice). Why? Because it's freaking PORK.

Then my best bud, (who is also an avid fan of Japanese cuisine as well) suggested this place near our area in QC. He and his girlfriend raved about it so much, my sisters and I got curious and decided to try it for ourselves.

(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shonantei-Japanese-Resto-Bar/1441886446062979)

It was a small place along Mindanao Avenue, near the way to Project 8. Parking was tricky as the main space can accommodate only up to 2 cars. The rest will have to park along the highway.

When we got there, we had the option of choosing between 2 kinds of seating, the regular with tables and chairs, and the lounge seating wherein you can sit on the floor. Since we were just trying the place out, we chose the regular seating. (and my back was hurting then)

The place was decorated beautifully, it was reminiscent of the ambience of the restaurants in Little Tokyo, Makati. With Japanese posters, sake bottles, Japanese beer cans and bamboo partitions.

That guy is looking at us funnily.

It was just Mom, the sisters and me who went and tried it out, since Dad was in the province at that time. Out of the five of us, Dad was not the most adventurous eater. But he will try things out once it has his food choices in the menu.

A couple of excited foodies

We were attended to by the restaurant's co-owner, Ms. Janet. She was very accommodating and told us little tidbits on how the restaurant came to be, and also how the food is prepared as fresh as possible.

Looking at the menu, there were many interesting and tasty choices. So going back to my default order was out the table. They have so many affordable food items, it was damn near impossible to choose. So, we just stuck to our gut and ordered what suited our fancy.

Before the meal, my sister noticed that the restaurant served her favorite type of sparkling Sake, Mio Sake and ordered it without a second thought. It was our aperitif before the feast. And it tasted pretty damn good. Then Ms. Janet offered us a wine cooler to keep the sake cold throughout the meal. Not to mention she also recommended a Sake that was Plum-based called Cho-ya and presented us with its benefits as a "healthy" sake. We were also presented with tiny cups that were appropriate for drinking Sake. It was a complete and unreal Japanese experience all thanks to Ms. Janet and her awesome hospitality.

The cooler and the pottery is gorgeous and the cups were pretty.

We decided to try out the house specialty, which was the Wagyu Saikoro Steak which was priced at an affordable 280+php. This was also a recommendation by the best bud so we were intrigued since we have not tried Wagyu before. It was the first to arrive, and each of us tried a bite. After trying it, we were literally speechless. It MELTS! It literally melts! And it tasted considerably like another pricey dish, the Foie Gras. Which had the same texture and rich flavor. For 280+ it is definitely a must-try.

I could eat this forever. (Until the heart attack attacks.)

So then came our orders,

I ordered my ultimate Japanese favorite, the Yakitori (Grilled skewered Chicken) which was priced at 50php per stick, which was hella affordable.

Oh good Lord, thank you for creating this dish.

These are different parts of the famed bird, I ordered Torikawa (Chicken skin) and Torimomo (Chicken Thigh). The Torikawa was fat and crispy, while the Torimomo was oh-so-juicy. It was decadent bites up to the last part.

Mom ordered the Nikutamagotoji Soba. It was a ramen dish of Soba Noodles in a hot dashi broth finished with egg on top. The soup was delicious and we all had nothing but good things to say about it.

Soba. Soba-dass.

Ate Jody ordered her Salmon Kaisen-Oyako-Don which comprised of super fresh Salmon Sashimi Slices on top of steamed rice topped off with Salmon Roe which kind of resembled the Philippine Sago. Thinking it was the same, we first tried the Salmon Roe, which was unlike we ever tasted before. It was circular eggs which exploded when eaten and gave off a Salty Sea flavor which was perfect with the Salmon Sashimi. Needless to say, the dish was exciting and at the same time, balanced.

Eating the mother and the unborn children. Very dark.

Finally, Ate Jaymee ordered the simple Maguro-don, which comprised of her affinity for Maguro Tuna. The Sashimi was fresh to the bite, bouncy and flavorful.

Maguroooooooo

It was a very fun and educational trip. We are coming back. Though it may be with different people, but we are definitely returning. There are still so much more to try, especially the alcohol. I wouldn't mind getting drunk here.

For those who want to experience this awesomeness,

Their address is at:

863 Mindanao Avenue, 

Bahay Toro, Quezon City

455 9160

Restaurant Hours - 5:00PM - 1:00AM (No lunch dates)

Tuesday - Sunday

Kampaii!!