January 13, 2010

Japanese place

Every now and then, my husband and I would try out a restaurant that we've heard absolutely nothing about. Our latest 'experiment' was Ariake, a Japanese restaurant located in the restaurant and bar row that is Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. According to Wikipedia, Ariake is the name of several places in Japan. Our verdict about the restaurant: too fusion for our taste. Many of the items in their menu either have cream cheese or are deep fried, even the maki. We prefer more traditional Japanese cooking with its subtler tastes. I do like their heavily textured wall paint though, and that single organic plant stem in a room full of geometric shapes.

Ariake Japanese restaurant

29 comments:

brattcat said...

Yes, they definitely get points for decor. Thanks for the spider update. : )

Lowell said...

Not having had an opportunity to enjoy much Japanese cuisine, I haven't a clue as to what you're talking about...but I think I should like to try some of the food myself.

It looks like a very attractive establishment.

FA said...

I agree, the design is great. Too bad the food disappointed you. Great shot, anyway.

Anonymous said...

Agree with you that one of the most important places where one should remain to be true, is the kitchen.
Please have a wonderful Wednesday.

Leif Hagen said...

I wish I could try out "Ariake", too! Sounds like a fun "experiment!" Could anyone working there speak Japanese?!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

For some reason, it seems that Asian food is particularly likely to be featured in a fusion context, rather than maintaining the purity of the traditions of a particular country. At least that is the way it is often marketed in restaurants on this side of the Pacific.

Louis la Vache said...

«Louis» likes the decor, too.

Chuck Pefley said...

The decor is interesting. Sorry to hear the menu wasn't to your liking, though. Always disappointing when that happens ...

Photo Cache said...

It's really better sometimes to be the first one to "review" the place, at least you have no prior reads that would influence you.

It's true with a lot of restaurants. There is way too many fusion places lately, although some have really excelled.

Ebie said...

I cannot handle deep fried anymore. Even the vegetable tempura gives me heart burn.

Lighting and ambiance a plus.

Gunn said...

The photo is very good, and it looks like an elegant and simple STYLE.

Olivier said...

j'aime cet univers asiatique, très belle photo qui appelle à la zenitude

Cezar and Léia said...

hmmm I don't know about the food there, maybe I would like more the traditional one as well, but I could try it once at least, and that decoration is charming!I liked those lights!
Léia

James Mark said...

Zenitude! Cool, anyway. Some nice Japanese restaurants in Brighton, UK, but we need our son to take us through the menu. We always forget what's what. Thanks Hilda.

Anonymous said...

Some traditional Japanese food is way beyond delicious and most modern Japanese foods are a blend of cultures that never quite seems to work for me. As far as their decoration goes, they are centuries old masters at it and can make the simple thing so beautiful that it is amazing. The stem of bamboo in this room or wall is perfect the way it is lit. I like it and the "K" in the name.

Their work in landscapes is stunning.

Buck said...

I always enjoy your restaurant posts. Sorry you didn't like this place, but thank you for sharing it with us!

VP said...

I know about nothing of Japanese restaurant, but this looks nice and I trust your choice.

Lois said...

It does have a nice decor and I like the name of this place as well. Cream cheese and deep fried sound good to me though, but maybe not with Japanese food!

George said...

The decor is simple but elegant. It's too bad the food wasn't to your liking.

Halcyon said...

I think I would agree with you on the menu. I'm not too fond of cream cheese and definitely not of deep fried stuff. But the decor is sublime! Maybe that's reason enough to try the place once.

Rob Siemann said...

We like doing this as well, trying unknown restaurants. And no, you can't get it right every time. We found some marvels, a small greek place nearby for example, and some.... I better not say what I think about them. Overpriced hospital food, to be nice. Better luck next time.

stromsjo said...

A feast for the eyes and maybe just a cup of tea to go with that design.

johnny said...

A beautiful restaurant, greetings to your husband

Lisa Wilson said...

Sounds yummy, but I wonder why so many restaurants still fry food when we know how bad it is? I love those colors and architecture!

Kaori said...

A lot of the restaraunts here have similar interior taste! That plant definately stands out :)

Andreea said...

Their decor looks amazing, I would hire their decorator :) That sounds like an interesting experiment, trying out something you've heard absolutely nothing about. While I do that a lot when I travel I have to say that I never do it in my own city; maybe I should try it someday.

Unknown said...

I like the minimalism here! As to the japanese food it's my second favourite (Thai cuisine is on the first place).

AB said...

Wonderful restrained elegance.

Mirela said...

I would definitely come here for lunch/dinner!