Restaurant Review

BY: Carrie A. Javier

Thank God, it’s Friday, it has been another hectic week and I deserve a break, I told myself as I made my way to the second floor of Berkeley Mall along Commonwealth Avenue. The familiar sight of my favorite dining outlet definitely cheered me up. Kitaro, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine has long been my watering hole, a place where I indulge in flavorful Japanese cuisine without feeling guilty that I’m splurging on things I could not very well afford.

It is this combination of; superb food, affordable prices, friendly and courteous staff and relaxing ambience that has endeared Kitaro to my heart. Dining here has helped me unwind after a grueling day or week at work. Some Sundays, I bring my sons here for a special treat. Long used to fast food fare, they were surprised the first time I brought them to Kitaro in Berkeley Mall. “Never thought that noodles could taste so good Mom,” JM, my youngest quipped after having sampled yakisoba, Kitaro’s popular noodle dish along with yakisudon. They also enjoyed sampling sakana furai (breaded and deep-fried fish fillets), my favorite dish, which I insisted they should try.

Since it opened its doors, I have been a regular customer at Berkeley Kitaro. Before that, I have visited Kitaro’s other branches along East Avenue and at Royale Place along Commonwealth Avenue and across Ever Gotesco. I have always enjoyed dining in any of its outlets but am especially fond of its branch in Berkeley Mall since it is conveniently along my route before going home. I find it a soothing experience to stop by at Kitaro and treat myself to a good dinner and their bottomless iced tea, after shopping at the supermarket. It’s my one indulgence, a way of recharging as I get ready to face another tiring work week.

Humble Beginning

According to David Puen, Quality Assurance Manager, Kitaro started out “as a mom and pop operation by seven housewives who had a lot of spare time and some debt to repay. They opened a small hole-in-the-wall store along White Plains Avenue on August 9, 1999 catering to individuals who would just order their food for take – out or delivery.”

“From its humble beginnings, Kitaro has grown into a 34-strong network of branches reaching as far north as Baguio and Bicutan and Las Pinas down south. From what was once an operation where the seven housewives took an active role in the day-to-day operations, it has grown into a more professional organization with the founding members at the helm as directors of the franchise,” David recalled.

He continued that, “with Kitaro’s success, part of the satisfaction the owners get is that they know they are contributing to the development of the Philippines by offering employment for more Filipinos.”

As Kitaro opens more branches in the metropolis, and in other parts of the country as well, more and more Filipinos will be benefited.

Great Favorites

David narrated, “Ever since Kitaro first opened its doors to the public, our bread and butter has always been our sushi. We serve an extensive line of sushi, sashimi, maki, and temaki variants. But among these, it is our party trays that have gained the most attention due to its aesthetic value and great variety of items on the party tray. It is something you can bring to a party for everyone to enjoy and savor.”

Their party trays look so good and reasonably priced that I’m opting to order one for my youngest son’s Recognition Day come March. Surely, it will make this memorable day even more meaningful for our family as we share sumptuous fare from Kitaro.

My personal favorites, aside from the sakana furai, is chirashidon, katsudon, miso ramen, and mixed sashimi special. Not to be left out are their delectable and healthy salads. I can attest that dining at Kitaro is a great way to sate one’s hunger without worrying about putting on unwanted pounds. Talk about indulging and keeping in shape at the same time.

Looking Forward

Things are certainly looking up for this once hole-in-the-wall outlet conceptualized by seven housewives. David happily says, “We have been in the process of improving our brand and store look to make our customers’ dining experiences even better.”

Kitaro’s new branches in McKinley Hill, Luneta, and SM Supercenter Pasig will soon sport a new design, a different kind of look to make their valued clients’ dining experience even more pleasurable.

David feels positive that Kitaro’s exciting new look signifies a new phase in “our life as a fledging business.” Indeed, things augur well for Kitaro and its increasing branches.

With a forward looking board of directors, dedicated and committed staff, expect more outlets to spring forth in the near future.

Having more Kitaro branches is truly a welcome bonus. May its tribe increase.

Carrie A. Javier is a veteran freelance travel writer. An affable and gregarious soul who loves writing and traveling, she considers God’s Absolute Gospel as her ultimate guide and inspiration in whatever she does. She also loves her country and prays that the Philippines will emerge as a truly progressive and stable nation in the near future. She hopes that through her articles, she could help promote the Philippines and its unique culture, people and events.

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