Trinoma's P1,000 Fine dining challenge !

TRINOMA's

P1, 000 pesos FINE DINING (dinner date) Challenge!!!Continues. . .

By : Aly abaquin

Second stop: Haiku: Japanese Cuisine

In trinoma there is only one resto that uplifts the standard of the Japanese cuisine and that is HAIKU at the third (3rd) level. Your date would be impress since the setting is already a visual feast and makes you look forward to a truly pleasurable dinner.

So let’s rate HAIKU:

AMBIANCE: Hip and inviting with a contemporary twist by using the Japanese OBI-BELT as inspiration. The eyes are filled with vivid circular black and gold design overhanging as half domes enveloping diners below while seated on a circular HAIKU enclaves-cocooning you and your date for that romantic one-on- one. The music is soothing and relaxing (Enya was playing).

COVETED SEATING: The Haiku cocoon seating- there are only 3 circular enclaves of this sort so reserved in advance or you’ll be seating in their regular boxy seats.

PRICE: It is a little bit pricey buts its location and setting compensate for a memorable date. They’ve passed the P1,000 pesos challenge with a logical choice in the menu of their entrée worth P 725 and 2 glasses of Sake at P105/per glass. A total of P 935 pesos.
Menu: Entrée “A” – a choice of main dish of scallop teppanyaki plus sashimi. miso soup, salad, rice and dessert. P 725 and the house blend or Haiku sake for P 105/per glass. Grand Total P 935 pesos. (Based on Jan 10 2008 price list)

FOOD QUALITY: The entrée is good to share but the serving is bit average.
Miso Soup- the well blended of flavors of the tofu, miso paste, wakame seaweed in broth is a little bit salty but standard.

Haiku Style Sashimi Salad is a composition of tuna flakes, crabsticks, onion leeks, ginger, julienne carrots, nori squares and is tossed in select green cabbage drizzled with sesame seeds w/a special Haiku salad dressing topped with deep fried potato mini strips is a must try! The 3 sashimi strip and 3 Norwegian salmon on the side compliments well as appetizers.

Main Dish: The choices of either or ebi tempura and sashimi are classics and by the book but the scallops are superb.

Dessert: Ask for the Green Tea ice cream and you’ll know why is highly recommended.

Wine: Sake is good, though sweet compared to other Japanese restos. For dry or more robust sake ask for their selections.
Or your choice of the Haiku house blend drink of watermelon, cantaloupe, crushed ice with a special fruity blend topped with pandan syrup and is served in a large tall fluted glass good for sharing. Ask your server for 2 straws for that romantic sip.

PRESENTATION: The presentation is an art form in itself the entree are served in a big ceramic platter inside it are a symphony of containers mimicking an artful bento box.-To pretty to eat. Even your water is served artistically in white abstract hand-blown glassware.
NOTE: the servings are average in size and if your date is a hearty eater this is not the place for you.

SERVICE: Staff are gracious, informative and helpful

Haiku’s overall ratings: 3 Spoons
Flavors are fresh, presentation is an art form but a little bit pricey.
For reservations: Haiku -3rd level Trinoma North Ave Corner Edsa
Tel no. 901-5610 to 11