Yes fellow neighbors from the South… that’s tomorrow already. Check out this authentic tonkatsu place spearheaded by a Japanese chef on 252 Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes, Paranaque City (in front of Songkran).
I was certainly giddy with excitement when I saw the place being set up along Aguirre a month ago. Tonkatsuya is one of the restaurants on my must go-to list, but I couldn’t seem to find the time to go to their original location in San Antonio Village Makati (not to mention, I heard parking there sucks!)
The stars must have been aligned because I was invited to their pre-opening party last Monday. I finally got to try their much-talked about tonkatsu and other dishes. Food was served buffet-style (not a la carte, as what happens when they formally open) but at least now I have an idea why foodies are proclaiming why their food is one of the best in its category in Manila.
The tonkatsu had the perfect crunch which wasn’t overwhelmed by the delicate breading. The cabbage greens that went with it were the crispiest. But I have to say that I really am more of a chicken than a pork lover and the chicken karaage just blew me away.It was tender and tasty, inside and out. Nomnomnom fried chicken!
I love how homey the BF location is with its ceiling fans, LCD TVs and interiors that don’t scream ZEN too much. The place seats 60 people and it’s comfy enough for you to dine in or swap stories over Asahi beer with friends.
Here’s one strange tidbit I learned.Tonkatsuya has been existing in Makati for five years, until recently when it got much-needed raves from the foodie community. Its proprietor Chef Hosoya (who’s got a Filipina wife) has been approached by a number of people for a franchise, so much so that he finally granted a “franchise” to his close circle of friends, not strangers as he doesn’t want his resto to be too commercialized. The chef said he wants to retain the authentic Japanese taste and also to keep prices reasonable (tonkatsu sets in the resto are only P200++)
So yes, the two gracious ladies to the leftmost of this picture are the lucky ones to own/manage the BF location – Joanne Blanca and Pian Jean Go. They’re shown here with Chef Hosoya and his wife.
Watch out also for Tonkatsuya Rockwell opening soon!
Tonkatsuya BF Homes
252 Aguirre Avenue
BF Homes, Paranaque City
Tel. No. 331-3044
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