Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo- Kyobashi

I'm back!  Yes I'm a delinquent blogger.  If you've noticed my absence, it's because this lady went to the land of the rising sun - Japan!  Last year, I fell in love with Osaka.  So this year, I figured if Osaka was nice, then Tokyo must be spectacular.  So this time around, Miss M went to Tokyo!  And before I share with you all those yummy food posts, first, let me share with you where we stayed at: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo - Kyobashi.  

From the moment I booked the tickets to Tokyo, the next thing I do is always find accommodations.  In booking a hotel, I only have three definite musts: first is that the hotel must be of reasonable amount.  Second, the reviews must be pretty good.  And third, the location must be either right smack in the middle of somewhere fun or has public transportation nearby.  A handful of hotels fit my criteria, and in the end, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo - Kyobashi won me over.  Why?  Because some reviewers claimed that they give out Shiseido bath products.  LOL.

Fast forward to our trip, our flight landed pretty early in the morning.  When we got to the hotel, we were told that our check-in time was still a couple of hours away.  So Hubby and I left our luggage at the front desk and ventured out.  It was already dark when we got back.  By that time the room was ready, so we headed up to the room.  

View from the door

View from the opposite side

Bathroom

Work area

Closet

TV and mini-fridge

So far so good?  Well the room was pretty small.  Something we have yet to get accustomed to.  Had to remind ourselves constantly that rooms in Japan are always this size.  Aside from the room size, everything was looking good.  Well, until we saw this:

And this:

What is it?  I'm not too sure.  Dirt, probably.  Though one thing I am sure of is that it can be cleaned up and it wasn't.  The dirt remained on all 4 nights at the hotel.  Oh well.  I wouldn't have really minded had the dirt been somewhere far, but the one beside the painting was right above our bed.  Couldn't help but think we've inhaled some of it as we sleep.  Eeeew.   

So will I stay at the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo - Kyobashi again?  Probably not.  Shame really, as the location is really good.  There's a Family Mart around the corner and it's a few steps away from the subway station too.  Guess we'll have to find another place to stay at the next time we find ourselves in Tokyo.  And just in case you're curious... No, there were no Shiseido bath products.  The only Shiseido they had was the hand soap.  Guess they changed toiletries.  Boo.  2 out of 5 stars.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Kyobashi is at 2-11-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0031, Japan.

Vita Fede, CC Skye and Gorjana's Premium Closing Out Sale!

Ever had a "blah" day where no matter what you do and how many outfit changes you make, there seems to be something lacking in your outfit?  Accessories to the rescue!  It adds that extra "oomph" to an otherwise simple outfit and turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.  We all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend.  Well, I say that accessories are a close second!  And whether you're a master at accessorizing or a newbie who wants to add a little spice, I've got great news for you:  Vita Fede, CC Skye and Gorjana is having their premium closing out sale!  

If you're familiar with the brand, then chances are that you're already all ears.  If not, let me give you a little background on the brands.   

Vita Fede

CC Skye

Gorjana

Excited yet?  To fuel more excitement, let me give you a sneak peek.  Here are some of the Vita Fede styles included in the sale:

Chiave

Como Circle

Fascino Wraps

Lagina

Luca

Monaco Double Multi Wrap

Vero

Prices for the Vita Fede accessories are 60%-90% off.  CC Skye and Gorjana will be marked down at 50%-75% off.  YES.  HUGE DISCOUNTS!  Have your eyes popped out of their sockets yet?  LOL.  I'm personally really excited with this sale, so much that I've already marked down the dates on my calendar.  And I think you should too!

As they all say, there is no such thing as over-accessorizing, so run over to Hotel Celeste this weekend and get these premium brands for a steal!  See you there!

Sakura by Edo-San

A few months ago, Hubby mentioned something about a Japanese restaurant in Alphaland Southgate Tower.  He was in the area, and the interiors of the restaurant caught his attention.  Thus, he wanted to try it.  Months passed we both forgot about it.  That is, until I saw the post of Jin Perez, one of my ever favorite food bloggers.  And if she says it's good, then it's good.  Of course, I had to try it!  

One Saturday night, I dragged Hubby out for a mandatory date.  LOL!  Contrary to other popular Japanese restaurants, Sakura Edo-San is not one of those hyped up restaurants with about a thousand other noisy people in it.  It's a perfect date place; cozy and quiet.  But the more important question is, what about the food?  Let's take a look, shall we?

Appetizer

Uni Sashimi

Shake Sashimi (Fresh Salmon)

Shime Saba (Marinated Mackerel)

...and because I don't eat anything raw (I know, BO-RING!), I'll skip the raw stuff and go straight to the others.

Aburi Uni (Lightly grilled sea urchin)

I've never been a fan of uni, but I got a bit anyway.  Well, it didn't appeal to me in any way, but in Hubby's books, this was really good.  

Gyoza (Pan fried Japanese dumpling)

Nah, this was the major fail of the night.  See the dumpling wrapper?  It was torn even before we got to it.  Tastewise, it didn't do anything for me either.

Kaki To Papaya Yaki (Grilled oyster in papaya with special sauce)

 And now we get to the three best dishes for the night.  First one is the Kaki To Papaya Yaki.  OH MY GOODNESS.  I rarely eat semi-raw oysters, but this one was simply mind blowingly amazing.  The mixture of the big, fat, juicy oysters with the sweet papaya was simply an explosion of orgasmic proportions in my mouth.  I had to close my eyes and moan in pleasure with every bite.

Edo-San Maki (Cream cheese, kani, avocado, tobiko, anago with sauteed shrimp on top)

As for the Edo-San Maki?  This reminded me of the Tempura Maki I had at Yanagi in Midas Hotel.  Just when I thought nothing could compare to it, here comes a contender.   

Unagi to Mango Tempura (Eel, mango with special sauce)

And finally, the Unagi to Mango Tempura.  When I saw this on the menu, I just couldn't pass up the chance to try out a dish which was made from two of my favorite things.  Good thing too!  Because it was sooo good!  The strips of unagi was creamy and crunchy at the same time, and the mango was oh so sweet.

Overall, Sakura by Edo-San has now edged out other Japanese restaurants in my book and has claimed the top spot.  Though the prices may not be for the faint of heart, I can assure you that the quality and taste of the food is top notch.  4.5 out of 5 stars!

Sakura by Edo-San is at 6/F, Alphaland Southgate Tower, EDSA cor.  Pasong Tamo, Makati