I was wrong.

A couple of weeks ago found me and my husband walking along Ortigas Metrowalk trying to find a suitable place to have dinner. We did one round passing by Brazil Brazil, Teazann, Capisce, Bacolod Chicken Inasal, Cravings, Good Earth, and finally stopping to check out a Japanese restaurant called Misato. The place was bright and inviting so we let ourselves in through big heavy wooden doors to friendly and welcoming waiters. The staff greeted us in what I assume is japanese and led us to our table.

At first glance, the place appeared informal but cozy. It permeated an atmosphere of a local family dining place such as Dencio’s or Gerry’s Grill without the ruckus. Upon looking closely, cozy turned to not so cozy and finally uncomfortable. I have no qualms about the service – it was EXCELLENT! I mean greetings were flying for every person who walked through the door and someone was always ready to take your order or request. Our food arrived about 5 minutes after the waiter took them and it couldn’t have been quicker than any place I have ever been to. But my disappointment came when I was handed a menu whose plastic lamination was so crumpled and blurred you could hardly read the selection. Oh but despite the blur, the price screamed out at me. Two hundred fifty bucks for Tonkatsu?!?! I mean really. There wasn’t anything overly spectacular about the Tonkatsu and for that price I was expecting fireworks. The maki that we ordered were the same way. Although not bleh – not truly spectacular at all.

Oh I guess one thing that I really love with Japanese dishes that really cheers me up is how sticky the rice is. But at Misato… well let’s just say, the increased rice prices may have had an effect because the rice I have at home is definitely better. Sigh.

Misato
Ground Level, Metrowalk, Meralco Ave., Ugong
Pasig, Metro Manila
Tel. No: 638-7951