NESTLED in the heart of Antipolo City is Sakura Circle, a “Little Tokyo” of sorts that offers Japanese, Korean and Filipino dining establishments, a Japanese grocery and other shops.
The banner restaurant is ABCT Izakaya, a casual but tastefully designed dining place which offers a mouth-watering menu of Japanese cuisine prepared by its chef Regina Faustino.
ABCT stands for Aki, a US-schooled Japanese businessman; his partner Bernadette Coronado, a former overseas performing artist turned successful entrepreneur; and her children Chihiro and Takumi.
In Japan, izakaya translates to stay-drink place or casual pub dining. It is a place where everybody gathers to chill, grabs a quick drink, enjoy a wide variety of menu and chat. The environment is often congenial and friendly. “Just exactly how we planned and executed it,” said Bernadette who is the CEO of ABCT Izakaya and ABCT Kitchen and Store in Eastridge Golf and Country Club in nearby Binangonan, Rizal.
ABCT Izakaya’s menu offers a wide array of Japanese and fusion dishes, as well as a variety of desserts and drinks. They also serve authentic Japanese ramen, of course.
Their dishes use only the most authentic Japanese ingridients that they can easily source out from the ABCT Japanese Store in Sakura Circle. Particularly, their Grade-A shashimi is always airflown fresh, never frozen.
Their maki/sushi platter includes tamago, kyuri, tako, maguro, saba, shake, unagi, hamachi and kani Seafood, mushroom and eggplant tempura are a bestseller.
Two fusion dishes caught this writer’s fancy. One is their avocado bonito sarada (avocado salad) which uses small but very delicious avocados imported from Mexico.
Their heavenly shibuya toast is a honey-laced pain de mie dessert topped by whipped cream and your favorite ice cream only from ABCT Izakaya at Sakura Circle, Antipolo City. I had my toast topped with vanilla ice cream.
ABCT’s indoor area can accommodate up to 46-50 people. If you are looking for a different venue, they also accept private event reservation.
Experience Japanese and fusion dishes like you’ve never before. ABCT Izakaya is open from Monday to Thursday at 11AM to 10AM, and Fridday to Sunday 11AM to 12MN. For inquiries, call 0927-579-4134. Sakura Circle is located at Lot 11A Circumferential Rd. cor. J. Sumulong Ave. Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal 1870.
