Crispy katsudon, ‘smash heart’ chocolate, and jeepney wine tours get Filipinos in the mood

February 10, 2025

MANILA – As we finally settle into 2025 and February quickly rolls in, one thing we’ve felt in the past month is that this year is turning out to be yet another roller coaster (or jeepney) ride that’s steadily gaining momentum.

We’ve identified that the F&B industry’s undercurrents are steaming ahead with abandon, reminding us that no matter our mood we can find bliss in familiar places, as editor Eric Nicole Salta found during his visit to katsu favorite Yabu’s redesigned flagship in Rockwell whose return is welcome news as well as at Kodawari’s third branch at SM Aura and Deo Gracias in Quezon City.

You can also read about GoTyme Bank and Auro Chocolate’s love-inflected, limited-time offering for Valentine’s. Taking cues from this month’s first F&B Briefs (and with Valentine’s Day hot on its heels), you might want to seriously invest some time eating your way through Manila for mood-lifting rituals.

Or, if your foodie mood swings call for it.

We’re ecstatic about Yabu’s Rockwell return

After a brief hiatus of its Power Plant Mall location, katsu favorite Yabu has finally reopened with an expanded and rebranded flagship store that marks an ambitious vision to grow its footprint from 45 stores to 100 within five years.

“Our goal is to set the standard in the restaurant scene, and this expanded flagship store represents our commitment to that vision,” says John Concepcion, CEO of Standard Hospitality Group.

The idea behind the Michael Concepcion-led redesign is to let the Yabu experience work wonders (as always) on its diners. The space is now 50 percent larger and features a custom wall of masu cups on one side and a manga wall on the far end to help harmonize the dine-in experience.

Upgraded kitchen facilities and new staff uniforms also enhance the Yabu brand evolution. Yet the revitalized space isn’t the sole key factor here. Emerging on the menu is a branch-exclusive (at least for now) crispy katsudon, an homage to the popular rice bowl done askew.

“Even as we pursue aggressive growth, our commitment to quality remains unwavering,” adds Concepcion. “Each new location and menu innovation is carefully crafted to deliver the authentic Japanese dining experience our guests have come to expect.”—Eric Nicole Salta

We’re loving GoTyme Bank and Auro Chocolate’s smash heart collab

Collaborations are all the rage these days and they are not just happening between F&B brands.

Another smashing hit this Valentine season is the Auro x GoTyme Heart Smash collaboration that features an attention-grabbing 64 percent dark chocolate heart shell in GoTyme Bank’s signature turquoise color enclosing a mix of mini 55 percent dark chocolate caramel and hazelnut heart cookies.

Talk about giving a surprise for the season of love—especially with GoTyme Bank’s promise of constantly rewarding customers with lovely perks.

But when you’ve paused enough to appreciate the chocolate artistry and packaging pizzazz behind the partnership, GoTyme Bank cardholders are in for an extra treat as you can enjoy an exclusive 35 percent discount on the Heart Smash (from P670 to P435) when using your GoTyme Bank Visa debit card to pay at any Auro Chocolate Cafe.

Keep in mind though that the discount only applies to one Heart Smash transaction per day and is only available for in-store purchases.—Eric Nicole Salta

Auro Chocolates are available at Dxrt Lab by Chef Leti Moreau at The Grid Food Market, Auro Bistro Alabang, Auro Chocolate Café Taft, Auro Chocolate Café BGC, Auro Chocolate Café MOA Square, and Auro Chocolate Bahrain.

All aboard? We’re ready for Jeepney Wine Tour’s post-Valentine’s comeback

The beloved jeepney has long been a symbol of Filipino transportation, made even more iconic by its vibrant designs—ranging from paintings of the Sto. Niño to landscapes of Mayon Volcano and even drivers’ zodiac signs.

Taking from the lively spirit of jeepney culture, Winedrop in partnership with AWC Philippines is bringing back the Jeepney Wine Tour for its second year on Feb. 15, 2025. The tour will blend cultures, featuring a lineup of wines from Europe and the US, including France’s Domaine Grand Fidèle, Italy’s Tedeschi Wines, and the popular Californian Bread & Butter brand.

The tour seems apt for the day after Valentine’s Day. Instead of splurging on a tasting menu, the tour makes stops at Tartufo, Society Lounge, Elbert’s Collective, and Mamou 5, with a variety of bites to keep things exciting along the way. Guests can also take part in wine-senses challenges and collect points for prizes.—Lala Singian