Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to dine out at a restaurant. Love is in the air and couples are all celebrating the greatest gift of life, love over a meal. Chef’s tend to get more creative for this special occasion and spoil their customers with creativity and beauty. Valentine’s Day started out as a Christian feast to celebrate the life of Christian martyr Saint Valentine. Rumor is believed that he wrote the daughter of his jailer a note before his execution that said from “Your Valentine” where the phrase originated.

143 Orchard Street has been a well-known location for Philippine Cuisine for the past 4 years as it has been the residence of Tsismis. For the past year though Chef Aris Tuazon has been doing a pop up for his Ugly Kitchen here and his crowd of loyal followers have been back in full force. Serving his famed dishes and cocktails the Pinoy dive bar has settled back into this location. Offering “kamayan” meals and private parties as well the former east village location is now a local go to here at the lower east side.

Gugu room will be the 3rd concept to launch from this location beginning in mid-April where Chef Markee Manoloto of Kissaki will be taking the helm. Filipino inspired yakitori will be served from the kitchen where Chef Markee will be sharing his yakitori skills with us. High end cocktails will be served from the bar concocted by Lee Watson of The Spirits Library in Poblacion. Beats will be played by Groove Manila’s Jason Soong and on the helm will be restauranteur Marco Viray of Kampai and Joe’s Brew.

The wagyu yakitori was really good and tender, and the spicy kani crab salad had a nice kick to it. The longaniza yakitori had sharp flavors and paired well with the crab and truffle garlic fried rice. The crispy tofu was easily one of the best dishes of the evening showing various flavor profiles. The toro yuzu miso stole the show with its melt in your mouth texture. The dishes offered this evening were exceptional and if this is a sign of what’s to come in the future then we are all looking forward to the grand opening real soon.

www.guguroomnyc.com
#KULINARYATRAVELS by Chef Jappy is off to CASA DANI  next…