Metro – Valero St., Makati

The problem with working nights is that nothing is open. We have to content ourselves with crappy ass food the convenience stores have. I don’t know about you guys but I can only take so much McDonald’s and chili dog from 711. There is, literally, such a thing as death by saturated fats.

I can actually brown bag it but most of the time, I don’t have enough time to cook something that I’d really like to eat during my lunch break. (I know, I’m picky. If wanting to eat nice gourmet food is a crime then freaking lock me up. Don’t get me wrong though, I will gobble up a can of corned tuna with white rice like any kargader sa pier) I have done this and so righteously shared it with my adoptive work family (Thanks Team LA) but I feel guilty when I don’t have enough or when I didn’t cook anything.

Sometimes, there’s just that infernal craving for a lunch out. One of our (and I say our, because it’s usually me and my work wife, LA) favorite haunts is Metro by Tokyo Tokyo.

Back in the 90′s, Tokyo Tokyo used to be the in thing for Japanese fast food. They had relatively inexpensive meals that had a semblance of Japanese into it. I say semblance because during those days we weren’t as “exposed” to cuisine as we are now.

It was the “in” thing to do – Go out with friends on a Saturday, watch a movie and have a meal at Tokyo Tokyo. The fast food chain lost its appeal (and flavor) as the 90′s started to lose its fight with the new millennium

Metro is not quite authentic Japanese but more of Urban Modern Japanese eating. I’d like to think of it as “an old lover/friend trying to reconnect with you”. Their market after all, would be those young ones who have visited their stores all those Saturdays in the 90′s.

This particular branch at Valero St., Makati is quite pleasant. The interior is minimalist and practical but with a modern touch such as the huge flat screen TV on the wall. I love how they’ve mixed the feel of dark wood and red accents.

The food is relatively affordable and it is actually yummy. Our favorite is the steak. (Again, I said it’s not quite authentic Japanese because I’m pretty sure Japanese restaurants won’t offer steak and fries. Granted, the fries were either Nori or Wasabi flavor – an attempt at putting in the Japanese theme still). Last night, I had the Spicy Seafood Ramen and trust me when I tell you it’s really freaking SPICY!

I just wish they’d stop having those acoustic players on weekdays. For one, they can’t pronounce “th“ properly and that grates my nerves. Second, the place was not built for entertainment like that. The music’s too loud and it is more bothersome than relaxing. But we like the food so we stay and comment sarcastically each time the singers open their mouths.

Metro Japanese restaurant is located at Valero St., Makati and is open 24 hours.