It was the almost the last day of 2011 and the holiday rush was over and we wanted to get together. We also wanted to celebrate our friend’s birthday.
Tisay suggested we eat at Toro a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant in Bonifacio Global City.
The place was empty when we got there at 8:40 pm but we were told that all the tables were reserved. We promised to eat fast and they eventually gave us a table. It must have been for a late, very late party.
There were only a few of us who were in town for dinner that night.
We were blessed with Mitch’s presence who came all the way from Florida.
This is Pat, the birthday girl.
I was happy to see they have bastardized sushi that I love so much. This roll was stuffed with salmon, spicy mayo, jalapeño and deep fried. It was just spicy enough for me and so, so, so yummy!!! More spicy salmon mixture topped the fried rolls for extra dimension and flavor.
volcano roll P390
The spicy seafood salad was quite delicious too but I prefer the seafood crepe of Omakase since it has more dimension and texture.
spicy seafood salad P230
Our server suggested this soft taco which was essentially filled with the spicy seafood mixture above. I liked it without the tortilla wrapper better but this is the fusion part of the menu.
spicy seafood taco P330
I liked their version of the California maki using a fried ebi tempura in the roll.
California maki P250
I forgot what this was but basically their sushi were quite decent.
When I saw the words creamy spicy rock shrimp in the menu I was so excited I ordered it right away. I was so happy that my favorites from Morimoto and Nobu were finally in Manila. But to my huge disappointment it was nowhere near it’s namesakes. This was simply shrimp tempura drizzled with spicy dressing. It wouldn’t have been too bad except the tempura was all thick batter. I still dream of finding the same shrimp dish in Manila soon.
creamy spicy tempura rock shrimp P340
Toro had an extensive list on tapas on their menu and this is what our server highly suggested. It tasted like an ordinary taco to me, nothing fusion about it.
mini tacos served two ways P320
taco sauces
Now this dish was unique – braised short ribs dipped in batter and fried. It just proves once again that anything fried is delicious. The beef was very flavorful but some parts were just plain tough. I wish they braised the beef longer.
miso braisesd short rib tempura P420
Not the best age dashi tofu but not too bad.
age dashi tofu P340
They gave our birthday girl this beautiful dessert. Sweet fruit in an orange cup topped with ice cream.
Overall the food was just average. Maybe there were other special dishes we should have tried but based on the ones we ate I would still go to Omakase for better value.
Toro’s menú
soups & salads, tapas
baskets, main dishes, rice bowls, makis
makis, tacos, chimichurri skewers & gourmet sandwiches
desserts, dessert shots & degustation
Toro Restaurant & Bar
Unit 6, Ground Floor One McKinley Place,
4th Avenue between 25th and 26th street
(Located behind Mini Cooper showroom)
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Phone: (02) 846-9681
Mobile: 0917-555-TORO (8676)
Email: info@dinetoro.com
Operating Hours: 7 Days a Week 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-12am
Shoot First Eat Later 