Inatô

April 19, 2024

There’s someone new in town!

The newly opened Inatô helmed by Chef JP Cruz is nothing short of amazing. Chef JP Cruz was the sous-chef of Chef Jordy Navarra from Toyo Eatery Manila, which recently bagged the 24th spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Having been with Chef Jordy since Day 1, this bold move felt like it was his time to embark on something more personal. With full support from his Toyo Eatery family, and with Inatô being right beside Toyo Eatery in Karrivin Plaza, it appeared like a seamless decision.

Inatô is a cozy dining space that only seats 8 at the Chef’s table and 6 in their private dining space. As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with warm lighting and friendly smiles. One look around and you already know that the interior was thoroughly designed and well thought of. From the main door itself to the locally sourced marble table (the base is one whole marble from Rizal – I can’t even explain how beautiful it was pieced together). The rattan dining chairs were made by renowned Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue and they have this fabric separating the private dining space from the main dining, made by Filipino fashion designer Carl Jan Cruz , who also designed the staff aprons. Let’s not forget their beautiful restroom adorned with Capiz pearl tiles and with a smart Japanese toilet bowl.

Their water cup is made by Filipino ceramic artist Ella Mendoza

Unlike Toyo Eatery, Inatô only serves an Ala carte menu. Perfect for those who just wants to try certain dishes. The dining experience and the food was excellent and I highly recommend you sit at the Chef’s table for a more interactive experience. Would love to come back for more and also to try the other dishes. I personally loved the fresh Oyster, the Scallop with corn and caviar, the skewers with white rice and the refreshing fruity popsicle. They have a fancy version of Lomi noodles that reminded me of my Lola’s Ilocano Miki noodles. It was also very delicious.

The food was complemented by their homemade sparkling Ginger beer and capped off with their own hot tea made from Cascara (the husk or dried skin of Coffee cherries) blended with toasted rice. Just perfect.

Physical 100 is a Korean Reality Show on Netflix that has become a global success. One hundred sporty contestants in different physiques and build, compete in a series of intense and gruelling physical challenges. I just finished Season 2 and I think it was even better than Season 1. Here are my favourites from the Season 2 cast 😍

  1. Lee Jae-yoon Actor, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Brown belt

2. Andre Jin Coquillard National Team Rugby Player

3. Jo Sung-bin Pro MMA Fighter

4. Lee Jang-Kun Kabaddi National Athlete

5. Amotti Cross Fit Athlete, Body builder

Last night, I came across a clip of actor Henry Cavill on Instagram, where he shared with an audience excerpts from a list of 50 life lessons written by an 80 year old.

He said : “A friend of mine sent me this text a long time ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It’s 50 points, and it’s advice from an 80 year old. And I try to read through these points every day, good day or a bad day, especially on bad days, it really, really helps, because it does bring things into perspective a lot.”

On the comment section, someone posted the 50 life lessons and here they are :

1. Have a firm handshake

2. Look people in the eye

3. Sing in the shower

4. Own a great stereo system

5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard

6. Keep secrets

7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day

8. Always accept an outstretched hand

9. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

10. Whistle

11. Avoid sarcastic remarks

12. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 % of all your happiness or misery

13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out

14. Lend only those books you never care to see again

15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have

16. When playing games with children, let them win

17. Give people a second chance, but not a third

18. Be romantic

19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know

20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems

21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s

22. Be a good loser

23. Be a good winner

24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret

25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go

26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born

27. Keep it simple

28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose

29. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river

30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, “No Regrets”

31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

32. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them

33. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you

34. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you

35. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes

36. Begin each day with some of your favorite music

37. Once in a while, take the scenic route

38. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’

39. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice

40. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.

41. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job

42. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later

43. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you

44. Become someone’s hero

45. Marry only for love

46. Count your blessings

47. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home

48. Wave at the children on a school bus

49. Remember that 80 % of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people

50. Don’t expect life to be fair

What are your top 5 from the list?