The Fresh Flavors from the Sea and Grill at Hidemasa in City of Dreams Manila

Hidemasa at City of Dreams Manila offers an extensive selection of popular Japanese classics from ramen, tempura and gyoza to sushi rolls and yakitori in one elegant setting for a feast to remember.  The idea of starting with the fresh, clean and succulent notes of seafood followed by savory skewers romanced by the flames and smoke of the grill felt like a good idea this particular day, and Hidemasa proved me right. Read on for the full lowdown on a sumptuous dining experience at one of the premier establishments at City of Dreams Manila...

The sprawling resort complex is home to countless flavorful options making City of Dreams Manila a top dining destination in itself in this part of the metro. Hidemasa brings its exquisite yet comforting take on traditional Japanese cuisine adding to the list of tempting options at City of Dreams Manila. 

Located at the Upper Ground Floor of City of Dreams Manila, the uniquely Japanese torii-inspired design of Hidemasa is hard to miss. The traditional Japanese torii or gate usually found in Shinto shrines is said to symbolize the transition from the mundane to the sacred, an apt and fitting description reflecting the culinary offerings of Hidemasa. 

Inside the elegant space, you'll find a dedicated Sushi Bar or counter where all the intricate creations are prepared and handcrafted with the finest and freshest seafood...

...as well as a separate Yakitori Counter where the menu selection is grilled in front of you. Like front row seats to a show, I had the chance to see a culinary performance up close at both the Sushi Bar and Yakitori Counter of Hidemasa. 

The Sushi Bar at Hidemasa offered a glimpse of the sushi feast ahead with its impressive array of fresh seafood. The delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi demand freshness and quality to experience the purest and even nuanced notes finished with a bright and vibrant briny sweetness. At Hidemasa, you can safely mark your list with a big check for the finest quality seafood at the Sushi Counter. 

The performance behind the Sushi Bar teases your appetite, adding a unique layer to your dining experience. Each slice is performed with masterful precision, and my first order is promptly plated and served...

The thick and succulent slabs of Maguro (P 300) with its deep red hues is a visual cue to the fresh flavors of the tuna. A buttery bite drapes the palate with a flavorful richness lingering long on the palate...

...while the silky smooth Sake (P 340) brings an elegant indulgence with its bold yet refined briny sweetness. The opening act at Hidemasa is an impressive start to memorable dining experience with the duo of fresh tuna and salmon.

In between bites, the refreshing notes of the Blueberry Basil (P 240) cleanses the palate to prepare you for the next round of tasty bites at the Sushi Bar of Hidemasa. You can also opt for an alcoholic version, just inform the server. Other equally refreshing beverage options include the Calamansi Ginger, Strawberry Mint and Cucumber Mint. 

The show continues behind the Sushi Bar at Hidemasa as my next order is prepared... 

The Surf n' Turf Roll (P 680) combines fork-tender beef tenderloin with ebi tempura, fresh and sweet avocado and ripe mango slathered with creamy miso mayo and teriyaki sauce for contrasting yet seamless blend of indulgent flavors. The succulent crunch of the tempura adds a delectable layer of textural contrast to the buttery finish of the beef tenderloin while the avocado and mango sweetens each bite. The smooth miso mayo and teriyaki sauce tempers the richness of the beef tenderloin in a complementary finish for a unique sweet and savory sushi roll rendition. 

The Ocean '21 Softshell Crab Roll (P 740) with fresh Japanese cucumber, wasabi mayo and togarashi takes textural contrasts up a notch with succulent and crunchy deep-fried soft shell crab. The blend of flavors and textures brings a flavorful burst with every bite complemented by the subtle sweetness of the Japanese cucumber smoothened by creamy wasabi mayo with its gentle punch and finished with just a whisper of heat from the pepper blend of togarashi. Each distinct note comes together perfectly for another inventive sushi rendition at Hidemasa. 

As you pick up the last Ocean '21 Softshell Crab Roll, a quick peek at the Sushi Bar reveals your next order given the finishing touches by the sushi chef...

The Dragon Eel Roll (P 710) with grilled unagi, Japanese cucumber, avocado and teriyaki sauce presents yet another masterful play on flavor and texture At Hidemasa. The combo of grilled unagi with avocado brings layers of indulgent notes pairing well with the fresh snap of the sweet Japanese cucumber with the teriyaki sauce tempering the richness for balanced flavors. 

Crowned with a delicately crisp tuille, the Dragon Eel Roll with its intricately layered medley of ingredients is marked as a Chef's Recommendation on the Hidemasa menu. One bite and you just know the Dragon Eel Roll deserves the recommendation. That's all you need to add the Dragon Eel Roll to your sushi feast at Hidemasa. 

Other tempting sushi roll creations at Hidemasa include the Yamapeño Sakmon Roll (P 660), Signature Spicy Tuna Roll (P 500), Casino Royale Seafood Roll (P 420), Sake Hosomaki (P 230), Maguro Hosomaki (P 230) and Mini Crab Sushi Bake (P 320). 

From the Sushi Bar to the Yakitori Counter, the second phase of your Hidemasa dining experience is soon fired up... 

...with a lavish selection of chicken and pork skewers ready for the grill.

Simply seasoned with shio or salt, the yakitori offerings at Hidemasa are just the way I like it. The salt enhances the pure and clean flavors of the chicken or pork made richer with mild smoky hints from the grill but if your preference leans toward a sweeter finish, each order comes with a special dipping sauce for that sweet and tangy profile. 

The fragrant aroma from the grill jumpstarts your appetite, and you're ready for a second round at Hidemasa with a savory array of grilled chicken and pork. 

Finally, your plate of yakitori is served fresh off the grill. Ready to pick up the first skewer? Better yet, order up an ice-cold beer. 

First up, the Asuparabekon (P 130-1 Stick/P 210-2 Sticks) with asparagus wrapped in bacon. The light char on the bacon adds intense flavors sweetened by the asparagus for contrasting notes...

...while the Enoki Maki (P 130-1 Stick/P 210-2 Sticks) drapes the palate with the mild earthy and nutty hints of the mushrooms. The smoky and salty bacon binds all the flavors together. A dip in the special sweet and thick sauce adds a flavorful depth with each bite. 

The Torihatsu (P 70-1 Stick/P 110-2 Sticks) or chicken heart is a popular street food delicacy with mildly gamey and deep flavors best paired with an ice cold brew. The charred edges add a layer of flavor to the torihatsu for a unique experience. A gentle metallic hint and savory richness similar to dark meat comes with each chewy bite for pure flavors simply seasoned with salt. 

Who doesn't love pork? The "Lechon"Butabara (P 130-1 Stick/P 220-2 Sticks) is just what you need along with a second round of beer. The salt seasoning is all that's needed, allowing you to experience the subtle sweetness of the pork. There's just nothing quite like slabs of pork belly fresh off the grill. 

The Sunagimo (P 70-1 Stick/P 110-2 Sticks) or chicken gizzard offers equally unique flavors with a chewy texture similar to the torihatsu. The deep flavorful richness common with offals brings a different kind of savory notes that's comfortingly familiar to the local palate. 

The Chef Recommended Torinegi (P 100-1 Stick/P 180-2 Sticks) or chicken thigh with leeks offers a rich blend of flavors with the juicy richness of the chicken perfectly complemented by the subtle sharpness and bite of the leeks.