In-Yo Fusion Cuisine

written by Butch
photographed by Noemi

Note: photographs are fuzzy as it was taken in the dark by my Canon Powershot A530

We found a new fine-dining place, without the swanky prices, at In-Yō or inyo, located at Esteban Abada St. in Loyola Heights, near the busy Katipunan strip. We used to pass by the place quite often while taking the kids to their dorm in the area but we never had the chance to try the place out until recently. In-Yō offers “[tag]fusion cuisine[/tag]“, an overused and abused phrase, but in the case of In-Yō , its an apt description. Western and eastern cuisine is blended in new and delightful ways by chef Nino Laus and In-Yō (“yours”, in Tagalog) is a place one will surely keep coming back to. Noel used to work for Parallel 45 and Kai.

The place is a converted house and the decor is Balinese meets Filipino rustic, with a garden area and an enclosed, airconditioned section with a 2nd floor. You will be welcomed by amiable restaurant manager and part owner Cris Orocio.

For starters, we had cheesy Oysters Rockefeller and Wasabi Fried Oysters, which is oysters covered with a Wasabi-batter crust and topped with fish roe. We love oysters, and these were as good as the best we have had in far more pricey places. The four of us quickly demolished the scrumptious appetizers and moved on to the main courses.

Oysters Rockefeller

Wasabi Fried Oysters

The honey-glazed salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies was tasty, salty-sweet and nicely grilled . The crunchy Pigs Trotters was a pleasing twist on the well-loved crispy pata, boneless this time, surrounded by a savory mushroom sauce. My wife had a “Seafood Medley”, braised mixed seafood flavored with wasabi and paired with sticky rice wrapped in seaweed, The coconut lime chicken was outstanding, cooked in gata and spices and resting on a bed of sticky rice.

Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon

Broiled Lime Chicken

Pigs Trotters

For food prepared with such obvious care and artistry, the prices were very reasonable. The Wasabi Fried Oysters cost P175 a dish, while the Oysters Rockefeller went for P220. The mixed seafood dish was the most expensive at P400, while the coconut lime chicken cost P225. The grilled salmon and pata were priced at P370 and P380, respectively. Dinner for 4, garden ambiance included, cost exactly P2, 159.40 ($46.00) including VAT and service charge.

In-Yō is at No. 66, Esteban Abada, Loyola Hts., Q.C.with telephone number +632928-6459 or cellphone- +639278742611. Email address is in_yo06@yahoo.com. It would be a good idea to make reservations first, specially on weekends. Parking space is limited.

A warning to diners in the Katipunan area. A criminal gang using motorbikes as getaway vehicles have been hitting the eateries in the area and robbing people at gunpoint, even in broad daylight. First it was Pancake House, then Bo’s Coffee (twice!). Take extra care as we don’t know when and where they will strike next.

Our verdict: Highly recommended. A perfect dating place in Manila.