MANILA, Philippines?Burgos Circle at Fort Bonifacio, Global City, is fast becoming a foodie haven?a refreshing section with lush greenery and rotunda. Also, we are pleased there?s a child-friendly restaurant at Ayala Town Center in Alabang.

Jozu Kin?Unit ES-2 Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig, tel. 4031875. The authentic Japanese name means ?skillful gold.? This newcomer opened only a month and a half ago, with chef Jayme, who was based in New York and who created the Big City?s ambiance in the resto.

Dining area?There are two floors. Décor is rich New York leather-upholstered banquettes in dark chocolate, hardwood tables and brick walls. The bar and sushi counter is on the second floor. We look forward to a balustrade by the time we go back.

Staff?Courteous and knowledgeable

Service?Efficient. Menu is given once one is seated. Food comes fast.

Suggested menu?Chef Jayme imports a lot of the ingredients from Japan, such as premium blue fin tuna belly, O Toro, which you need to check first if available. This is pricey. For a more conservative budget, start with Kurokosho Hamachi (Pepper Custard) Yellow Tail Tataki with Yuzu Kyuri dressing; Sake Sushi Balls, Tempura Crunchy, an innovative take on the popular dish Karuma Ebi Sunburst, a refreshing salad of greens, seasoned prawns, strawberry, blueberry, apples, orange and almonds with Balsamic Hachimitsu Vinaigrette, Kurokosho (pasta dish with udon noodles). The seasonings are subtle but the chef gives a kind of crystal salt that can enhance the flavor. Portions are big and can be shared.

For beef eaters, there?s Matsusaka GYU, US Wagyu and Angus Prime. Average check, if you?re not taking the prime cuts, is about P900 per.

No service charge is added. Senior cards are honored.

Rating - **

Fish & Co.?Upper Ground Floor, Corte de las Palmas, Ayala Town Center, Alabang, tel. 6593392. A rare child-friendly restaurant on Sunday, when they have cartoons on their TV monitor. Plus candies are given to children.

Dining area?Bright and airy, but always crowded

Staff?Fast and accommodating

Service?Average

Suggested menu?Start with Clam Chowder or Calamare, either grilled or fried with sesame mayonnaise. Try what they call ?The Best Fish and Chips,? a classic take on the dish with lemon butter sauce, simple enough to savor the natural flavor of the fish, Grilled Seasonal Fish with Sambal Sauce, Grilled Chicken Peri-Peri Sauce. There are some unique cool numbers named after seaworld characters like Mermaid Freeze of Mango and Carrots. For dessert, get Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake or Rustic Fruit Salad with Vanilla Sabayon.

Usual service charge and taxes. Seniors are given discounts.

Rating - **