TASTE predicted a winner when Red Kimono recently opened its doors to the public at the Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio, with relatively new styles to Japanese dining.

Red Kimono’s menu is a streamlined selection of innovative, and dynamic Japanese cuisine. One can find the usual favorites like tempura, teriyaki and teppanyaki dishes but the enthusiastic staff are trained to encourage diners to try the items on the menu that are unique to Red Kimono.

An array of branded appetizers like "chilli salt squid" P140, "crabstick rolls with wasabi mayo" P140, "salmon and cream cheese maki" P170 and "California crunch" P160 to name a few provide tempting options for seafood lovers.

For the vegetarians and health conscious, are numerous choices like the "soba noodle sushi" P90 and "tofu steak salad" P110. From the main menu one can enjoy a host of modernized Japanese chicken, seafood and meat dishes ranging from "chicken teriyaki with potato hay"P180 to "grilled lapu lapu with wakame salad"P350 and a long list of veggie items like "skewered tofu and vegetables with soba noodles"P165.

Interiors, designed by Architect Jun Benito are ultra modern using strong reds, accents of gold, natural elements like a stone wall fountain made from imported Indian slate and straight lines to reflect Zen-like simplicity. A life-size mural of a mysterious Red Kimono adorns an entire wall and a few fresh plants scattered around give the place a touch of green. The idea was to create a contemporary feel while still preserving basic Zen concepts of natural harmony, balance and lack of clutter.

Now just over two months old, Red Kimono already has a strong following of happy customers. The interiors are vibrant and energetic with a touch of Zen and accents of red. Straight lines, smoked glass, natural elements like Indian slate, wood and water work together in harmony and balance creating an environment of sophistication and comfort.

Anyone who regularly dines at the Fort Strip in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, knows that it’s possible to go back again and again and still have an enjoyable experience each time without tiring of the location. The variety of good restaurants there as well as the wonderful outdoor feel you get dining at any of those restaurants is just unmatched. To add to their line up of interesting restaurants, the recently opened Red Kimono is giving people further incentive to dine at the Fort.

Regularly seen in their trainers and track pants at the restaurant are fitness enthusiasts from Fitness First, which is located right above Red Kimono. These gym goers seem to be taking full advantage of the special 10% discount they receive at the restaurant by flashing their Fitness First membership cards! Even the vegetarians and health conscious lot have plenty to choose from on the menu. A special favorite is the layered spinach and tofu with miso P100, other light and healthy options are the gindara with sweet miso P550, the lapu lapu fillet with soba noodle sushi and wakame salad P350, and a variety of sashimi perfect for anyone on a low fat/low carb diet.

For inquiries and reservations please call 816-6642. Red Kimono is located at Unit 1A ground floor, Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio,

Taguig.