000000

I’m a huge carnivore, and I looooove steak.. So when I got an invite to try Cowrie Grill, the signature restaurant of the Manila Hotel which closed then re-opened in Greenhills, San Juan, I just knew I wouldn’t miss it for the world. This was put to the test when I caught a fever the night before, but no, I just had to have my steak. I trusted that a happy tummy would make my fever go away.

I didn’t really know Cowrie Grill back in its Manila Hotel glory days, but we’re told it opened in 1977 and that it’s exactly the place where dishes are prepared in the highest of standards. The servers are always at their utmost manners and will consider care of guests from the moment they step in, up to the moment they leave. The restaurant attracts serious gourmands eager to sample the chef’s signature creations prepared tableside. Guests delight in a feast for the senses with the spectacle, sizzle, smell, and exquisite flavours. They’re also known for their display of thousands of cowrie shells, which are supposedly either endangered or extinct…so I don’t really know how I can feel very happy about that, but I shall keep my comments to myself.

Anyway, I did go there for the food, and I was certainly not disappointed. The complimentary bread alone was enough to make me forget I was even feeling sick that day. The herbed butter that came with it was certainly comfort food material.

Our formal meal began with an elaborate rendition of the freshly tossed Maitre’D Caesar Salad–they prepared our salad right in front of us. But soon, the purpose of my visit was deliberately rolled in: the broiled-to-perfection Angus beef tenderloin, which they cut up for everyone right in the middle of the dining hall. It was served medium, and I loved how juicy, tender, and perfectly flavored it was. The gratin it came with is simply to die for, and of the three sauces they served, I enjoyed the mushroom gravy and peppercorn gravy the most. Of course, what’s a good steak lunch without some great wine? Good thing they served us a smooth, sweet red that I drained to the last drop.

The finale was the delectable Mango Jubilee flambéed in spectacular tableside fashion. I enjoyed this with their sampling of cognac cocktails, haha. Happy hour indeed! You can be sure I went home that day feeling much, much better–and happier! Check out the gallery below to see what we sampled.

Cowrie Grill is located along Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan City. For inquiries and table reservations, you can contact Cowrie Grill via 527 0011.

000000