SPOONFUL - The Cowrie Grill: A Gastronomic Experience

Manila Hotel is the country's premiere and flagship hotel. It is just natural that not only do they have incredible hotel services but also dining as well. First stop was Cafe Ilang-Ilang, located at the hotel itself, featured an exquisite buffet tour of the seven continents (details here).

The following day, we were treated to a fine dining experience at The Cowrie Grill, which was previously located beside Cafe Ilang-Ilang at the hotel premises. However, to further expand the buffet, The Cowrie grill was transferred to Promenade in Greenhills.

                      
 It was an amazing experience. You'd really get why fine dining restaurants tend to get a bit pricey. Because more than just the delicious food, the service and the ambience, the whole dining experience is worth it.

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The Cowrie Grill by Manila Hotel

The Legend began way back in 1977 when the premier hotel showcasing Filipino artistry featured the ingenious craftsmanship of Philippine cowrie, the most coveted sea shell found in the deep waters near Leyte. Remarkably unique, the lavish decor with thousands of rare cowries made the charming feature of the restaurant. Hence, The Cowrie Grill was born.

Offering signature creations of steaks and grilled entrees with gracious classic table side service, here food is cooked and served right before the guests, the Cowrie Grill promises to be so much like the old times preparing dishes in the highest of standards. Feast on various dishes like lobster bisque flambe' with brandy, the elaborate rendition of the freshly tossed Maitre'd Caesar salad, as well as the restaurant's signature Angus Prim Rib using a Montague steakhouse broiler and a complement of wines from the restaurant's exquisite selection. To cap off your meal, don't forget the repertoire of deserts, the most favored of them, the Baked Alaska flambe'.

Today, patrons of the signature restaurant of the Grand Dame which opened its door in its new home at the heart of Greenhills in the City of San Juan are introduced to stylish booths at the Cowrie Grill offering privacy for diners, making it the perfect venue for intimate occassions.

Visit the Cowrie grill and experience a gastronome's treat. For inquiries and reservations, call 463 1993. The Cowrie Grill is located at Promenade Mall, Missourri St. Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan and is open daily from 11:00 Am to 3:00 PM for lunch and from 6:30 to 10:00 PM for dinner. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CowrieGrill

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This was the degustation menu prepared for us that day. 

Lobster bisque with flambe'd lobster tail medallion. it was rich and creamy and full of flavor from the lobster.

Maitre'd Caesar Salad. The salad greens were crisp and fresh. The dressing was prepared from scratch tableside, so you'd really see how to make a classic Caesar salad dressing. 

Watermelon sherbet. The sherbet was served as a palate cleanser. Palate cleansers are served to clear the tastebuds off of the strong flavors of the dressing.This is to fully appreciate the main course.

Angus beef rib. The steak was perfectly done; medium rare and every bite just melts in your mouth. it was well seasoned and the roasted garlic did wonders on the steak.

The steak was served with three sauces; mushroom gravy, bearnaise sauce and peppercorn gravy. 

Baked potato with sour cream and chives was the side dish of our main course. It was delicious and perfectly seasoned.The sour cream really balanced the bacon bits

Baked Alaska. This was the prized dessert. It was sstrawberry and vanilla ice cream inside a sponge cake. It was then covered in meringue and then torched. It was then poured with strawberry syrup and then flambe'd with brandy. 

We were also served chocolate crinkles which were very decadent. It was chocolatey but not too sweet. It tasted a bit like tablea which I really like.

During the main course, we were served cocktails to pair with the dish. I had the Cherry Passion, which had a sweet and fruity aroma.

and the Hennessy Martini whihc was sprinkled with cinnamon. It was a bit warm and a bit christmasy. Probably because of the cinnamon sprinkled on top.

I also had a taste of lambanog which paired really great with the steak. I did not have the chance to take a picture of it because it was really good.

Overall, The Cowrie Grill is truly a gastronomic experience, It was a feast of  flavors and aroma. Thank you Cowrie Grill and The Manila Hotel for this one of a kind opportunity.