Flirting with the Wagyu

The first time i tried Wagyu, my husband and I were about 3 years married, eating dinner at Prince Albert. I won't tell you how long ago that was. But Wagyu wasn't even commonly heard of at that time in Manila. It stirred my curiosity as to why a steak would cost P3,400. My husband raised one eyebrow while i was uttering to the waiter, "Wagyu please."  The verdict: It was to die for --- figuratively and literally.

A few months later, we tried Wagyu Burger at Manny O's in Hilton Cebu. Back then, the burger costed a whopping P1,000. And it did not quite strike me as the steak I had at Prince Albert. Now, i heard it's P1,400. 

Wagyu is very popular in these times. There is the authentic japanese wagyu, the western wagyu, and the local wagyu. Thus prices have been brought significantly down.  I have taken a particular interest though in a mid priced wagyu burger which I had last August 1, 2014.

The size was more than satisfying, actually big for me; the burger patty was thick, juicy, and tender. It comes with fries & onion rings. The restaurant serves good sourdough bread with sun dried tomato butter. I even asked for another round of bread. Amazingly, all these for only P375.

This incredible Wagyu deal is found at Mark's Prime Rib Steakhouse, one of the superb dining venues at The City Club.

Chow.

MARK'S PRIME RIB STEAKHOUSE

4th Floor, The City Club

Alphaland Makati Place

7232 Ayala Avenue Extension

Makati City

Tel. 7370000

(Members and guests only.)

Just to add...

My husband ordered the medium cut USDA Prime Rib.  Many years back, we used to date at the Outback Steakhouse to share a Prime Rib Steak, but Outback took it out of the menu.  We sadly miss it very much.  But no longer now.  I would say Mark's Prime Rib is not an alternative --- it's a Winner!

Not Your Typical Lechon

Pepitas De Leches

Lechon De Leche with Trufle Rice Stuffing

Last July 29, 2014 was special because my brother and his family would head back to New York at 12nn the following day, and so, we prepared a despedida dinner.

I would normally think of a full course menu every time we have such joyful family occasions, but this time I prepared only 1 item. The Lechon. Not your usual lechon. It's lechon de leche with flavored rice stuffing. I ordered 2 kinds. One was lechon with trufle rice stuffing & the other was lechon with sisig rice stuffing.

When it was dining time, I invited everybody to start getting food. Busy as I was making sure that everybody is taken cared of, properly seated and all, thereafter, I figured it was my turn to eat. Barely an hour, the 2 lechons were devoured. My husband took pics but I won't show you that anymore.

Yes, it was everybody's piece of conversation until the following day, haha. Some liked the sisig rice lechon better while the others were lured to the aroma of the trufle rice lechon. The lechon went very well with the flavorful sinampalukang manok soup, fresh buko juice, & mango bravo dessert. The sinampalukang manok, which my sister in law got from caterer, Joseph, also made its mark. But I will discuss that some other time.

Variety of Flavors...

Called Pepitas de Leches, the lechon comes in many rice stuffing variations to choose from: French- with truffle rice P8,500. Spanish Manilena- Spanish chorizo w taba ng talangka rice P8,500. Chinese- rice with chestnuts, cashew and mushroom P8,500. Pinoy - Sisig rice; Biagoongan rice; Laing rice; Bicol express rice; Itlog na pula garlic and anchovy rice; Birthday pancit stuffing... P8,000. German-herbs w garlic bulbs and marble potato P8,000. Lechon ham P8,500. Than Long w garlic noodles & crab meat P9,000.

Don't ask me what's the best to order because I have not tried them all. But what i do know is that even after hours & hours of stand by time, the lechon skin stayed oooooh so miraculously crispy & crunchy. 

Orders are taken at #6 San Pablo St., Magallanes Village. Call 09178660662. (for pick up only)

The Secret Garden

Maria Luisa's Secret Garden

Maria Luisa's Secret Garden Room is not a hidden gem anymore.  About a year in operation, this restaurant has gained quite a following with it's excellent food, a delightful homey ambience, and very accommodating hosts.

My family and I visited last Saturday, August 16, 2014, missing the corner right turn from northbound Ayala-Edsa.

So we went around again, and this time we drove through Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, took a right at EDSA, then right on Ayala Avenue, and right again at the first corner which is Recolletos Street.  This will lead you to a closed gate of Urdaneta Village.  But no worries, the restaurant is just to your right inside The Makati Garden Club.

We found it !!!

The Manila Garden Club Entrance

Let's cross the bridge :-)

We are getting nearer.....

We're here... I'm excited!!!

Inside the Restaurant

The restaurant was fully booked.  Lucky for us, there was a vacant table for two which the waitress painstakingly converted into a seating for four --- what a talent.  The interior sets a sweet mood with flowers hand painted on some walls.  Brocade upholstered seats, and a victorian lamp shaded chandelier gives a nice, romantic feel. 

So we are ready to order.

Our Food...

Egg on Pumpernickel:  Appetizer On The House

Mussels in Wine and Cream Sauce 

(This photo is a portion of a serving split into four.)

The Chef's Special Chilean Mussels in Wine and Cream Sauce is a must try.  The restaurant also gives a generous serving of European Sourdough Bread which we heartily dipped in the sauce.  The bread itself is impressive -- crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, with a delicious taste.  

Mediterranean Salad

(This photo is a portion of a serving split into four.)

Pasta with Chorizo, Clams, and Tomatoes

Lamb Shank with Risotto 

Everything was excellent and satisfying... food to service to ambience.  About the ambience, most describe the place as sweet and girly, but in our visit, there was a long table setting for about 16 people, and I was surprised that when the guests started arriving, they were all men.  And another table for three near us were also all men.  Aside from the family groups there present, one noticeable table is a group of six women enjoying their friendly lunch and chat.  I know one of them, that's why.  So I say, girls go there for the ambience, and men go there for the food.  

I saw in one site that the resto is open for Makati Garden Club members only.  We are not members, but they served us anyway.  Whether by a change of policy or by sheer politeness, thank you.  My only regret is that we were already so full, that we were not able to try the desserts.

My daughter is very happy to be at The Secret Garden.

MARIA LUISA'S GARDEN CENTER
The Makati Garden Club
Recoletos Street corner Ayala Avenue, Brgy Urdaneta, Makati City
Telephone: +632 552-7051, 552-7045
Operating Hours:  Open Everyday from 11.30am to 9.00pm

Note: Cash basis only. 

Related Blog Post:  This is a nice place for great conversations over a good meal. Check out Maria Luisa's Secret Garden Room...  (Awesome Planet)

Good Food... Good Life