The Cowrie Grill- A Proper Meal in A Special Place

Hi dearies!
Last May 21, 2015, yours truly went to The Cowrie Grill upon a media invitation. Years back, I have always read about this special place whenever I read the Panorama and was pretty curious about it.

Cowrie Grill is once housed inside the Manila Hotel and had moved to its new location in Promenade Mall, Missouri St., Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. It's to give way to Cafe Ilang Ilang's expansion.

From a window outside, one can watch their highly skilled chefs at work.

I have wondered why the place is called Cowrie Grill because-
1. I am not aware what a cowrie is.
2. Why are there seashells lending a Filipino vibe when the food they serve is western.

Well, to answer the question, the legend began way back 1977 when the prestigious hotel showcasing  Filipino artistry featured the ingenious craftsmanship of the Philippine cowrie- the most coveted sea shell found in the deep waters near Leyte in Visayas.

Remarkably unique, the lavish decor with thousands of the rare cowrie shells made the features of the restaurant charming. Hence, The Cowrie Grill was born.

The Cowrie Grill offers signature creations of steaks and grilled entrees with gracious tableside service. The food is cooked and served right before the guests, in a manner much like the old times- dishes are prepared to the highest of standards.

Our menu for the day-

Complimentary bread and spread. There is the French butter, mixed herbs (my favorite) and sun-dried tomato. I asked also for hot tea.

Lobster Bisque
Lobster tail medallion, flambe with brandy

Prepared right before our very eyes...

This is a very creamy, flavourful soup and it feels very comforting.

The beverage I requested

Iced tea and fresh mango juice

Maitre D'Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, classic Caesar salad dressing, prepared table side

The salad has no excessive sauce in it; it is light and refreshing and the contrast of salty and crunchy bacon bits make it more delightful

Sherbet of the day
Watermelon

This is the real fruit (can even chew some very fine seeds). Has a distinctly sweet watermelon taste and is not watery.

Cherry Passion, Cowrie Starter

Angus Beef Rib, US
With baked potato, vegetables, sauces

There is the peppercorn, bearnaise and mushroom (my preference) sauce;  potatoes are one of my favorite food in the world! This has cream, herbs and bacon bits on top

Using a Montague steakhouse broiler, the prime meat is cooked medium, as such, when sliced, one can see that the inside is pink. This is juicy, tender and tasty. Wines are a perfect pair as it really helps to break down the protein.

Baked Alaska

Strawberry and vanilla ice cream, sponge cake browned meringue, flambe with brandy

In picture is Chef Michael So Gan. He is equipped with extensive experience and has competed in different culinary competitions. In 2011, he was Commis Chef 2 of the Champagne Room, now he spearheads the overall day-to-day operations at The Cowrie Grill. Watch the video as he prepares tableside baked alaska flambe.

The uber sweetness of the icing is balanced by the sourness of the strawberry. Like the flame in the flambe and the ice cream inside this concoction. Tickled my tastebuds!

Chocolate crinkles

The crinkles are small but pleasantly chocolatey and seems to have nuts in it.

Coffee

Cafe latte- even the froth is heaven. A very delicious coffee. Matches the crinkles well. 

Here are some deals patrons of the restaurant of the Grand Dame can look forward to- like the eat all you can prime ribs, ladies' day with 30% off slash-

Eh sorry if I encircled some, I was particularly interested in those offers :) Please click to have a bigger picture, easier to read.

Schedule in The Cowrie Grill:
Serving Premium Steaks and Seafood Fine Wines and Cognac

The Cowrie Grill is open everyday, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It has 73 seating capacity but if rented for private functions, can accommodate 55 to 60 guests.
For inquiries and reservations, call 463-1993, you may like them on www.facebook.com/CowrieGrill