Romancing the Stone at House of Wagyu Stone Grill

A perfectly  marbled premium slab of Wagyu beef sizzling on a hot stone...

The sight, sound and aroma of premium Wagyu beef grilling on a hot stone, seasoned with just salt and pepper, is an experience in itself. And it just can't get any better than that...only at House of Wagyu Stone Grill.

House of Wagyu Stone Grill isn't your typical steak house. The preferred method of grilling their premium steaks, on super-heated stones, has become their very own distinct signature. The superior heat retention of these stones ensures an even sear, locking in the juices, enhancing full flavors as the beef remains tender. The unique cooking method also minimizes shrinkage as well as taste transfer from conventional cooking methods, and that slab of premium Wagyu beef still looks as impressive after a few minutes on the hot stone, with pure and robust beef flavors. At House of Wagyu Stone Grill, it's all in the beef. And the stones. 

Inside House of Wagyu Stone Grill, a warm golden glow drapes the elegant interiors, with crisp white linen over tables contrasting with the dark wooden chairs. There is a distinct air of graceful formality, but the courteous and friendly staff, attired in elegant whites or suits, immediately make you feel at home. 

My dining experience at House of Wagyu Stone Grill begins with one of their signature appetizers, Oysters Rockefeller (P 500), baked fresh oysters topped with creamy sauce, bacon bits, and Parmesan. The briny oysters have a fresh and subtle sweetness, perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce, rich Parmesan, and salty bacon.

The oysters are followed by Gambas (P 300), fresh shrimps sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and chili, and a thick and comforting creamy vegetable soup with crisp croutons. Excellent starters and there's more to come... 

Nothing like a refreshing salad before a steak meal. House of Wagyu Stone Grill served four of their signature salads, starting with the Mediterranean Salad (P 350), fresh greens topped with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and prosciutto...

...the Scallop and Shrimp Salad (P 450), fresh greens tossed in a tart strawberry vinaigrette topped with pan-seared scallops and buttered poached shrimps...

...followed by the Traditional Caesar Salad (P 300), with crisp romaine lettuce, bacon, croutons and shards of Parmesan in that familiar and comforting dressing...

...and the Garden Salad (P 350), fresh and crisp lettuce with honey mustard dressing topped with cubes of chicken breast, apples, and mangoes. Each salad is distinct, with its own unique flavor profile, all refreshing and ideal starters before the mains.

And don't forget to ask Jun for his recommendation on the best wine to pair with your Wagyu feast, about to be served next...

The House of Wagyu Stone Grill's premium Wagyu Ribeye Grade 6 (P 2,150-220g Solo/P 3,350-350g For Two/P 4,650-500g For Three), is presented and served on the table. The perfectly marbled ribeye, with its rich dark red tones contrasting with the well distributed white specks, sizzle on the hot stone. This isn't your usual steak dinner...

The hefty Wagyu Porterhouse (P 3,750-750g), is then presented and served. As the steaks sizzle on the hot stone, your primordial instincts are triggered, but you'll just to wait a few more minutes...

The other premium steak cuts were also served, including the Wagyu Tenderloin Grade 6 (P 2,650-220g Solo/P 3,950-350g For Two) and Wagyu Grade 8 Top Sirloin (P 1,450-220g Solo/P 2,150-350g For Two/P 3,050-500g For Three), each one sizzling on a hot stone slab. 

And I have my eye on the ribeye. The very best center portion of the rib steak, this premium cut has the best combination of lean beef and fat for that signature butter-like mouth feel. Just one look at the speckled marbling tells you this is a fine slab of beef. House of Wagyu Stone Grill offers a wide range of premium steak cuts, in a variety of Grades from Grade 4 to 12 for that ultimate steak fix.

Just a few more minutes. Sit back and have another sip of wine, and simply let the hot stone do the work.

Finally, the ribeye is turned over. The hot stone does the job perfectly, with an even sear. Leave the steak for a few more minutes, and resist the temptation to turn it over again. Turn it over once and that's it.

Evenly seared on both sides with a juicy pink center, this baby's just about ready for a slice...

The other steaks are just about ready as well, with an even sear and just a light char for texture. Each cut has its own unique flavor, with the buttery taste and texture of the ribeye and porterhouse and the beefy punch of the leaner sirloin and tenderloin cuts. Tender, juicy and full of flavor, just what you'd expect from premium Wagyu beef.

Take a slice, and leave it on you plate for a few more minutes to properly rest it. Then go right in. The even sear just locks in the juices, and the first bite releases a juicy burst of flavors like no other. If you prefer to grill your slice a little more, leave it on the stone. For steaks of this quality, medium rare, with the juicy pink center, is the way to go. The flavors are at its peak, the beef is also at its most tender, pure beef perfection on a hot stone.

A tender slice releases steam, and even more aroma, as you go for yet another slice. The premium grade beef is rich with flavor on its own, and you really don't need any sauce at all. A pinch of salt will do, and that's it. As with all premium steaks, these cuts can stand on its own with its bold flavors, and no sauce is needed to mask or enhance the flavors.

For dessert, the signature stone slabs return, this time chilled, topped with House of Wagyu Stone Grill's bestsellers. The stones retain the temperature so well, it's equally perfect for dessert. Even the ice cream stays chilled. 

House of Wagyu Stone Grill's creamy Cheesecake (P 270), with a side of vanilla ice cream topped with berries. I've always preferred a New York-style cheesecake, an uncomplicated but indulgent slice of pure cheesecake bliss, with berries on the side, not on top.

Or go for the Flourless Chocolate Cake (P 270), served with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Pair your dessert with a boldly flavored cup of brewed coffee to cap your dining experience at House of Wagyu Stone Grill. From the elegant interiors to the impeccable service, the appetizers all the way to dessert, the House of Wagyu Stone Grill clearly impresses. And the steaks. And the stones.

House of Wagyu Stone Grill is located at Club Filipino Avenue, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas, San Juan or call 725-2811 for inquiries and reservations.

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