Sunday, November 12, 2023

The Perfect Ten: Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel Marks a Decade of Culinary Excellence at Promenade Greenhills

Long before the arrival of global fine dining restaurant brands, one name set the standard with its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service enriched by the legacy of one of the country's iconic hotel properties. And it continues to fire up the grills for its specialty steaks, seafood, salads and soups in Greenhills Promenade ready for the next decade...


Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel celebrates ten years of exceptional culinary experiences at Promenade Greenhills, another milestone in the prestigious property's long and esteemed history. In an age of continuously evolving and changing culinary landscapes where food trends come and go with just a few taps on a mobile device, only a handful of dining establishments have endured the test of time proving once again that elegant and exquisite cuisine with unmatched service never goes out of style. Step inside Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel at Promenade Greenhills once more and rediscover elegant fine dining that's always in style...


Long known for its stellar reputation in fine dining, Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel continues to set the high standards in the local restaurant scene with its uncompromising commitment to excellence. Since it opened way back in 2013 at Greenhills Promenade, Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel has been part of countless celebrations among discerning diners. As Cowrie Grill celebrates its milestone tenth anniversary, even more stories will be added to its volume rich history of culinary tales (for more on the formal opening of Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel at Greenhills Promenade, see my post Cowrie Grill: Manila Hotel's Signature Restaurant Opens at the Heart of Greenhills from 2013). 

"We are truly grateful for the continuous support and loyalty of our guests since the restaurant's early days at The Manila Hotel. Our 10th anniversary is a tribute to our commitment to culinary excellence and the cherished relationships we've built over the years, shared EJ Yap, F&B Director of Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel


For its milestone 10th anniversary, Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel showcases ten of its most popular dishes that have defined the beloved institution's elegant brand of dining experience all these years. Sumptuous dishes such as Caesar Salad prepared in the traditional tableside presentation, hearty and comforting French Onion Soup, rustic Fettuccine Al Funghi E Tartufo, buttery Grilled Chilean Seabass, the prized Saga Wagyu Beef Ribeye, tender Chateaubriand Angus Ribeye, the massive Bone-In Tomahawk Ribeye, world class Iberico Pork Loin, indulgent US Angus Beef Tournedos Rossini with Foie Gras and decadent Baked Alaska flambéed with brandy. That's the perfect ten. 

The increasingly fickle and shifting consumer palates may have altered the restaurant scene but these ten dishes from Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel still absolutely rocks remaining relevant and special today as it turns another page in its long culinary history. 


Inside Cowrie Grill, the luxurious and refined American colonial inspired space makes it the ideal setting for private and intimate gatherings. The customizable interiors adds even more flexible options to suit your requirements for any celebration. A festive lunch with the fam or a romantic date, you'll find just the right spot at Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel


On the menu, you'll find the classic bestsellers including their extensive selection of Starters, Soups and Salads, Pasta, Steaks and Chops, Seafood Selection and Burgers and Sandwiches to Cheese and Dessert. You'll also find the popular set menus served with soup, salad and main course like the Signature Sets (P 2,800 net person), Seafood Sets (P 1,680/P 1,880 net per person) and Japanese Saga Wagyu Sets (P 6,500/P 6,900 net per person). The set menus not only offer excellent value, you get to enjoy the full Cowrie Grill experience.  

That day, I was drawn to the Eat All You Can Menu (P 2,900 net per person) with its Unlimited Starters, Two of Three Main CoursesUnlimited Sides and Unlimited Dessert. As you make your selection, start with a refreshing glass of Orange Juice and assemble your own perfect customized feast at Cowrie Grill...


And let's begin with the Unlimited Starters from the Eat All You Can Menu of Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel... 


...with a tasty quartet of Involtino Di Salmone Con Caprino, Tramezzino with Parma Ham, Arugula and Tomato; Arancino or risotto ball and Truffled Bruschetta. Each savory nibble delivers distinct notes from the briny sweetness and mildly smoky hints of the buttery salmon, the subtle sharpness of the Parma ham, the creamy and delectably crisp textural play of the Arancino to the deep nutty hints of the Truffled Bruschetta. And the best part? You can have as much as you want. 


The Unlimited Starters are the perfect way to start your feast at Cowrie Grill. The savory bite-sized nibbles made from the finest ingredients tease the palate before the next courses...


...like the French Onion Soup topped with a torched crust of Gruyere cheese. A gentle tap on the cheesy crust reveals the savory brown broth draping the palate with a flavorful sweetness from the caramelized onions. It's really no surprise why the French Onion Soup remained a popular item on the menu of Cowrie Grill as one more hearty sip warms the palate with its nostalgic notes. Other soup options from the Eat All You Can Set Menu include the creamy Mushroom Soup and Soup of the Day


On cue, the arrival of the cart signals the start of another Cowrie Grill tradition with the all-time classic Caesar's Salad. Prepared by your tableside, the Caesar's Salad becomes so much more than just another dish on the menu at Cowrie Grill. It's a nostalgic touch taking you back to a bygone era when both the cuisine and service were tightly woven in a seamless thread. And it's comforting and reassuring to know that traditions endure adding even more special meaning to the milestone 10th anniversary of Cowrie Grill at its Promenade Greenhills location. 


Watching the preparation of the classic Caesar's Salad is an integral element in the Cowrie Grill dining experience since it first opened in The Manila Hotel back in 1977. Giving way to the expansion of Cafe Ilang-Ilang, Cowrie Grill relocated to Promenade Greenhills in 2013 bringing with it every tradition and familiar touches like the tableside presentation. No visit to Cowrie Grill is ever complete without a tableside serving component. 


Garden fresh and crisp lettuce topped with Parmesan, bacon and croutons in a rich dressing, the clean flavors punches through with each tasty bite. Fresh and premium ingredients make all the difference in a dish like this. 


Unlimited Starters means exactly that, so go ahead and enjoy the Caprese with its tart and creamy richness balanced by a drizzle of balsamic or perhaps the Mixed Greens Salad. For the main course, diners can select two of three options from Chilean Seabass, Grilled Prawns and Angus Beef Rib. Surf & Turf? Absolutely. It's the Angus Beef Rib and Grilled Prawns for me...


The much awaited highlight is the arrival of the cart with the main courses fresh off the hot and fiery grill... 


A thick and juicy slab of Angus Beef Rib grilled to medium rare with a juicy pink center paired with Grilled Prawns, roasted garlic and vegetables is a full plate in true Cowrie Grill style. The Angus Beef Rib is also served with a trio of sauces like Bearnaise, Mushroom and Red Wine sauces. But you really don't need any sauce at all for beef this good. I prefer a good steak as is or just a dab of sauce on the side. A pinch of salt or a side of butter and that's it for me. The quality and flavor of the Angus Beef Rib at Cowrie Grill can pretty much stand on its own with no to need to clutter its pure beefy flavors. 


Bold, fresh and clean beefy notes burst with each tender bite with just a whisper of smoky hints from the grill for the perfect finish. The succulent prawns with its briny sweetness and subtle smoky hints complete the savory combo. 

Excellent steak and seafood, Unlimited Starters including soup and salad plus Unlimited Sides, it's one deal you just can't pass up at Cowrie Grill.  


The Eat All You Can Menu also includes Unlimited Sides like French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Basmati Rice, Steamed White Rice, Mushroom Risotto, Mixed Mushrooms and Pasta of the Day. I go for the Hasselback Potato with sour cream, chives and bacon. 


You can also opt for the Chilean Seabass as your main course and go for an all-seafood duo with Grilled Prawns. Or pair it with the Angus Beef Rib for a sumptuous feast. The Chilean Seabass is a solid meal in itself when enjoyed with the Unlimited Starters and Unlimited Sides at Cowrie Grill. Silky soft and buttery, the Chilean Seabass just melts in your mouth with each tasty bite. That's why the Chilean Seabass is listed as part of Cowrie Grill's top ten dishes. Angus Beef Rib, Grilled Prawns and Chilean Seabass, that's a solid trio you'll find at Cowrie Grill


The Eat All You Can Menu at Cowrie Grill also includes dessert for an added treat. Cap your feast at Cowrie Grill with an indulgent selection of tempting desserts like the New York Cheesecake topped with blueberries and strawberries, the Chuao Chocolate Cake with four lavish and luscious layers of chocolate and créme anglaise, the Opera Cake with almond sponge, coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache and Pistachio Nut Torte with pistachio sponge, pistachios and buttercream. 


Best paired with a fresh brewed cup of Americano, the delectable quartet of intricate cake creations brings the perfect sweet ending to your dining experience at Cowrie Grill. But there's more. 


You just can't pass up on the signature Baked Alaska of Cowrie Grill. A soft and moist sponge cake with brown meringue, strawberry and vanilla ice cream and flambéed with brandy by your tableside with that distinctive Cowrie Grill flair, the Baked Alaska is another showstopper in Cowrie Grill's arsenal of culinary delights. And yet another specialty from Cowrie Grill's top ten dishes through the years. From starters to mains and desserts, Cowrie Grill teases your palate with its renowned repertoire of classic cuisine. 


Cowrie Grill has one more final surprise. Your cup of coffee comes with Chocolate Crinkles too, soft and moist bites bursting with pure chocolate goodness perfectly complemented by the bold notes of coffee. 

A solid ten year run is impressive in any field or venture, as Cowrie Grill remains the undisputed fine dining destination at Promenade Greenhills. Built on the rich history and legacy going as far back as 1977 in its original location at The Manila Hotel, Cowrie Grill is an enduring testament proving excellent cuisine and service never goes out of style. Celebrate Cowrie Grill's milestone 10th anniversary at Promenade Greenhills with their all-time signature bestsellers and rediscover fine dining perfected and defined through the years with that impeccable touch of The Manila Hotel. Only at Cowrie Grill...

Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel is located at Promenade Greenhills, Missouri Street, Greenhills Shopping Complex, San Juan City. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/CowrieGrill/ for more updates or call 0977 641 8815 for reservations.

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