From biryani, lamb chops, kofta and roasts to burgers, stews and tacos, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) brings the fresh, clean and bold savory flavors of world-class Aussie Lamb to some of the metro's top restaurants. Hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan for a flavorful ride...
Renowned all over the world for its flavor, Aussie Lamb boasts of the "all-natural advantage" with its free range, pasture-raised, grass-fed qualities with absolutely no artificial additives and growth hormones making it the top choice among restaurants and home kitchens in over 100 countries. Building on the success of its novel Lambassador program led by acclaimed Chef Robby Goco (see more on my post, Lambtastic: Meat And Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from early last year), the campaign is expanded by partnering with even more of the country's top restaurants. It's a clear sign that Aussie Lamb ranks high in the growing list of protein options now widely embraced by more Filipino chefs and diners who are discovering its premium quality, unique and distinct rich flavor and remarkable versatility. Ready to hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan? Then, read on...
Just how versatile is premium quality Aussie Lamb? From August 15 to September 15, the one month run showcases a variety of exquisite savory renditions and cuisines presenting infinite possibilities with Aussie Lamb. The Aussie Lamb Caravan takes diners on a flavorful ride with 15 of Manila's top restaurants included in the one-of-a-kind itinerary offering a wide variety of culinary expressions using premium quality Aussie Lamb. The participating restaurants include Flame at Discovery Primea, Hossein's, Blackbird at The Nielson Tower, Sala Bistro, People's Palace, Persia Grill, Bondi & Bourke, Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant, I'm Angus Steakhouse, MaMaCiTa Mexican Cuisine and Agave Spirits, Cyma Greek Taverna, Souv by Cyma, Elaia by Cyma, Brothers Burger and Dr. Wine sharing their popular lamb specialties and even new lamb dishes.
This year's celebration features a wide spectrum of dining experiences from fine dining restaurants to family style establishments, casual dining favorites and even a burger joint, each one highlighting how Aussie Lamb can be adapted across cuisines, formats and occasions for memorable dining experiences. And it all begins with the finest Aussie Lamb, now available in a wide array of cuts in retail outlets like Säntis Delicatessen and other establishments. With convenient ease of access to quality lamb, home kitchens can now enjoy the same premium cuts as top restaurants and hotels to transform any dining experience on the family table. With Aussie Lamb accounting for nearly 89% of meat exports to the Philippines, you know you have the right stuff for that perfect home-cooked meal for any occasion.
Raised on open pastures and nourished on natural grass, Aussie Lamb is rich in protein, vitamins and essential nutrients delivered through rich, savory yet fresh and clean flavors making it an ideal wholesome and nutritious choice. It's often said that the land or terroir shapes and defines the flavor of the produce, and Aussie Lamb is a pure product of its pure environment. Aussie Lamb also emphasizes an uncompromising commitment to sustainability and traceability as a unique competitive edge underscoring the growing interest in food provenance. That's right, each cut of Aussie Lamb can be traced back to the individual ranch and paddock for accountability and your peace of mind. Grilled, roasted, braised, stewed and even deep-fried, Aussie Lamb fits in perfectly for both local and international cuisine from adobo, kaldereta and sinigang to traditional Mediterranean roasts, Middle Eastern kebabs, Indian curries, Asian stir-fry dishes and even a mouthwatering burger.
"Aussie Lamb has always been about premium quality, sustainability and flavor that inspires chefs and delights diners. We're delighted to see more of the Philippines' leading restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries embracing Aussie Lamb and showcasing its versatility in truly innovative ways," shared Luisa Rust, Australian Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the launch of the festival. Now hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan for a peek at the tempting offerings from August 15 to September 15...
Flame at Discovery Primea
Discovery Primea's Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco shared his traditional lamb creations at Flame with the savory duo of Australian Lamb Shank Biryani and Josper Grilled Australian Lamb Chops. Masterfully executed, Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco brings creativity and tradition to your table...
...draping the hearty Australian Lamb Shank Biryani with a delicately light and flaky puff pastry crust to seal in the flavors and fragrant aroma. As you slowly carve open the crust, a savory surprise teases your appetite. The tender Australian lamb shank just melts in your mouth releasing its savory richness followed by a medley of flavors from the creamy coconut curry, crispy shallots and cilantro complemented by sides of mango chutney, tzatziki and tart tomato-red onion relish. The long-grain rice absorbs the flavors from the different components of the dish for a flavorful burst with each bite. This is one solid meal at Flame...
...but Chef Luis has one more treat fresh off the Josper charcoal-fired oven. The Josper Grilled Australian Lamb Chops featuring premium grass-fed White Stripe Australian Lamb served with rich green peppercorn and brandy sauce and paired with Southeastern Australia roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes clearly demonstrates how premium ingredients can elevate any dish.
Each tender and juicy slice and bites drapes the palate with a lingering savory richness without the gamey hints for pure, fresh and clean flavors. The green peppercorn and brandy sauce adds even more layers of savory notes with the supporting cast of roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes completing the intricate play on flavors with that subtle whisper of smoky hints from the Josper oven for the perfect finish.
Hossein's
Traditional Persian cuisine presents another savory option using Aussie Lamb from one of the pioneers in the local restaurant scene. Established back in 1985, Chef Hossein Sohrabi Langroudi embarked on an epic culinary journey from Iran to Manila sharing his family's recipes on authentic Persian, Arabic, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. For the Aussie Lamb Caravan, Hossein's served their Shishlik Kebab (P 2,100) with tender lamb chops soaked in a complex blend of traditional Persian spices and seasonings. The result? A flavorful play of pure savory notes and Persian spices finished by smoky hints with each bite. The rich yet clean flavors of the Australian lamb chops comes through with its comforting notes for a taste of tradition at Hossein's.
The Roasted Ribs (P 3,900) is a signature specialty at Hossein's grilled low and slow over fiery charcoal for that fall-off-the-bone finish. It's an indulgently rich and savory dish taken a notch higher with Aussie Lamb and its blend of Persian, Arabic and Indian spices recreated from Chef Hossein's own family recipes.
Topped with chilies and onions, the Roasted Ribs on its own is already a savory showcase of deep and bold flavors. Add a generous dab of Hossein's special green Persian and Indian gravy to seal the deal. Best paired with warm pita or buttered basmati rice, this has to be one of the best renditions on traditional Persian cuisine using premium Aussie Lamb.
A soothing cup of Persian Tea caps a memorable feast of Aussie Lamb at Hossein's. But there's more on the flavorful stops of the Aussie Lamb Caravan...
Blackbird At The Nielson Tower
Helmed by Chef Colin Mackay, the critically acclaimed Blackbird at The Nielson Tower has been one of Manila's top dining destinations since it opened back in 2014. Located at the historic Nielson Tower, the city's first international airport in operation back in 1937, Blackbird remains an enduring icon in the metro's ever evolving dining scene. And one of many perfect spots for an Aussie Lamb feast...
...like the Lamb Koftas with Roast Peppers, Walnut and Pomegranate Molasses (P 540). The juicy notes of the koftas offers yet another rendition of savory richness perfectly complemented by the sweet, nutty and smoky hints of roast peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses for an indulgent weave of contrasting yet finely balanced flavors. The premium Aussie Lamb becomes the perfect base for Chef Colin Mackay's elaborate play on flavors in his elegant culinary style.
The Mussaman Lamb Shank, Pineapple, Cucumber Relish and Jasmine Rice (P 1,580) offers an authentic Thai expression of Aussie Lamb with its rich and hearty flavors. Elegantly plated on a wooden board, the Mussaman Lamb Shank brings a range of sweet, savory, mildly salty and spicy hints to the palate in typical Thai culinary tradition...
..all coming together with the fall-of-the-bone and near melt-in-your-mouth texture of the Australian lamb shank. The dish is intricately stacked with layers of flavors anchored on the pure, fresh and clean notes of the Australian lamb shank pairing perfectly with steamed fragrant Jasmine Rice. Masterful execution and elegant presentation in a timeless art deco setting, it really just doesn't get better than this.
Cleanse your palate with the refreshing Salty Lime Soda (P 240) and you're ready for another round of tasty bites of Aussie Lamb at Blackbird.
Sala Bistro
Aussie Lamb gets another lavish treatment by Chef Colin Mackay at Sala Bistro located at Greenbelt 3. The European style bistro is known for its extensive menu using premium ingredients including Aussie Lamb for their specialty Mediterranean inspired Minced Lamb Kebabs (P 1,640) and Slow Cooked Lamb Shank (P 1,980).
The Minced Lamb Kebab with baba ganoush, fatoush salad, tzatziki and fried potatoes reflects the signature touch of Chef Colin Mackay beautifully plated in a savory dish highlighting the rich and clean notes of Aussie Lamb. The skewered lamb kebabs are a popular staple in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine, each with their own blend of secret spices and seasonings. Sala Bistro stays true to tradition with its version, letting the premium Aussie Lamb's flavors do all the talking as you go for another bite. Comforting flavors, complemented by the fresh sides combine for a serious meal in itself.
The Slow Cooked Lamb Shank with its tender, buttery and fall-off-the-bone finish from tedious hours of slow cooking is the reward well worth the long cooking process. Served with green beans and Parmesan mash, the tender lamb shank is draped with a tart tomato and vegetable based sauce adding vibrant notes to the savory dish for contrast.
The pure savory richness of the lamb shank is tempered by the subtle sharpness of the sauce for that balanced finish, perfectly followed up by the luscious silky smooth texture of the Parmesan mash and the crisp snap of the fresh green beans. Hearty and comforting, both the Minced Lamb Kebab and Slow Cooked Lamb Shank at Sala Bistro are worthy additions to your Aussie Lamb play list of savory hits from the Aussie Lamb Caravan.
Persia Grill
Restaurateur Kian Kazemi brings his brand of Persian cuisine in a casual setting combining both value and quality for a dining deal that's hard to beat at Persia Grill. Uncomplicated and elegantly simple in its fuss-free approach to flavors, Persia Grill is known for its honest take on the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine as presented by their signature Lamb Biryani (P 695) and Lamb Chop Steak (P 599).
Laid on soft and fluffy long grain rice topped with caramelized onions and served with Biryani sauce, yogurt and side salad, the Lamb Biryani slow cooked with authentic Persian herbs and spices is a crave-busting meal in itself guaranteed to satisfy any appetite any time of day.
The Lamb Chop Steak features an Australian lamb shoulder cut marinated in rosemary herb infused olive oil and lemon butter for another tasty variation using Aussie Lamb. Paired with soft Basmati rice and side salad, Persia Grill brings the savory notes of Aussie Lamb without busting your budget. And that's a winning formula allowing you to enjoy Aussie Lamb in yet another rendition. Real value and bang for the buck with Aussie Lamb, what's not to love?
Bondi & Bourke
Chef Wade Watson weaves his culinary style of comforting flavors in three well executed renditions at Bondi & Bourke with Australian Lamb Shank (P 1,390), Aussie Lamb Chops (P 1,590) and 3-Cheese Lamb Bolognese (P 765) for a sumptuous Aussie Lamb trifecta. Known for their inspired take on Aussie comfort food since 2015, the Legazpi Village staple by Chef Wade Watson remains an enduring dining spot with its selection of Aussie Lamb dishes.
A pasta option offers a different way to enjoy Aussie Lamb, and the 3-Cheese Lamb Bolognese just hits differently with tender braised lamb ragout, roasted eggplant, crispy basil, goat cheese, Manchego and Padano. The braised lamb ragout is the flavorful base of the pasta dish made even richer by the trio of cheeses rounded out by the smoky sweetness of the roasted eggplant. Each bite builds multiple layers of flavors for this must-try lamb pasta dish.
The richly seasoned Aussie Lamb Chops with house made labneh or strained yogurt, mint cucumber, grilled lemon and herbed oil is a masterful rendition with a Mediterranean spin. Tender and juicy lavished with spices and seasonings, each of the components combine for a flavorful feast. These chops make the cut in my list.
Then, Chef Wade Watson brings out the the Australian Lamb Shank...
Served with green pea and potato purée, root vegetables, roasted onions, chimichurri and mint jus topped with crisp onion rings, the Australian Lamb Shank is a showstopper of a dish at Bondi & Bourke. Like butter, the fall-off-the-bone Australian Lamb Shank brings pure and savory goodness with each bite complemented by the medley of vegetables, green pea and potato purée, chimichurri and mint jus in another solid Aussie Lamb rendition. Hearty and comforting, the three Aussie Lamb dishes at Bondi & Bourke presents a solid trio of tempting options for the Aussie Lamb Caravan.
Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant & I'm Angus Steakhouse
From the same group behind Sänti's Delicatessen, Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant and I'm Angus Steakhouse are the culinary gems along Makati's Yakal Street for rustic and hearty European cuisine known for its premium ingredients. And both Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant and I'm Angus Steakhouse brings out almost their entire menu of lamb dishes including sampling portions for a sneak peek at their Aussie Lamb Caravan offerings.
From Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant, guests at the Aussie Lamb Caravan preview were served sampling portions of their extensive lamb selections starting with the Lamb Carpaccio. The delicately and lightly seared marinated lamb loin with its juicy pink center drizzled with olive oil, sea salt and Parmesan shavings with a side of fried straw potatoes is an indulgent start to your Aussie Lamb Caravan feast at Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant with its signature fresh, clean and mild savory notes...
...followed by a hearty duo of rustic stews with the Apulian Style Lamb Sugo or minced lamb stew with olive oil, tomatoes, vegetables, red wine and herbs served on Casarecce pasta sprinkled with Parmesan...
...and the Chesa Bianca Lamb Stew with tender lamb leg simmered in red wine, garlic, onion and thyme finished with a touch of luscious cream topped with mushrooms and a side of spaetzli is pure comforting and rustic goodness on a plate.
The Grilled Lamb T-Bone with rosemary butter and red wine gravy served with Swiss roesti and vegetables elevates your usual meat and potatoes feast with the savory richness of Aussie Lamb. With its distinct yet mild flavors, each bite drapes the palate with a lingering savory richness.
The impressive Lamb Shank "Ticinese" with tender braised lamb shank in red wine herb sauce served with polenta and vegetables adds a festive vibe to the table with its mouthwatering presentation to cap a solid preview of Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant's lavish lamb offerings. And there's more...
I'm Angus Steakhouse then presented its own Aussie Lamb feast to continue a savory medley...
...starting with a sampling portion of the Roasted Lamb Tenderloin served on a glass noodle salad with carrots, cucumber, spring onions, cherry tomatoes, basil and coriander in chili lime vinaigrette for a creative rendition with an Asian twist. Like all the previous dishes served earlier at the Aussie Lamb Caravan, the versatility of Aussie Lamb shines with each savory expression in all the participating restaurants.
The Char-Grilled Lamb Rump features yet another premium cut served with silky smooth mashed potatoes, vegetables, onion jam and wine pepper sauce for another tempting Aussie Lamb entrée at I'm Angus Steakhouse. The richness of the lamb rump from the thin layer of fat gives this cut a juicy finish ideal for roasting.
The juicy Lamb Skewer with its slabs of tender oriental style marinated lamb shoulder served with vegetable couscous and tzatziki sauce is a satisfying meal in itself. The richness of the lamb with its Asian inspired marinade along with subtle smoky hints from the grill combine for another flavorful expression of Aussie Lamb at I'm Angus Steakhouse.
The deep smoky hints and tart notes of the American southwest barbecue tradition comes alive with the savory BBQ Lamb Ribs slathered in a special thick and sticky BBQ glaze paired with country style potatoes and sweet corn on the cob. That play on sweet, tart and smoky hints complements the savory richness of the lamb ribs for another must-try dish at I'm Angus Steakhouse. The wide array of Aussie Lamb specialties at Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant and I'm Angus Steakhouse offer another flavorful stop on your itinerary.
MaMaCiTa Mexican Cuisine and Agave Spirits
The new kid on the block along Forbestown Road in BGC brings a lively Mexican flair to your Aussie Lamb Caravan experience with its savory tacos. MaMaCiTa Mexican Cuisine and Agave Spirits spins its own savory interpretation of Aussie Lamb with the Lamb Birria Tacos (P 490) made from tender lamb leg and mulato chilies paired with salsa tomatillo, quesillo and a bowl of lamb chipotle consommé.
From the traditional lamb dishes, MaMaCiTa Mexican Cuisine and Agave Spirits offers a new way to enjoy Aussie Lamb with its signature savory richness in taco form. And this one works. Perfectly.
The tender shredded lamb leg topped with chilies and cheese in a soft tortilla is an unexpected surprise making it distinctly different from the usual beef or pork fillings. The stewed lamb leg filling dipped in the consommé brings a flavorful burst of pure savory notes that can only come from premium Aussie Lamb. This one's another winner.
Wash it all down with the Very Berry Iced Tea (P 250) and enjoy another round of dipping your Lamb Birria Tacos at MaMaCiTa Mexican Cuisine and Agave Spirits.
Cyma Greek Taverna/Souv by Cyma/Elaia by Cyma
Meat and Livestock Australia Lambassador Chef Robby Goco shared his offerings for the Aussie Lamb Caravan with the Lamb Chops Al Ajillo and the Paidakia with his signature Greek spin (for more on Meat and Livestock Australia Lambassdor initiative and Chef Robby's Greek Aussie Lamb specialties, see my posts Lambtastic: Meat And Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from last year and Love Lamb? Meat And Livestock Australia Lambassador Chef Robby Goco Serves Five Savory And Inventive Renditions At Souv By Cyma from just a few weeks back).
The signature Paidakia or sous-vide char-grilled lamb ribs by Chef Robby Goco leads the featured Aussie Lamb menu at Souv by Cyma, Cyma Greek Taverna and Elaia by Cyma. Chef Robby Goco, a long-time champion and advocate for premium Aussie Lamb in the local restaurant scene brings his famous Paidakia for a Greek-inspired feast with bold savory notes. Tediously sous-vide for hours before roasting on an open charcoal grill, the Paidakia delivers the fresh and clean savory notes Aussie Lamb is known for with its juicy and buttery finish.
Inspired by the Spanish classic, the Lamb Al Ajillo with juicy lamb porterhouse, garlic, parsley and herb garlic EVOO topped with crispy potatoes brings rustic flavors with the flavorful richness of Aussie Lamb complemented by layers of deep nutty and herbal hints smoothened by the extra virgin olive oil for another decadently savory rendition. And you'll find these comforting dishes on the menu at Cyma Greek Taverna, Souv by Cyma and Elaia by Cyma for the Aussie Lamb Caravan.
How to cap a savory feast at Souv by Cyma? Why, the Greek Frozen Yogurt of course with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. A pioneer in Greek cuisine and lamb dishes, Chef Robby Goco offers quite a number of very good reasons for a flavorful stop at Souv by Cyma, Cyma Greek Taverna and Elaia by Cyma on your Aussie Lamb Caravan itinerary.
Brothers Burger
The legend is back. In a triumphant return, Brothers Burger will be serving the nostalgic Lamb Burger for the Aussie Lamb Caravan. The very first flame-grilled gourmet burger restaurant in the country established back in 1999 by brothers DJ, Martin and Quito Jose, Brothers Burger celebrates a nostalgic milestone with the return of its famous and legendary Lamb Burger for the Aussie Lamb Caravan.
Imagine a thick and juicy lamb patty layered with pesto, cream cheese and homemade mayo topped with lettuce, onion and tomato on their signature oatmeal bun. That's right, the good times are back at Brothers Burger.
Served a sampler slider for the sneak preview of the Aussie Lamb Caravan, the familiar flavors of the Lamb Burger hits home right from the very first bite. The Aussie Lamb patty just brings a whole different layer of savory goodness setting it apart from the usual burger. The supporting cast of pesto, cream cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion completes the flavors. It's definitely a newsworthy comeback, and that's something to celebrate at Brothers Burger on the Aussie Lamb Caravan tour.
Dr. Wine
The doctor is in, and your prescription for the day comes in the form of the 36-Hour Lamb Shank Moroccan Tagine guaranteed to satisfy your savory cravings all day. That's a full day and a half of lovin' in the kitchen resulting in a near melt-in-your-mouth and buttery finish made even richer by the Ras El Hanout Sauce, couscous, seasonal vegetables, Merguez sausages and Harissa yogurt. Chef Marc Silvestre Carbó has another gem of a dish with the 36-Hour Lamb Shank Moroccan Tagine at Dr. Wine.
All the flavors simply come together after 36-hours in the kitchen, gradually building layers of distinct flavors into a seamless richly woven blend that bursts on the palate after every bite. Deep and lingering flavors from long hours of simmering, perfectly complemented by the couscous and vegetables for a hearty meal just as the doctor ordered and prescribed at Dr. Wine. Pair it with your favorite cocktail or a glass of wine and your day is set.
An impressive ensemble of creative and masterful renditions from 15 different restaurants await at the Aussie Lamb Caravan, and you can hop aboard for a taste of premium Aussie Lamb in a tempting array of savory options. The unique campaign not only highlights the outstanding taste and flavor of premium Aussie Lamb with its famed natural goodness, world-class quality and nutritional benefits but its versatility in a variety of culinary styles and cuisines. Soon emerging as a popular protein option in both the local restaurant scene and home kitchen, your own personal journey of flavorful discovery begins with the right choice. And Aussie Lamb is at the very top of the list. Hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan and experience the Aussie Lamb difference with a flavorful ride in fifteen top restaurants in the metro...
For more information about Meat and Livestock Australia, visit their websites and social media feeds at https://www.mla.com.au/, https://www.aussiebeefandlamb.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/AussieBeefLambPH/, https://www.instagram.com/aussiebeeflambph/ and https://lambassadors.com/ for more details.
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