Where do you go to treat yourself to a juicy, high-quality burger or a perfect piece of steak? How about to satisfy your sweet tooth?
With so many restaurants in Metro Manila catering to our every craving, it's easy to lose track of which ones are actually worth the visit, which ones won't be a disappointment, and which ones are destined to become our favorites.
To help, we at Yahoo! share some of our favorite restaurants, particularly for those special evenings or anniversary dates. Read on about Myron's Steak, Ribs & Seafood, Elbert's Steak Room, and Sweet Bella, and share with us your own favorite dining destinations.
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Southeast Asia staff
Myron's Steak, Ribs & Seafood
By Charley Braga, Yahoo! Southeast Asia
Myron's Wagyu Black and Blue Burger
Filipinos' palate for a good burger never seems to tire, notwithstanding new burger joints cropping up every year. But there's one restaurant that goes head-to-head with foreign franchises and big name-brand chains in terms of burger satisfaction — Myron's Steak, Ribs & Seafood.
While their steaks, ribs, and seafood definitely deserve honorable mention, it's their Wagyu Black and Blue Burger that's put Myron's on the burger map: A juicy patty made up of a third of a pound of beef, adorned with gruyere or cheddar cheese and blue cheese, with three flour-dipped onion rings on top of a sesame-seed bun is all it takes to create burger heaven. To richen your experience, ask for an order of foie gras on top, in case your taste buds (and heart) can take it.
For a sweet treat, try the Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Dark Caramel Ice Cream
For a sweet treat, don't miss the Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Dark Caramel Ice Cream. This bread pudding is not your run-of-the-mill pudding; smooth and firm, it's the cakey counterpart to the "bread-y" dessert most people are accustomed to. Served a la mode with dark caramel ice-cream and a shot of brown sugar syrup, it's the perfect decadent dessert to cap off a deservedly indulgent meal.
Myron's Steak, Ribs, & Seafood is located at the Concourse level of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center; and Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Makati City.
Elbert's Steak Room
By Aimee Marcos
For meat-loving folks, there are times when you just really want to sink your teeth into a juicy, well made, simple steak that will satisfy your cravings. And in an unassuming spot in the middle of the bustling street of H.V. de la Costa in Makati's Salcedo Village, you'd never guess (unless precise instructions have been given to the diner) that there is a fine dining restaurant tucked inside.
Take the stairs at the side of the building, and up three flights of stairs and past different offices, one can't help but ask, "Am I in the right place?" Once you see a huge red wall, you know you've found it. That is Elbert's Steak Room.
It seems that this is the testament to the owners and that they are notorious for not wanting to give out too many interviews, to let the food speak for itself. The Cuencas have since become the insider's secret to major meat lovers and ardent foodies in the metro.
The food is limited granted, but the quality is beyond compare. Touted by many as one of the best (if not the best place) in Manila to get a steak, they live up to their reputation. The steak is as delectable as it is straightforward. There are not that many trimmings so as to not take away from the meat. (Steak choices for the dinner menu include Shortloin, Ribeye, Striploin, Tenderloin, and Filet Mignon.)
Beyond premium steaks, Elbert's also serves a richly-flavored burger with bone marrow and truffles
Apart from the steaks, Elbert's also has the mouthwatering Bone Marrow Burger (order it a couple of days in advance). Do it for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself and a friend. For those who are looking for something a little lighter, there is a side menu of seafood and alternatives to make sure one can hang with the meat lovers.
Elbert's Steak Room is located at the 3/F Sagittarius Building III, 111 H. V. de la Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Sweet Bella
By Jason Domantay, Yahoo! Southeast Asia
Sweet Bella's Mangotier, Strawberry Shortcake, and Pearl Cake
I don't need to look far to find my favorite dessert place because it just happens to be very near our office. The place is called Sweet Bella and it serves desserts that really capture the playful flavors of fruits.
Mangotier--a delightful and filling mango mousse
My favorite is the Mangotier which is a mango mousse covered with slivers of, what else, mangoes. The creaminess of the mousse is balanced by the acidity of the mangoes covering the dessert. The result is a refreshing treat that is both delightful and filling.
Guava-flavored Pearl Cake
I also love their Strawberry Shortcake which has light and fluffy cream on a base of a moist strawberry cake. It is a whimsical dessert that is almost too pretty to eat. But whenever I'm feeling adventurous, I order their Pearl Cake. This is a guava-flavored cake that captures the texture and citrusy sweetness of the fruit.
It is for these treats that I consider Sweet Bella one of my happiest places in Metro Manila.
Sweet Bella is located in Burgos Circle cor. Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City.
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