New home at Estancia

Everyone is looking forward to the long weekend of Undas. As I write this, I am enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show upon the invitation of Toyota Motor Philippines together with my son Wee who is with the Mitsubishi delegation of Philippine journalists, and Jen who is with the Honda group. In the long-standing tradition of this prestigious motor show, the automobiles are awesome, and the exhibit area vast and well-laid out, but that is another story which I will tackle more thoroughly in my motoring column.

For now I am again enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show, walking all day throughout the exhibit area and gawking at the new models on display. Though I have missed my week’s worth of gym, all the walking has indeed made up for it, so like so many Pinoys, I am looking forward to the long weekend to rest my overworked limbs. Evenings here in Tokyo would find us inevitably enjoying the cool, clean Japanese cuisine, and for so many days I had my fill of fresh fish which I absolutely relished. My wife would be proud of my heart-friendly lifestyle, eating healthy and walking all day even if only for a few days.

But just as I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh seafood every day, alas, I am still a carnivore at heart. Japanese cuisine ranks highest in my list, but a thick slab of juicy US angus beef grilled perfectly, a little charred on the outside but pink and juicy inside every now and then is a most welcome treat. Make that a medium rare rib eye, served with a mound of garlic friend rice please.

In the family, only my wife Babes is not a certified steak lover. My kids are also carnivores at heart, but only when excellent steaks are at stake . Unlike me, they seriously make an effort to eat healthy on a daily basis, but when I announce an occasional treat, it usually means that steak is the top order of the day.

My top favourite among the steak houses here is still the Highlands Premium Steakhouse and we do not mind braving the long road to the Mall of Asia and the huge crowd at this popular mall when the urge hits us. There are already a few excellent steak houses in Metro Manila, but while all of them boast of excellent meat, there is always the price disparity that needs to be considered when making a choice. And when you’re talking of a steak-loving family that is sitting down for a huge meal, this is definitely a point to consider.

Highlands at MOA has been almost like home for my family, because when we hanker for steak, this is where we head to. The service crew is familiar and friendly and always welcoming. But all of us work in the Pasig area, so the opening of the new Highlands Premium Steak House at the also new Estancia Mall at the Capitol Commons was great news for this family. I had a chance to check out the food offering of this newest branch when I went there for the get-together of the Philippine Ice Hockey Team of which Highlands owner Chris Sy is the godfather.

While the MOA branch has the traditional interiors and ambience of a steak house, complete with cowboy outfits for the waiters, the Estancia branch has a more modern, sleek look. From the outside, the white exteriors and large glass panels give off a clean and fresh look. Inside, the glass and stone and pinewood combination is a complete departure from the woody interiors of a traditional steak house. Indeed, very modern, young and hip, but the light and airy ambience is perfect for family outings, birthday celebrations or business meetings. In fact, they have three private rooms for these functions, and parking is definitely not a problem.

I met Highlands Chef Ian Calma who told us that, although the old menu has been tried and tested over the years, he revitalized it to include new offerings. In between forkfuls of tender and perfectly grilled Angus rib eye, he proudly cited the now very popular combo of steaks, ribs and shrimps and promptly sent for a platter. Wow, it was huge, no doubt meant for sharing though I think a hungry basketball player or a growing teenager could manage to demolish a platter. It featured a modest-sized piece of rib eye, tender and flavorful baby back ribs, and several plump prawns. That should sit well on a family table the next time you have lunch or dinner here at Estancia.

The peppered salmon and sea bass are still in the menu because these remain among their best sellers as well. The sea bass is a particular favourite of Babes because it is unbelievably soft and moist, full of flavour and juicy and, served with garlic mashed potatoes, is perfect for those with healthy and smaller appetites. The mushroom soup which they serve covered with a pastry shell is generally a favourite of the ladies in the family as a starter. Babes, who is a certified pasta lover, enjoyed squid ink pasta and the Arabiatta, while my daughter Tin thinks the baked macaroni is the perfect accompaniment for her rib eye.

I must really be getting on in age because, years back I could easily demolish a 14 or 16-ounce t-bone or rib eye, or easily wipe out a whole regular-sized fried chicken from Max. I marvel at my son Wee’s healthy appetite as he finishes off a 14-ounce prime rib and a baked potato, after the mushroom soup and bread. These days, I can only finish a 10-ounce rib eye and of course the cup of garlic fried rice, but I can’t pass on Highlands’ Caesar’s Salad which is among the best I’ve tasted.

Although Highlands Premium Steak House is categorized as a family restaurant, they are also pushing their bar offerings and their happy hour promos—check it out. And the good news is, according to Chef Ian they are already planning to serve breakfast here at their Estancia branch. Happy eating!

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.  

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