You can have your world-class steak and eat it too—at home
By AA Patawaran
The Manila branch of famous Argentinian grill house La Cabrera is the first to develop grill-ready steaks to enjoy at home, ahead of its counterparts in Buenos Aires, Lima, and Rio de Janeiro
We have yet to live like we used to and, though we have eased into a less restrictive phase of the quarantine, the virus is still out there, still as dangerous as it was five months ago. Social gatherings are still discouraged. Dining with family and friends, among the most constant and most satisfying of our social activities, will have to be done at home or somewhere safe. But do it with a flourish. Why not a steaks night in your own dining room?
Shortly after the cancel-everything phase of the community quarantine in Metro Manila, as the economy opened up with extra caution, the Argentinian steakhouse La Cabrera Manila was among the first to bring restaurant dining home, literally.
Evolving quickly in the course of months from the assault of the pandemic, the first Asian outpost of the famous Latin American parrilla or grill house introduced the Grill-Ready Steak (GRS). It was a brilliant idea, an innovation that, back in June, was a breakthrough for palates craving for a return of the restaurant experience.
“The more things change, the more La Cabrera stays the same,” says Carlo Calma Lorenzana, who brought home the famous Argentine steakhouse from his honeymoon with his wife Julia Quisumbing in Buenos Aires in 2013, opening it one year later at 6750 Ayala Avenue in a quieter corner of the Glorietta complex in Makati City. A second Manila branch has since been open at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong.
Carlo was happy to announce that the Manila branch was the first to develop this new way of enjoying La Cabrera-style steaks at home, ahead of its counterparts in Buenos Aires, Lima, and Rio de Janeiro.
So yes, with GRS, you can bring home the smokey flavor of Argentinian grilling. The steaks are pre-grilled in La Cabrera’s custom-built parrilla or grill, using wooden charcoal to lock in the smokey flavor, and then frozen and vacuum-packed for easy and safe pickup or delivery.
The prime steaks are of course the main event. Choose from ojo de bife (rib eye), asado del centro (short ribs), bife de chorizo (striploin), and the highly recommended cuadril (culotte).
You may also order any of La Cabrera’s signature condiments—criolla purée, chimichurri, caramelized garlic, criolla salsa—all bottled in-house.
Each order of beef comes with a step-by-step guide, but it’s easy: Just pan-fry or grill. If you wish to pair them with Argentinian wine, ask for recommendations when your order. Malbec, the quintessential Argentinian wine, would be perfect with any kind of steak. “We have nine kinds of Malbec to choose from, from light to heavy and at different price ranges,” says Carlo.
While we’re on the subject of La Cabrera’s bring-home treats for any occasion or non-occasion, why not try one of its best-kept secrets—the La Cabrera empanada? The crusty and meaty Argentinian delicacy is available in a nice box of six, each handpacked with prime beef, special spice, and folded into housemade dough, an authentic Argentinian empanada, which comes with the signature chimichurri and criolla purée.
Wrap up the experience with alfajorcitos or mini dulce de leche biscuits, all housemade too. “Very good with coffee. Wonderful with coffee!” beams Carlo.
Call +63905 290 0703 for Ayala Ave Makati and +63967 237 7940 for EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. Follow @lacabrera-mnl on Instagram.