Presented with a huge slab of juicy steak, men feel closer to their Neanderthal ancestry. This statement is backed by science. In Australia, researchers from the University of Canberra found that gender is associated with meat consumption. To be precise, men tend to eat more meat since it makes them feel more traditionally masculine. Culturally as well certain meals are tied to masculinity like burgers and beers.

Of course, all genders enjoy the combination. The bitterness of the hops cuts through the fat in the burger, creating balance in the meal.
In Manila, as is the case everywhere, more and more burger joints are springing up. Before the pandemic, “posh” burgers were on the rise. These are elevated fast food or premium outlets offering gourmet sandwiches with first-rate ingredients. One posh burger place in the Philippines is Raging Bull Burgers, which fairly recently celebrated the second anniversary of its Makati branch, known for transforming The Rise into an even better dining destination that’s off the beaten path. The flavor-forward burger establishment serves meat items that are just as good as those served in its famous big brother, the Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar.

It was during the pandemic, in 2021, that Raging Bulls Burgers set up shop at the heart of the burgeoning North of Makati (NOMA) neighborhood, specifically at the Assembly Grounds, a community space, where the working people of the financial hub could indulge in music and art-filled halls and warehouses.

Raging Bulls Burger, for those unfamiliar with the restaurant, takes pride in its handcrafted, aged beef burgers that come from the same farm as Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar. The patties feature a good balance of savory and sweet, with a solid kick of smoky and charcoal grill taste. The cuts are, after all, made of rump, chuck, and brisket, marinated in top-secret seasoning before being minced.

Choice garnish for the burgers is caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, chutney, cabbage slaw, mouthwatering cheddar cheese, pickles, or even bacon. Sauce up your burger with either the original barbecue sauces, hot sauce selection, Pommery and Dijon mustards, or tartar sauce.

The burger is held together by corn buns with a pandesal-like texture and a hint of sweetness. “Our signature cornmeal buns are made from premium corn and crafted locally by our chefs so we can ensure that the flavors are always on point.” The buns are charcoal-grilled like the patties,” says Shangri-La The Fort, Manila executive chef Joris Rycken.

“Our golden ratio is 70-30. That’s 70 for the meat and 30 for the patty,” explains service manager Glenda Banaobra. She furthers that patties are charcoal-grilled for 15 minutes, giving them more depth in flavor and smokiness. The patties could be cooked depending on the doneness the customer wants, but Glenda suggests well-done.

To get the best out of your meal, a glass or three of locally brewed beers are available. “The buns are savory and complement the bitter and sweet taste of the beers. It’s true to Raging Bull’s philosophy to give only the best to our customers,” beams chef Joris.

Drink experts over at Raging Bull highly recommend the craft beers brewed by Nipa Brew especially for the restaurant. Three particular brews are on tap, the first of which is the El Toro Blanco, whose citrus, spice, and subtle pine flavors go well with spicy and salty food, seafood, and chicken. Knockout Wheat Ale, on the other hand, has tropical fruit notes and a sweet taste that one should have with chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Last, the Raging IPA is also a citrusy beer with hops. It’s excellent with spiced dishes, hearty stews, and anything deep-fried.
Among the bestsellers is the Raging Wagyu, one-third pound 100 percent Australian Wagyu beef topped with braised onions, chili chutney, lettuce, tomato, and dill pickle. The burger is enhanced with the equally rocking Raging IPA, an ideal match made in burger and beer heaven.

The crew is trained to help customers find the best beer to have with the burgers. Inquiries are free and the staff would be more than happy to set you off in the right direction.

Raging Bull Burgers has branches in BGC, Ortigas, and Makati. The store in Assembly Grounds operates daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.ragingbullburgers-fort.com