When in Manila, people are becoming diverse and more dynamic when it comes to culinary experiences. Furthermore, the number of restaurants opening in the Philippines is emerging.
In fact, in the recent concluded gastronomic culinary trail initiated by The Australian Embassy Manila and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), 25 top restaurants participated and showcased mouthwatering Australian grass-fed beef dishes.
Having asked to join in one of the trails, I picked the last day to represent the South side!
The organizers thought of this event to officially introduce their passion to the Filipino people in serving nothing but quality Aussie beef products.
Leg 1:Â Chef Jessie Top of the Citi.
This is their classic version of Roast Australian Grassfed Beef Sandwich with Homemade Country Fries.
Another awesome dish served: Top Blade Slide, also known as a (small) hamburger. Even though all burger patties taste the same,  the Aussie beef is juicier and tastier than the regular beef I use.
Chef Jessie’s bite-sized Striploin and Mushroom Roulade, Striploin in Morel sauce, as well as the Top Blade Salpicao were absolutely fantastic. Out of the five dishes, I loved the Roast Beef Sandwich and the homemade country fries the most!
Leg 2:Â A Steakhouse at Acacia Hotel.
According to their Head Chef, Romualdo Palaypay, beef is served best when raw or medium rare.  This Australian Grass-fed beef Tenderloin served with Honey Marjoram Roasted Pumpkin Sautéed Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Fig Dolcetto with Sherry Vinegar Streak Sauce was the highlight of the day!
Australian Grass-fed Rib-Eye 160g with Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, and Chianti Sauce (Photo courtesy of Acacia Hotel)
A Steakhouse at Acacia Hotel features these delectable beef dishes for Php 950 ++.
After devouring both of the dishes, everyone was full and excited for our third restaurant.
Leg 3: Lucia Ristorante.
Lucia Ristorante’s Beef Brisket with Cream Truffle Sauce was satisfying! Although we were all full from the first two restaurants, everyone still enjoyed the dish. Also, they were generous enough to give us desserts like Gelato and Tiramisu.
Just to burn some calories, everyone decided to walk from Lucia Ristorante to our next stop:
Leg 4: Sala Bistro at Greenbelt 3.
Sala Bistro’s Mulwarra Beef Tenderloin Tartare – Yes, RAW!!!
I DO NOT EAT RAW MEAT, so what I did was I used the tartare as a dip for the fries.  Thank God it tasted good!! Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to try this!
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try the Urban Farm in BF Paranaque since they ran out of beef products.
What sets Aussie Beef apart?
What’s unique about Aussie beef is that you’ll feel satisfied without feeling bloated! Plus, Australian beef is naturally low in fat and cholesterol while offering a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids known to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Prime 101’s Braised Grass-fed Sirloin in Iberico Chorizo and Saffron (Photo courtesy of Millette Sison of Lucky Finds)
Natasha Monks, Austrade’s Commissioner for Philippines and Micronesia, says the Philippines’ versatility and diversity in the culinary arts are unbelievable.  Furthermore, she shares that the ratio of the cow to land is: one cattle to one hectare! With that said, we are assured that the beef they provide is indeed of high-quality premium meat!
In line with this awesome initiative by Austrade, MLA, and the State of Victoria, diners can win round-trip tickets to Australia via Qantas! Just dine in any of the above-mentioned restaurants until August 23, 2015, to get a chance to win Php5000 worth of dining privileges and one lucky winner will also win the said Australian getaway!
Other participating restaurants include 100, Arya, Blackbird, Carpaccio, Casa Roces, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club, Chesa Bianca, Cravings, Cyma, Epicurious, Ilustrado, Kitchen 1 B, One Way, People’s Palace, Prime 101, Sala, The Blackboard, The Breakfast Table, The True Grill, and the Wholesome Table.
Australian grass-fed beef is available in all leading supermarkets.  Austrade doesn’t only bring in quality beef, but also fresh produce like oranges, nectarines, plums, apricots, and grapes.
To learn more about in-season fruits, read my article here.
So, what are you waiting for? Dine now for a chance to win round-trip tickets to Australia!
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
www.austrade.gov.au
The Australian Embassy – Philippines
www.facebook.com/AustralianEmbassyManila
