La Cabrera Manila: Steak and Wine Pairing (and Buenos Aires' Signature 40% off) - Awesome!

Update 1/24/19: A La Cabrera Anniversary in the Best Steak House in Mandaluyong! @EdsaShangriLa (2019)

La Cabrera Manila is the first restaurant of Parilla La Cabrera by Gaston Riveira in Asia.

It is known for its authentic Argentinian steaks in Buenos Aires and acclaimed as one of the top 50 restaurants in South America.

In Buenos Aires, they have a popular happy hour promo—the entire menu at 40% off—and this is now being offered in Manila on weekdays from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm.

Here are some tips on how to plan an awesome dining experience at La Cabrera:

LA CABRERA MANILA by Gaston Riveira
6750, Ayala Avenue, Makati
Operating Hours: 11.00 am – 11.00 pm
Telephone: +632 833-8946
Mobile: +63 905 290-0703
Email: lacabreramanila@gmail.com
Facebook: @lacabreramanila
Instagram: @lacabreramanila
Website: http://lacabrera.com.ar

La Cabrera Manila Series in Our Awesome Planet:
• A La Cabrera Anniversary in the Best Steak House in Mandaluyong! @EdsaShangriLa (2019)
• La Cabrera Manila: Steak and Wine Pairing (and Buenos Aires’ Signature 40% off) (2018)
• LA CABRERA MANILA Argentinian Steakhouse at 6750 (A Review)

First Things First

La Cabrera Menu: Steak and Grillados (From the Grill) | Entradas, Sopa, Pasta, Ensaladas, Guarniciones, Arroz | Executive Weekday Lunch

Love the high ceiling ambiance. The best place to seat in is the lounge area.

Filipino Executive Chef John trained for weeks in Buenos Aires with Chef Gaston Riveira’s team.

Altas Cumbres Extra Brut 2015 (₱2,395/bottle) | Lagarde Bodega, Mendoza Argentina

You can start with a refreshing, crisp Argentinian sparkling wine of fine bubbles while you wait for your companions.

Chicharrones (₱250). Beef Chicharon

Order their version of chicharon made from beef trimmings and end cuts as pulutan.

It’s deadly but, at the same time, addicting.

Start with this

Ensalada de Palta, Tomates Y Albahaca (₱680). Avocado, Tomato and Egg Salad

This is a different kind of salad made from fresh slices of tomato, big chunks of avocado, and hard-boiled eggs.

Provoleta con Jamon Crudo, Tomates Secos Y Albahaca (₱ 990). Grilled Provolone Cheese with Parma Ham, Sundried Tomatoes and Basil

I love grilled cheese skillets like this with bacon, basil and sundried tomatoes. It’s like eating pizza minus the dough.

Camembert Con Chutney de Manzana(₱ 495).

This is my favorite—warm brie cheese with sweetened cold apple chutney that gives a nice flavor and temp contrast.

Lagarde Blanc de Noir Rose 2014 (₱2,595/bottle)

Its light and fruity aroma pairs well with the cheeses and fruits.

What Steak to Order?

Each steak order comes with limited cold savory sides of salad, corn, tomato salad and different salsas.

It is then contrasted with the warm sweet sides and our favorite is the garlic.

Ojo de Bife Ribe Eye Steak (₱ 3,480/500g, ₱ 4,995/800g)

The best selling steak is still the US Rib Eye Steak because Filipinos prefer the tender fatty taste as they are used to USDA flavors.

The steaks are cooked the Argentinian way—only with charcoal and fire, without butter nor additional flavor enhancers.

It’s sliced right in front of you. Best to order it medium rare to enjoy the tender meat flavor.

Lagarde Guarda 2013 Malbec D.O.C. (₱595/glass, ₱2,595/bottle)

The Malbec pairs well with a good fatty rib eye steak and enhances the steak experience.

Cuadril (Coulotte Picanha Steak) (₱ 3,280/500g)

For those with more discerning tastes, order their signature Cuadril cut which is leaner and has better beef flavor.

They also serve Argentinian steak which I prefer. It’s leaner but has a nice grass-fed taste with a longer meat finish.

Entraña Skirt Steak (₱ 2,870/500g)

The skirt steak is all meat and tougher but full of flavor.

Order the steak rice para panalo!

Dessert

Dessert Platter:
Panqueque de Dulce de Leche (₱200)
Chocotorta (₱200)
Rogel de Dulce de leche (₱390)
Alfajores (₱195)

You can order a platter sampler of all their different desserts which matches the sweets profile that Filipinos dig.

Dulce de Leche Mousse

It’s like pastillas in liquid form, a bit too sweet and heavy for me though.

Altas Cumbres Torrontes 2015 (P350/glass)

Sometimes, ending with a sweet dessert wine is best.

Don’t forget to get your lollipop before you go.

Final Thoughts

La Cabrera’s edge over other steakhouses in Manila is that they provide more that just an authentic Argentinian steak experience—steaks cooked using charcoal fire without butter—but a complete pairing experience with Argentinian wines as well.

They specialize in the Cuadril steak. When available, make sure to try the beef from Argentina. Best to eat the steak as it is but it’s nice to enjoy it with different cold savory and hot sweet sides.

Love their new starters of Provoleta con Jamon Crudo and Camembert Con Chutney de Manzana. Budget is about ₱2,000/head + wine and it gets more affordable if you share the steak with a few friends.