Meat up!

If you were a certified steak lover, you would traverse miles and miles of roads in search of excellent steaks. Happily, in Metro Manila we have quite a few good spots, specialty restaurants that make it their business to excel with their own brand of perfectly done steaks. Being a steak lover myself, I must say I have exercised due diligence in my unending quest, and have come up with a few good restaurants that have proudly taken residence in my short list.

I was happy to know that the Highlands Steak House at the SM Mall of Asia has been given a new lease because I have brought my family there on special occasions like Father’s Day, birthdays, etc. The new Highlands Prime Steakhouse, I pleasantly discovered, has been fully renovated, made so much bigger (actually doubled in size from the original 333 to a more spacious 677 sq. meters.

If you were a regular patron of the old Highlands, you would be amazed at the transformation.  They have practically erased all old vestiges of the all-wood ranch-type interiors, retaining only the familiar logo of a bull inside a ring that all steak lovers have come to recognize. The walls are now practically made entirely of clear glass so that wherever you sit, you have an unimpeded view of the sky and the mall strollers while safely cocooned within the cool comforts of the restaurant. Choose a table along the perimeter and enjoy a clear view of Manila Bay while enjoying a perfect steak, or a pizza if you please.

The new proprietor, Chris Sy has also wisely opted to keep the open kitchen but made it much, much bigger. Through the glass, one can see the well-appointed kitchen where all the action is, with overly large grills and bigger ovens.

I met Chris through a common friend, Carlos Gono of the famed Motul brand premium automotive oils and Chris delighted me with his exuberance over this new “adventure” that he faced when he decided to acquire the old Highlands. He had to decide whether to close the restaurant for a full renovation, or keep the old one while working on the new wing to make for a bigger, brighter space. He decided to keep it open, and the decision turned out well for him.  The old patrons stayed loyal to the brand they have embraced through the years, and they welcomed the prospect of a bigger Highlands, and business has been good, even during the transition.

Chris is no stranger to the food business, so he knows what risks to take. Not being formally schooled in the culinary arts, this very affable guy has more than made up for this through years of hands-on experience and a burning passion for the restaurant business.  He talked of having made business plans for some of our biggest fast food chains and is currently a partner in Italianni’s in High Street (at the Fort). He is also responsible for bringing a big Dutch coffee brand, the second largest coffee roasting company in the world, to the Philippines.

His passion shows even in the extensive menu that the new Highlands Prime Steakhouse now carries. Where the old one thrived only in good steaks and had a smattering of a few other choices in the menu, Chris has poured in exciting additions, even giving his own recipes (the Espresso Chicken is one, and the sea bass is another). I have tried the sea bass which has a nice crisp skin but inside, the glorious oiliness of the fish can be enjoyed thoroughly. Non-meat lovers would certainly enjoy this, and other choices like the pastas (several versions!), pizzas and different salads with home-made sauces are available as well.

The secret, Chris says, is their passion for sustained quality of food and service.  The cooking procedure, now perfected after months and months of diligent monitoring, has to be consistent, along with the freshness and top-notch quality of their raw materials. That’s why he insisted on baking their own breads and cakes fresh every day. Their carrot cake and cheesecake, by the way, are excellent. 

Having worked hard at creating the perfect ambience for his patrons who, by the way, come from all walks of life, and a varied but specialized menu that can satisfy families and big groups, Chris says that his full marketing efforts can only start next year.  Even without this, however, the restaurant enjoys extensive patronage from big corporate accounts. Business tycoon Danding Cojuangco reportedly booked half of the restaurant for the De La Salle basketball team, and I can just imagine how they enjoyed their steaks. Incidentally, they have three big function rooms: the VIP Room can seat 10-12; the second rooms can seat up to 30, while a third one seats up to 10.  The big space, though, can be opened up to accommodate a buffet function for 80.

Targeting a company every month, Highlands doesn’t stop there:  after the function, his dynamic team led by Cyril Reyes makes sure that special perks and incentives make it worthwhile for them to come back for another rewarding experience.  Loyal patrons get a discount and/or free dessert or coffee. Other restaurants should take a cue from them.

Chris also shared that he definitely plans to expand and is looking at the Clark area where he has a property, the Bonifacio Global City or Greenhills, though this can wait until ultimate perfection has set in for his maiden store. For now, steak lovers in Metro Manila will have to make a beeline to the MOA where the new Highlands Prime Steak House reigns supreme.

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.

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