MANILA, Philippines — Marriott Manila’s signature fine-dining restaurant Cru Steakhouse opens its doors for Sunday brunch, offering unlimited steaks and, for the first time, children are welcome. Previously open only to adults for dinner and with a strict dress code, Cru on Sundays is more laid-back to cater to families wanting to bring their Sunday brunch out.
Marriott executive chef Meik G. Brammer, the gentle giant of a chef who brings his own German traditions to Manila, remembers Sundays with his family when he was growing up. “My mother would put the pot roast in the oven at 9 a.m. and we would go to Mass, and then come home for lunch.”
Marriott Manila Hotel executive chef Meik G. Brammer
The Brammers’ fave side dishes were sautéed root vegetables and herb-roasted baby potatoes and carrots. That’s what the chef is bringing to Cru as well. Any other choices, like rice or mashed potatoes?
“No, we will stick to tradition! It also follows my farm-to-table philosophy. For the last eight years we have been sourcing fresh vegetables from my farm in Batangas; unfortunately I have not learned to plant rice yet,” he quips.
Priced at only P1,300, the brunch gives diners a choice of starters between creamy mushroom soup to warm up the appetite and garden salad, which is a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, orange segments and blue cheese drizzled with balsamic dressing. (Go for the yummy mushroom soup!)
For dessert, the chef brings to the table classic American apple pie. Cru has also priced down selected drinks for the Sunday Roast experience, including a long list of premium sparkling, red and white wines from all the wine-producing regions in the world.
The star of the brunch, of course, is Cru’s famous US-certified Angus Roast Beef, known for its high amount of marbling, which makes it more flavorful, tender and juicy. The tenderness of the steak is so remarkable that before you know it, you’ve polished off your plate and the attentive waiters are ready to deliver another serving.
“Steakhouses are so popular in the Philippines now because of the availability of high-quality meats and Cru Steakhouse has always been the top choice for intimate dinners,” says Marriott Manila marketing communications director Michelle Garcia. “Before, Pinoys didn’t want rare steaks because they didn’t like seeing the meat red, but now they are learning to eat steaks properly. Plus, we’re serving the meal in a relaxed manner, one course after another, not in a rush. Cru has been operating for nine years, since Marriott opened, and it’s always gotten great reviews because of the consistency of the food and service.”
On Valentine’s Day, Cru Steakhouse will have two seatings, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
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Cru’s unlimited steak brunch is on Sundays from 11:30 to 2:30. On other days, it is only open for dinner. For Valentine’s Day, Cru will have two seatings, at 6 and 8:30 p.m., with a free drink at the bar after the service.
For inquiries, call 988-9999 or visit manilamarriott.com. Marriott Manila is located at Resorts World, Pasay City. To keep up with the hotel’s latest offerings, follow @manilamarriott on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.