Morton's The Steakhouse Is in Manila and Oh, the Steaks Are Grand

Morton's The Steakhouse
Uptown Eastgate, Uptown Mall, 9th Avenue, Taguig
Contact: 0917-144-9415
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MortonsSteakhousePH
Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch) and 5  11 p.m. (dinner), Monday to Sunday

(SPOT.ph) “This is the sexiest Morton’s ever... Until the next one.”

When this quotable quote was dropped by the affable Jarrett Ingram, VP of International & Licencing of Landry’s (who own the venerable legacy US steakhouse chain brand Morton's The Steakhouse), one can’t help but both snicker and actually nod in agreement: Morton’s The Steakhouse has officially arrived in Manila, cutting the ribbon on its much-anticipated debut—and yes, it’s every bit as impressive as you’d hope.

Also read: Where Manila's Top Chefs, Food Folks Go When They're Craving Steak

Morton's The Steakhouse at Uptown East, Taguig

Occupying a corner of the Uptown East Gate Building, it is clear that Landry’s local partner, the prolific The Bistro Group, went all in on this. You don’t have to be an interior designer or an architect to take notice of it. It is swanky, sophisticated, and quite possibly one of Manila's most massive steak houses, capable of taking in 200 guests.

In this steak-crazy town that is currently in this steak Rennaisance of sorts, it is the restaurant equivalent of the Kraken being unleashed: they are taking no prisoners, covering all the bases and then some.

If you are a movie buff, you can sit there and picture the Rat Pack holding court at the bar, laughing heartily and wooing the ladies, while sipping their choice of tipple. Mr. Ingram speaks highly of their 300 kinds of wines, a lot of which aren’t available from any local retailer, as well as rare whiskeys and sipping tequilas, bourbons, ins, and more. Their very charming and capable sommelier will happily guide you through the myriad of choices, and yes, he is effectively persuasive. The cocktails are highly recommended, too, to whet the old whistle.

Truth be told, one can make a meal out of their fine selection of starters. The ubiquitous Bacon Steak (P1,395), for one, is a must—a pleasingly fatty, smoky cut of Canadian bacon that one may be tempted to hide in your napkin, taking it home to be eaten as a silog: it will 100% appeal to the base cravings of every meat-loving Filipino.

If you crave sea-tizens, well, you’ve a sufficient supply of that, too, such as Jumbo Lump Crab Cake (P1,480), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (P1,395) and Lobster Cocktail (P2,790), and Oysters on a Half Shell (P1,195), but if you like all these then you might as well splash out—and it IS quite a splash—for a Chilled Ocean Platter (P8,925/Grand that serves three to four, P13,585/Epic which serves five to six people). No big deal, but this platter has Cold-Water Lobster Tail, Kumpo Shrimp Cocktail, Colossal Crab Cocktail, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Ahi Tuna Poke. There's a cooked version for the same price: the Baked Ocean Platter which includes Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Shrimp Calabria, and Dynamite Oysters with Miso Sriracha Butter. Don’t miss out on their classic Caesar Salad (P690), or their signature soups like the Lobster Bisque (P995)—these are the real deal.

At center stage, naturally, are the prime steaks—this is what you come to Morton's for. Only the best USDA Prime Steaks (price starts at P3,450), given big boosts of flavor by their proprietary seasoning, are served. It is almost an assurance that Ribeyes (P6,980/Cajun Ribeye, P8,945/Bone-in Ribeye) will fly out of the kitchen, but there are good reasons to consider other cuts, like the New York Strip (P6,450): they are so juicy and tender, while not quite as marbled as a ribeye, it does have sufficient marbling to please even the most hardened rib eye lover.

The much-vaunted Cajun Ribeye (P6,980) is marinated for a while in their special blend of spices and is and always will be a crowd favorite. One can dress these bad boys with their choice of sauces, like au poivre, béarnaise, or garlic butter, but to be honest, they are just as good as is... perhaps with some punchy horseradish on the side.

You can even pair them like a surf and turf, by asking for Lobster Tail (P1,895) or Jumbo Grilled Shrimp (P750)… or the ultimate Morton's Classic Filet Oscar (P4,845), an Oscar-style tenderloin topped with lobster, lobster sauce, and puff pastry.

Definitely something to look forward to are the sides to bring you over the edge (pun intended): there's the Smoked Gouda Au Gratin Potatoes (P695), Creamed Spinach (P315 or P595), Lobster Macaroni and Cheese (P1,895), and Garlic Rice (P395). Check, check, check, and check. As you can surmise, it is true, that Morton's The Steakhouse is deadset to make it your absolute favorite steakhouse.

End with their desserts and an aperitif, and reminisce about your meal as you look forward to the next time. It is literally, and figuratively, a lot to take in! In a good way, of course.

One must give credit where credit is due. Undoubtedly Morton’s is the jewel in the Bistro Group’s crown, at least for now, for there is more to come. Service training is sharp, the beverage selection is extensive, and the kitchen is churning out hit after hit, and all these traits combined make this the “steakhousiest” steakhouse in town.

Book one of the private dining rooms for a special occasion. Get a corner table for a date. Or hit up their stunning bar and have some bar bites with the gang. Whatever you feel like, you will feel welcomed and special because this ship will work hard to make it happen: this is what the pedigreed Morton’s brand is known for.

Welcome to Manila, Morton’s.

Also read: 10 Steaks in Metro Manila for Every Budget

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