For how many times in the history of being together, I’ve mentioned to O how eager I was to go back to CRU Steakhouse. It all circulated within our discussions of our favorite steakhouses. He places his bet on his favorite and I talk non-stop about my favorites. Yeah, it’s a list. But in that list, I don’t remember missing out CRU as one of my top choices.

The opportunity only came a month ago to re-visit CRU Steakhouse in Marriott Manila Hotel. Oh you know me when I’m excited, I remind O every so often about our planned steak night at CRU. Not only it’s steak night for us, it was also another month to celebrate our relationship of being glued together for more than 2 years.

Cru Steakhouse, a multi-awarded specialty restaurant, is no longer new to the ears of steak lovers. Recognized as the Best Hotel Fine Dining Restaurant by Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets (MBKRS), Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants in the Philippines in 2011-2014, Gold Medal recipient of Philippine Culinary Cup 2012 and 2014, and received a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor 2013-2014.

Really excited, we were 30 minutes earlier than our schedule. While rapidly walking to the backside of Marriott, where Cru is, my pumping heart was just thrilled to get my jaws busy to crush some steak to my stomach.

Signature Cru Crab Cake (Php 690) Rate: 4/5

The decision is always right to start with Signature Cru Crab Cake. Fried and crusted top and edges with cajun remoulade and celenac apple slaw in between three pieces of small-sized crab cakes.

Amuse Bouche of the day

If you order from the 3-course set menu, you get an Amuse Bouche of the day, or the complimentary bite-sized appetizer.

Seared US Scallops (Php 740) Rate: 5/5

Plump and flabby Seared US Scallops with spicy shimeji mushroom and pickled onions in hollandaise sauce, prettified together to create a lustrous look. I poked with a fork then all these ingredients rolled in my mouth and broke my silence in this quiet fine dining restaurant. I looked at O and immediately spoke how much I was impressed.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon Fillet (Php 1500) Rate: 5/5

In my attempt to shoot a video in Cru, I struggled finding my light. Although it didn’t stop me from taking a close shot of this Grilled Norwegian Salmon Fillet, perfectly grilled when I pressed it down and cut in half. Zoomed in my lens, closer to the thickness of fish and there I saw it was indeed fresh. Now the taste, it was a success!

Waiting for the US Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib Eye felt like years of waiting in a restaurant with a sight of an open kitchen grilling steak. I meant, torture! The arrival became an emotional moment for me. For the longest time of craving for Cru’s Rib Eye steak, it finally made a comeback to my belly. Divine medium-cooked and perfectly grilled, all we needed to complete the #jilliver celebration.

Despite my infatuation for steak, I still spare effort to finish one whole slab all for myself. Thank God for sending a food buddy to the rescue, to share all the calories my body intends to take.

Red wine is a necessary accompaniment to steak, don’t you think?

The components of this plate speaks of a refreshing sweet and sour note, bursting from the berries and cold sorbet surrounding the Almond Lychee Panna Cotta.

I think of pastry chefs as someone noble and creative. For putting up together complicated ideas into a divine dessert is simply genius. Cru’s Chocolate Mousse with Candied Peanuts and Popcorn is an absolute favorite. The sophisticated yet playful dessert effortlessly puts an impact to diners. Get it or you’ll regret it!

Weekdays till weekends, the dark reddish fiery steakhouse is busy with diners hunting for meat. The lights and colors call out to dress up appropriately – decent, smart and sexy for the steak occasion. Before, I didn’t appreciate wearing black as much as today. My fallback is usually a pink or a red dress, which is still applicable until now. This black perspective is probably a sign of ageing gracefully? Haha!

One side of seats leaning on the wall gives a more private feel with the couch’s own dividers from another table. It’s where we chose to sit, comfortable on tall crescent-shaped couches. From that side, you have a view of the open kitchen tempting you with every steak they grill.

Private rooms are available upon request. Formal business meetings are usual occupants of this room.

You can strongly rely on Cru’s prompt and responsible servers, who will take servicing your needs seriously and professionally.

What do you think of CRU Steakhouse in Marriott Manila Hotel?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: Marriott Manila Hotel, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 6:00PM-10:30PM (Sun-Thurs), 6:00-11:30PM (Fri-Sat)

Contact: (+632) 988-9990 (loc. 8109)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriotthotelmanila

Budget: PHP3000++

Rate: