TIRELESS TROTTER by Butch Carungay

Let’s get acquainted with the premium beef offerings of 3 of Cebu’s best meaty restos.

It is a widely acknowledged fact that Pinoys love their meat – especially among those segments of the population that continue to prosper despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19. Pre-pandemic figures published by the UK think tank Chatham House cited the Philippines as amongst the Top 10 countries worldwide with the fastest expected growth in the consumption of beef, pork and chicken.

Cebuanos definitely are not dissimilar to their compatriots in their affinity for these fleshy fares and are particularly proud of Cebu Lechon – which legendary food critic Anthony Bourdain once declared as the best roasted pig on the planet. From the humblest of stalls to the fanciest of restaurants, meat figures prominently on nearly all menus and comes in practically every shape, size and form.

This article, however, will focus on the holy grail of meat – in the realm of premium beef. Once inaccessible locally, availability of the top echelon of beef in Cebu has skyrocketed – whether it comes from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, the United States or the United Kingdom. The improved supply has also prompted local restaurants to level up their game so they are able to showcase the buttery textures, the unequaled tenderness and the subtle umami flavors that define such meat quality. So here are three new(ish) dining establishments that have definitely raised the steaks.

IL PRIMO AT NUSTAR RESORT CEBU. As the flagship restaurant of Cebu’s most awaited integrated resort development in decades, Il Primo has grand expectations to meet. Billed as Cebu’s first and only Italian steakhouse, it is headed by Executive Chef Luca Angioletti who last helmed Paparazzi at EDSA Shangri-La. With its stunning seaside setting, dramatic modern interiors, and high-end Josper grill, Il Primo takes pride in the highest quality steaks prepared to bring out the best in each slice while preserving its aroma and texture.

Their most popular steak is the US Black Angus Cab Omaha Prime Beef served with asparagus, marble potatoes, and mushroom/truffle sauce and is available in a wide variety of cuts ranging from T-bone, ribeye, tenderloin, and striploin. For those who want an even more elevated experience, they also serve Wagyu A5 – which as many of us know – sits at the absolute top of this already vaunted pile of flesh.

WAGYU SHIROGANE AT CEBU QUINCENTENNIAL HOTEL. The newest kid on this particular block, this high-end Japanese yakiniku restaurant just opened its doors on August 8, 2022. Its sleek Japanese aesthetic, professional service, and edited menu under the watchful eye of Chef Kazuto Ohe will surely keep regulars coming back for more. 

Of the wide array of cuts of beef to choose from, the Wagyu A5 served on a gold leafed plate on a bundled bed of Japanese herbs is a multi-sensory feast for the eyes, nose and taste buds. Obviously, this level of quality and attention to detail comes at a rather steep price but even the “lesser” offerings were just as tasty.

LA CARNE PREMIUM MEAT AT 88TH AVENUE. Last but certainly not the least on this list is technically not a restaurant but an upscale butcher shop that recently introduced a Steak Bar for in-store dining. Founded in the UAE in 2014 by the affable Jovy Tuaño, La Carne has direct access to the world’s best meat brands and has brought them to Cebu as an homage to Jovy’s mother who used to run a butcher shop on D. Jakosalem Street decades ago.

One can find practically every cut of beef here from Margaret River, Cape Grim, Mulwarra, WX by Rangers Valley and John Stone. The Cebu branch is headed by Master Chef and Butcher Ed Diñoso who is more than happy to dole out cooking tips on how to best prepare their meat at home. However, for a nominal cooking fee which also includes unlimited side dishes, once can savor all the meaty goodiness in their outlet.

Incidentally, La Carne also serves White Stripe lamb which is arguably the best in town for those who have had too much moo moo and want a bit of baa baa. So there it is folks – Cebu’s newest shrines to meat and all its glory. Here’s hoping you enjoy your trot around these joints. Until we

MEAT again…