Superbike enthusiasts share their experiences on the road; Mercedez-Benz gives Philippine Airlines’ lady pilots a thrill unlike any other
Manila Marriot’s award-winning premier restaurant Cru Steakhouse invites guests and patrons for an eccentric dining experience. The Upside Down Dinner dares to defy the rules of luxury dining by reversing the succession of courses in your typical 4-course dinner—starting with dessert, main course, soup, and lastly, appetizer.
You are greeted with a box of handcrafted chocolate pralines and a clean yet slightly cluttered table with a menu printed backward that can only be read through the reflection on the mirror. Committed to the unusual dinner concept, the bill arrives thereafter, signifying the start of your meal. The Noisette Exotique, a dome-shaped hazelnut dacquoise covered with yellow exotic glacage, is a visual feast that boasts of fruit flavors. A trifecta of raspberries, strawberries, and mango bits carefully placed around the cake adds just the right amount of citrus, complementing the almond lemon crumble and praline-noisette mousse, yuzu cremeux, and orange passion compote.
For the main course, a perfectly grilled Rosemary Crusted U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin. Served with potato puree, butter-glazed vegetables, and
peppercorn sauce, each bite of this juicy piece of steak is an indulgent taste of rich flavors. For those in search of a non-meat option, a plate of barramundi fish awaits. Mild and succulent, the fish is a light yet flavorful alternative.
Next is the Tomato Espresso, a small cup similar to an espresso shot complete with a frothy top. It is light and warm, harmonizing well with the nutty and creamy gruyere pudding toast. Along with it comes Cru’s signature bread in tomato, spinach, and parmesan with herb butter and Davao cheese spread.
And for the finale, a dish of Crab and Apple Salad. A cherry tomato stuffed with rich and creamy crab salad served with pine nut gremolata, avocado mousseline, and crème fraiche makes for the ending to this set of well-made dishes. Servers then introduce themselves to the guest, as if meeting for the first time, culminating the end of the Upside Down Dinner. CRU STEAKHOUSE’S UPSIDE DOWN DINNER is available every Thursdays of July to December, 6PM to 10:30PM.
Prior reservation is required. For more information on Marriott’s dining offers, call (02) 988 9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com