Cru Steakhouse, Marriott Manila’s award-winning steakhouse in Newport city is shaking things up and bringing a new mystery experience to its diners.
Inspired by Masterchef’s Mystery Box challenge, Cru took the concept and put their own spin to it. In Cru’s case, nobody knows the ingredients but diners can decide on the dishes they would like to eat.
What’s inside each Mystery Box?
CRU Steakhouse
Ground Floor, Marriott Hotel Manila, 2 Resorts Drive, Pasay City, Manila
Operational Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 6:00pm-10:30pm
Friday and Saturday, 6:00pm-11:30pm
Telephone: +632 988-9990 local 8109
Website: Cru Steakhouse
Before diners place their usual orders, the chef comes to the table to offer the Mystery Box. If the guests say no, the lid stays closed and both the chef and diner are left in the dark with regards to what’s underneath. The contents are only revealed when the diner says yes.
Our box contained French Beans, Truffle Paste, Green Apple, Stockyard Striploin, Organic Potato, and Beetroot.
Each box contains ingredients enough for a 3-course meal, and will always include one of Marriott’s steak selections.
When the box is revealed, the chef asks leading questions about how you’d like the ingredients to be cooked. I like this part because the chef collaborates with you, so you don’t have to rack your brain for potential dishes suitable for the ingredients.
Our starter was a filling and wholesome Truffle Mushroom Soup. It was a toss-up between Beetroot Soup or Mushroom Soup for the starter. The dining party needs to come to a singular decision on what becomes of the ingredients.
The soup goes well with Marriott’s signature loaf medley.
In the middle of the room is the grill where all the steaks are cooked. This makes for a good conversation starter in between courses.
Followed by the Striploin Steak on a bed of roasted French Beans with pancetta, and a side of Truffle Risotto. Another way this could have gone is with a side of mashed potatoes instead of Truffle Risotto.
A special German Pancake with Green Apples and a scoop of vanilla ice cream was served for dessert. Smaller and lighter than a regular pancake; the addition of ice cream over the warm base made for melting spoonfuls of goodness.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I like the concept of doing away with your regular order and trying out something mysterious and unexpected. The only downside is that there’s no way to know beforehand if you are allergic to any of the ingredients inside the box. Other than that, it’s a great way to have some one-on-one time with the chef and have some control over your food.
The Mystery Box experience is priced at Php 3,500++ per head. There are only two boxes offered per day.
Live an Awesome Life,
Monique of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of Cru Steakhouse. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.