One mention of Outback Steakhouse and memories of a backpacking kangaroo comes to mind (that was their old logo). Aside from the logo, its the memories of the classic dishes like Blooming Onion, Kookaburra Wings and the Outback Special that makes my mouth drool. The last time I was in Outback Steakhouse was way back in December 2010 to try one of their promos. A coupled of weeks ago, I got a chance to go back to the ageless Glorietta Store, opening the doors, its still the familiar Outback that greet me, the happening bar downstairs and the large dining area on the 2nd floor as well as the Aussie named washrooms, Blokes and Shielas.
The first dish we had was the all time classic Ahi Tuna Chopped Salad (P499). A large plate of greens tossed in wasabi vinaigrette topped with pepper crusted, pan seared tuna. I loved the seared tuna for the fresh taste and peppery combo but was not really fond of the salad.
I really enjoyed the Crispy Shrimp Caesar Salad (P499). It plays to my love of textures, crispy Romaine hearts with balsamic and Caesar dressing and shrimp poppers. The shrimps were coated in an Asian chili sauce that gave it a little punch of heat that perfectly balanced with some of the Romaine heart’s creamy dressing.
My hands down favorite Outback appetizer is still the Kookaburra Wings (P469/full). I used to go and just order a plate of these crispy coated wings. These wings were seasoned just right, salty with a slight spiciness because of the pepper. I was not really fond of spicy food before but my tolerance has increased though since I’ve started blogging.
I don’t think I’ve ever had the Alice Springs Chicken (P599) before but how can you go wrong with bacon, mushrooms and assorted cheese on topped of grilled chicken breast. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce for even more flavor or use it as a dip for the fries, like I did.
What a meal at a steakhouse without their steaks, Grilled Peppercorn Strip (P1,199). A 10oz New York Strip steak thats been kicked up a notch with the encrusted black peppercorns. Each steak order comes with your choice of 2 sides, be it carbs or veggies. The steak was cooked at a perfect medium, seared on the outside, pink and juicy inside. You would think I’d be going gaga over this but it was the next slab of beef that had my heart and tummy.
I’ve always been a prime rib lover, its something we do not ever cook at home. Who can finish a whole slab of beef anyway so the Slow Roasted Prime Rib (P1,499) is the perfect solution. It is only available for dinner since they cook this for 5 to 8 hours daily to maintain freshness. Hand carved and served with classic au jus. Tender, well seasoned with just the right amount of fat though out.
Our dessert was their classic Chocolate Thunder From Down Under (P329). A humongous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a pecan brownie drizzled with oozing chocolate sauce with chocolate shavings and whipped cream on top. How can you resist something like this, we could barely contain ourselves from demolishing this right then and there.
Honestly, I used to find Outback Steakhouse expensive so it was splurge kind of place. Looking at their prices, they’ve become at par with other places raising prices yet do not have the same quality ingredients. The steaks are great deals for the quality meat, generous serving and excellent execution, medium is medium and not some middling medium well some places push on you.
Outback Steakhouse
G/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Ave cor Pasay Rd. Ayala Center, Makati Telephone No.: 729-8458/59Outback Steakhouse on Facebook
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