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After four years, founder Gaston Riveira is back in Manila to host a new edition of the Argentinian steakhouse’s version of private dining
Not even a heavy downpour can dampen the mood at Rockwell’s Balmori Tent recently where La Cabrera Manila gathered over a hundred family and friends for a lavish Argentinian-style barbecue. Owners Carlo Calma Lorenzana and Bobby Tenchavez beamed as guests arrived for the latest instalment of the steakhouse’s private dining concept called Parrillada Argentina.
La Cabrera's Parrillada Argentina refers to their premium catering service in the privacy of your home, office or even a remote location. “We actually quietly launched it in 2019 and already started catering in a few homes,” Lorenzana explains, recalling the time they graced a wedding in Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Davao back then.
He adds, “Parrillada Argentina helped us a lot during the height of the pandemic when guests wanted the safety and privacy of dining at home. We were doing private events in different villages and condominiums in Makati, Quezon City, Ortigas and the south like Alabang and Las Piñas.” In that time, they also crafted dishes that could be easily delivered and reheated at home, such as their delicious empanadas filled with hand-chopped beef and doused in their house-made chili sauce and chimichurri.
At the recent event in Rockwell, these empanadas were on heavy rotation as guests gathered before dinner, chased down by endless pours of Altas Cumbres Torrontes, an Argentinian white wine from Lorenzana and Tenchavez’s Boca Juan Wines.
Read more: Meet Boca Juan Filipinas, your go-to for Spanish, Argentinian, and Italian wine
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The evening’s guest of honour was H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in Manila, who was accompanied by his lovely wife, as well as other distinguished members of the diplomatic community. His Excellency admitted to being quite the steak lover and said, “When I found out that there was La Cabrera in Manila, I was so happy. Argentinians love steak and we are very proud of our cuisine.”
Overseeing the grilling is La Cabrera founder Gaston Riveira, who brought his whole family from Argentina for the celebration. Also back in town is the popular and charming chef of La Cabrera Manila, Agustin Figueroa, who was busy catching up with old friends in between supervising the parrillada.
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Once everyone had arrived and settled in, guests were eager to get started on dinner which promised to be a hearty and meaty indulgence. Lorenzana explained how it is traditionally done in Argentina wherein every part of the animal is utilised and nothing goes to waste. “First to be prepared are the offal, which is also how we serve it in our parrillada Argentina,” Lorenzana explains. The starters include chinchulines (beef intestines) that are simple seasoned and grilled, as well as flavourful sausages made in-house like their chorizo and morcilla. An iconic La Cabrera appetiser is the gooey cheese dish called provoleta, and they serve these in cast iron pans so they are sizzling when they come to your table.
See also: These Asian tastemakers are behind the best dining experiences in the region
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A parrillada expert will advise not to go crazy on the starters since the perfectly grilled premium meats are served next accompanied by an assortment of choice side dishes. Grilled over an open flame, these meats are held up by parallel metal bars to ensure even cooking in high temperatures.
Guests were treated to endless slices of cordero (lamb), beef short ribs, ribeye, and entraña (skirt steak). With such delectable meats, all you really need is a fresh bowl of salad to accompany them, and some corn relish and roasted garlic to enhance the flavors of the meat. Truly an indulgence with sips of Guarda Malbec DOC 2019, also from Boca Juan Wines.
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After such a fine yet heavy meal, a few bites of panqueque con dulce de leche and La Cabrera’s popular alfajorcitos is a fitting end with a cup of strong coffee. The event was truly festive, especially with live guitar music playing throughout dinner and some lively tango dancing for the entertainment of the guests. These are a few details to remember when you plan your own private Parrillada Argentina! With La Cabrera just one call away, you can be assured that a truly memorable dining experience is always within reach.
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
