Cover La Cabrera founder Gaston Riveira flew in from Argentina for the special occasion (Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
La Cabrera founder Gaston Riveira flew in from Argentina for the special occasion (Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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A gathering of friends and family feasted on the Argentinian steakhouse’s greatest hits as they toasted to ten more years and conquering the rest of Asia
The rain cannot dampen the spirits of revellers as friends and family of La Cabrera Manila owners Carlo Calma Lorenzana, Bobby Tenchavez, and Atty. Dennis Pamintuan gather to celebrate their Argentinian steakhouse’s tenth anniversary in the Philippines. Both branches—the original 6750 Ayala and Edsa Shangri-La—are thriving after surviving the pandemic and despite the influx of foreign franchises eager to have their share of the market. The mood was rightfully celebratory as they marked the milestone with a parillada outside the 6750 branch where their expert grill masters prepared the steaks they are world-famous for.
Related: The best steakhouses in the Philippines from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024
(Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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As guests arrived, they were offered El Pato cocktails and La Garde wine to accompany juicy bites of their beef empanada and chicharones. Greeting guests along with the local partners was La Cabrera founder Gaston Riveira who flew in from Argentina with his beautiful family. He shares that over the years Manila has become a second home that he and his family have grown to love, his daughters grew up visiting the country. “We are so grateful to chef Gaston for taking a chance on the Philippines,” Lorenzana says. “He could have chosen to open his first branch in other Asian countries, but he entrusted us with La Cabrera and we are happy that it continues to do well here.”
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(Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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Lorenzana also gives his wife, Julia Quisumbing Lorenzana, full credit for being the one to actually “discover” La Cabrera when they were planning their honeymoon. “We do a lot of business in Argentina for our wine business Boca Juan,” explains Lorenzana, “so we picked Argentina for our honeymoon. Julia found La Cabrera on the internet when she was doing her research on the places to visit and restaurants to try. Good thing she did, because the ones I picked out were not that good.” (Laughs)
Read more: Siargao’s restaurant Roots celebrates 1st anniversary with a collaborative dinner
Argentinian ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ricardo Luis Bocalandro (Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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VIP guests were led by Argentinian ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ricardo Luis Bocalandro and his wife who brought their friends from the diplomatic community. His Excellency shared how proud he is of La Cabrera and acknowledges their contribution to the Latin nation’s bilateral dealings. “I always do my business meetings here,” the popular ambassador declares, “and I must say that those meetings always end up with positive results. I truly believe that the food and service in La Cabrera have helped me a lot in those transactions. I can proudly say that it is the best Argentinian restaurant in Asia.”
See also: Save the date: The 38th Negros Trade Fair at Glorietta
(Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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The food, which is a wide selection of Argentinian comfort food and steakhouse staples, speaks for itself and the dinner was a reminder of why La Cabrera has made its way into Filipino steak lovers’ hearts. Starters of provaleta (skillet-melted cheese provolone cheese) and house-made chorizo and morcilla primed guests for the meaty feast. A trio of their bestselling prime cuts is the rightful highlight—expertly grilled short rib, ojo de bife (rib-eye), and everyone’s favourite entraña (hanger steak) which is a popular butcher’s cut that La Cabrera prepares exceedingly well. All it needs really is a side of mixed salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing, but there are also those bite-sized portions of sides to aid diners with steak fatigue.
(Photo: courtesy of La Cabrera)
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The evening was alive with music, laughter, and excited chatter. It is impossible to celebrate Argentinian culture without dancers performing the tango beautifully, and there was that to accompany coffee and alfajoritos. As guests were switching to after-dinner whisky, the partners might have slipped that soon La Cabrera would be expanding to the rest of Asia. Not a bad idea, considering something this good truly needs to be shared.
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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.
