Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar Launch at Shangri-la at the Fort, Manila

Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar officially opened its doors to the public recently through an invite only event.  Before entering the restaurant, you are greeted with a golden embossed logo and the name of the restaurant behind a marbled wall.

As you enter the restaurant, old fashioned elegance is immediately imprinted in your mind.  It mimics those exclusive country clubs seen in movies.  It has different sections, having a cozy and homey section as well as a well-lit bar for a livelier setting.  It is definitely unique and versatile, not too snobbish for casual diners and drinkers but classy enough to attract the fine dining crowd.

We were greeted with a sample of their famous drink, the Bloody Bull.  It’s a complicated drink with Rosemary infused Tito’s vodka, Dolin Rouge vermouth, beef stock, fresh lemon, tomato nectar, Raging Bull BBQ sauce and Spanish chorizo.  At first sip, it tastes like drinking BBQ sauce but it gets better and eventually a kick sinks in.  It’s something to try but I cannot say that it is for me.

Having an exotic cocktail selection, I chose to try several concoctions.  After the welcome drink, I chose to sample the Maple and Bacon Manhattan.  Composed of bacon fat wash Bulleit bourbon, Mancino Rosso vermouth, maple syrup and Smokey bitters, this drink does not taste like bacon.  If you appreciate strong and bitter cocktails, I would recommend this.

My next drink was the El Toro Loco, as the name suggests, it’s a crazy drink.  It contains Habanero infused 1800 silver tequila, Cocchi Americano vermouth, fresh cucumber, lime juice and Agave nectar.  Drinking this will immediately spice up your taste buds.  The habanero will linger for a bit then a sweet taste will leave your mouth.  An absolutely exciting drink.

My last cocktail for the night was Bonifacio Penicillin.  It was served in a glass with an embossed logo in the ice.  It contains Elijah Craig 12 yrs bourbon, fresh calamansi, homemade ginger jam house, sechuan honey and egg white.  It is very refreshing but very strong.  I like how the ingredients complement each other.  Certainly the best drink for me.

Aside from the cocktails, there were also locally brewed beers from Crazy Carabao.  There’s Kalinga Kolsch – a Lager, Tuff Tukd – a Pale Ale, Tarsier – a Wheat based beer and Exit Wounds – IPA.

Aside from showcasing their signature cocktails, finger foods were available to satisfy the hunger of the attendees.  They had servers with bite sized portions move about the restaurant as well as food stations located at various locations.

Bread and spreads; House made Prawn Rillets, Apple and Pears Chutney, Slow Braised Oxtail and House made Chicken Liver Parfait.  I enjoyed the Slow Braised Oxtail the most but each spread were worth a try.

Unfortunately, I was not able to try the premium steaks which I regret.  I did not bother to take a peek inside the kitchen where they were offering the steaks.  I was seated inside a booth which prevented me from seeing what other guests were consuming.

Despite being unable to try the steak, the feedback from the other guests is testimony enough that I need to go back here.  It is a welcomed addition for the carnivores of the metro.

The Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar
Shangri-la at the Fort Manila
30th Street corner 5th Avenue
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig Philippines
+63 2 820 0888