Wagyu Beef Fest

Tapping into the award-winning expertise of their own team of culinary experts, Diamond Hotel Philippines introduces the Wagyu Food Fest, offering the tender succulence and that simultaneous melt-on-your-tongue juiciness that is rarely found in red meat in a variety of mouth-watering fares.

Everyone’s heard of it; the beer, the sake, the massage (not for you, for your rib-eye!) It’s called Wagyu Beef, but have you ever tasted the foie gras of steaks the way the perfectionists in Japan—where Wagyu traces its evocatively mythicized roots—meant it to be enjoyed?

Its exquisite tenderness is reputed to stem from the relaxing conditions in which they are kept, making Wagyu arguably the world’s most pampered cattle. Why are Wagyu cows so famously pampered? One prevalent theory is that the less stress the cows experience, the more tender will their meat be. Tenderness being a greatly-prized quality in meats, Wagyu cattle are not left to roam as it will cause their muscles to develop, thus making the meat tougher. They are also given a consistent diet of beans, rich pasture grass and rice bran, are given the best of Japanese beers to drink to increase their appetite and are free of hormone implants. The massages are given to relax the Wagyu, improving their circulation and stimulating their muscles without toughening their meat.

Wagyu, above all, is a geographical designation. Authentic Wagyu beef comes from Hyogo prefecture, from a Wagyu cow cultivated according to the highest standards. Wagyu beef is graded on a scale of 1 to 12.

It is not particularly surprising that city’s premier dining oasis and portal to all things deliciously Japanese has tapped the expertise of their culinary masters to whip up tantalizing fares that highlight the lusciously savory flavor of Wagyu.

For an authentic slice of Japanese Wagyu cooking, Yurakuen—famed for offering an impeccably mouth-watering taste of Japanese culture and flavor—offers different varieties that you can sample. Indulge in their hearty Japanese Premium Beef Sukiyaki, or Shabu-Shabu course (which comes with appetizer, sashimi, steamed Japanese rise, Japanese pickles, miso soup and dessert); or try their Teppanyaki Japanese Premium Sirloin or Teppanyaki Japanese Tenderloin steak. The dishes are created by the restaurant’s award-winning Japanese chef whose training and expertise of the region’s culinary art gives diners the genuine Wagyu experience.

Palm Court Café and Restaurant Le Bellevue on the other hand, introduces us to a fusion of international flavors with the lingering succulence of American Wagyu Beef from the best and largest producer of Wagyu Beef in the world, Snake River Farms.

At Palm Court Café, you can try the Wagyu Burger served in toasted ciabatta olive bread with a side of onion rings, tomato jam and yellow mustard.

Restaurant Le Bellevue explores a more refined combination of Euro-Continental cuisine with Wagyu. Treat yourself to a Broiled Peppered Wagyu Rib-eye topped in creamy pepper sauce, baked polenta and vegetables. Or sample the Charcoal Broiled Marinated Wagyu served with corn on the cob, mushroom ragout and sautéed artichokes.

For reservations please call us at 528-3000.