'Cue Modern Barbecue: A Carnivore's Meat Paradise

As much as I enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, there's still no denying that I am heavily carnivorous. Although a plate of sautéed spinach with mushrooms can make me crave, just imagining a thick and juicy slab of steak can have me salivating. And just a few weeks ago, I got to experience a very meaty afternoon meal at 'Cue Modern Barbecue.

Located at Bonifacio High Street Central, 'Cue Modern Barbecue as its name implies is a barbecue house ready to cater to the carnivorous cravings of not just men, but also of the ladies, and even of children. At first sight, the facade looks simple with a diner feel. However, when you enter the restaurant, you'll suddenly be transported to a cozy dining space with dim, warm lighting, sleek interiors and a modern country atmosphere.

Whenever I eat out, I appreciate it when restaurants offer not just a promise of good food, but also an interesting ambiance. And at 'Cue Modern Barbecue, I found three aspects I can't stop ogling at. First is the novelty accent on the wall, diagrams of meat cuts. Then, there's also the mismatched chairs which I found really cute and very country kitsch. Lastly, there are cowhides on the side ceiling which made the place look more upscale.

Before getting a taste of the menu offerings, 'Cue Modern Barbecue first served free popcorn. I only got a few pieces, but I appreciate that their popcorn is lightly spiced.

To start off our meal, we had The 'Cue Caesar Salad Bowl (P205 Half; P345 Whole) which is an ensemble of romaine lettuce, bacon, Parmesan, three mustards and creamy bagoong dressing. While I'm here for the meat, I appreciated that we first had a plate of fresh veggies. And although this wasn't very memorable, it's quite good.

Next, we had the Make Your Own Fish Tacos (P385) which had four sticks of panko-crusted white fish served with flour tortillas, roasted corn salsa, sweet 'n spicy salsa verde and cilantro-lime tartar. Being a fried fish fillet lover, I liked how crunchy the breading of the fish sticks was, while the inside had moist and tender meat. Yum!

One of my most favorite dish for the trip was The House Burger (P395) -- a stack of two 3oz. house-blend all-beef patty, red onions, crispy lettuce leaf, fresh slice of tomato, yellow cheddar, seriously mature white cheddar and house-made ranch dressing sandwiched in buttered grill buns. In all honesty, I was very very happy with this burger. The beef patty was so soft, so juicy and so meaty, while the other ingredients in the burger helped make this a sandwich of awesomeness. Actually, even the sweet potato fries served on the side were awesome -- sweet, tasty, slightly crispy, and simply delish.

We then had the Bone Marrow and Steak Tacos (P485) served with flour tortillas, roasted corn salsa and sweet 'n spicy salsa verde. Being a steak and bone marrow lover, this dish had my eyes ogling when it came to the table. And when it was time to get a taste of it, it had me oohing and ahhing in sheer pleasure. Although I personally prefer to cut my own steak, I loved how the beef was so tender and so succulent. Eat it together with the bone marrow and the salsa verde, and I assure you a foodgasmic experience.

Next item we had was the Bacon Slabs 'Cue Style (P455) -- a slow-baked then char-grilled, house-cured half-pound slab of bacon which was then cut into thick slices. Every bite from this sinful treat gives off a lovely sweet and savory flavor, and meaty and fatty goodness. And if you fear getting taste fatigued, try pairing it with the Oven-Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Creamed Casserole (P115) which tasted very comforting.

Last meaty item we had was this King Henry-Cut Pork Chop (P625) served with two sauces and a siding of coleslaw. While I don't normally go gaga for pork chops, I loved how tender, succulent and flavorful this pan-grilled and Dijon butter-glazed chop was. Every bite just gives off an explosion of unadulterated meaty goodness that I so love.

To cap off our meal, we had the Simple Triple Chocolate Cake (P245) which was soft, moist and very chocolatey, as well as The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake (P195) which is topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and hot fudge. While both were really lovely desserts, my friend and I both prefer the latter as the cookie cake was super good! It was warm, comforting, slightly crispy, chewy and just wonderful.

THE VERDICT

I've already heard a lot of good things about 'Cue Modern Barbecue, but I didn't think their food will be this great. While I have my personal favorites among the dishes we got to try, I can say that every item we had that afternoon is of great quality. And with courteous service and a cozy ambiance, you're sure to get a great dining experience. However, I have to say that prices are steep especially if you're a big meat eater. But if you want great quality modern barbecues, then 'Cue can definitely get you your money's worth.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5

'Cue Modern Barbecue, Bonifacio High Street Central
G/F Bonifacio High Street Central, East Superblock
7th Ave. cor. 29th St., Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 621-4052
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