CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse: Executive Lunch Special

While I've recently found myself very much into fitness, there are still some things I can't and won't ever give up, like milk tea, desserts, pasta and of course, meat. So when I received a lunch invitation for CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse in Greenbelt 5 last January, you can already expect that I didn't think twice before replying with a resounding yes.

CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse is located in the upper-most floor of Greenbelt 5 to give diners their needed privacy. During our visit, we spotted friends hanging out for a quick lunch, corporate executives holding a meeting, and a few couples on a steak lunch date. And while we didn't necessarily required the privacy, I appreciated that there weren't a lot of passersby which means I can take as many photos as I want without being stared at.

Just like how sophisticated the facade looks like, the interior at CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse also offers the same modern posh infused with a slight gentlemen's club feel. And despite my aversion towards dim lighting due to food photography purposes, I actually found myself enjoying the dim, cozy vibe that this steakhouse exudes. It reminds me of most steakhouses my family and I have been to back in the day.

Most seating at CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse offer the usual table and couch set-up. However, they also had round booths and a corner nook which don't only provide comfort, but also more privacy. They also have bar stools at the counter for those who'd visit for a drink. And for bigger meetings, CHOPS also have a function room to offer.

Non-meat eaters, look away and scroll further down!

One special feat I love at CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse is their "steak board" which comprises of choice cuts of meat -- rib eye, striploin, porterhouse and tenderloin.

They show this "steak board" to guests both for amusement and as an aid to decide which cut of meat one would like to have for his/her meal. Personally, I'm more of a rib eye steak girl 'cause I love love me some flavorful and beautiful marbling of fat.

Another cut they presented was the "tomahawk" which is definitely the biggest steak I have ever seen in my entire life! This axe-like steak is actually a USDA Prime Black Angus Rib Eye with the bone attached. It can feed about 4 to 5 hungry steak lovers, but I think the beau and I can down this 50oz. of pure carnivorous goodness if we try to.

CHOP'S Executive Lunch (P888)

Non-meat eaters, I think you've scrolled down enough. It's safer now, I promise! Anyway, before we started off our power lunch, we were given complimentary Ciabatta and Whole Wheat Rolls with Whipped Butter served on a chopping board.

I loved that the breads complement the first course of the lunch set -- soup of the day which in our case was the Cream of Asparagus Soup, a bowl that's not only very creamy but also delicately tasty. I finished everything off, asparagus stalk included.

Next, we had the Caesar Salad which had crispy Romaine lettuce leaves, bacon bits, generous amount of herbed croutons, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and of course, the classic Caesar dressing. As a salad lover, I say this version is one of the good ones I've had. It's flavorful, had nice color and texture, and definitely very appetite-whetting.

The main event for the lunch was the Wisconsin Beef Tenderloin served on a chopping board. This entrée came with a Chops House-Made Steak Sauce, but you can always ask your server if you want to have your steak with a different sauce. It also comes with your choice of siding which I'll detail later on in this post.

For now, let's all enjoy this beauty of beef succulence, cooked between medium rare and medium -- the perfect doneness for my palate and stomach's preference. Even without the sauce, this tenderloin was juicy and flavorful. But of course, the tasty sauce takes it to another level, complementing its juiciness and meatiness. And even if tenderloin isn't really my preferred steak cut initially, a forkful of this beauty retracted all my skepticism.

A sweet ending to this power lunch set is the Dark Chocolate Cigar. At first I thought this dessert was only named as such for its shape. But lo and behold, you really have to puff in the Bourbon mascarpone cream cheese filling before biting through the dark chocolate-cover barquillos, then finally licking off the melted chocolate from your fingers.

For this set, you'd be getting 2 sticks of this creamy and chocolatey treat. I think that's more than enough Dark Chocolate Cigars to satiate one's sweet tooth craving, while keeping your sugar level and calorie in-take in check. For me though, about 4 sticks is enough. Anyway, I loved this dessert so I'll try replicating this sometime soon! *wink*

The Sidings

The Executive Lunch Set lets you choose one siding to pair with your steak. I won't be detailing anymore every item here, but rest assured, everything was good in its own right.

Skillet Buttered Corn

Beer Battered Onion Rings and House Fries

Potato Overload

Parmesan Creamed Spinach with Organic Egg

Steamed Asparagus

Smoked Bacon and Garlic Broccoli

In case you want another siding to go with your set, you can avail of any of these for just P180. Oh, and if you're wondering, my choice of siding was the Steamed Asparagus. I know I'm boring, but I got to try the other sidings as well, and loved them to bits!

More Meaty Treats at CHOPS

We were served with these meal starters to help whet our appetite and satisfy our carnivorous craving. However, I didn't get to taste any of them because unfortunately, none of them made it to my side of the table. *sad*

The Bone Marrow (P270) -- roasted beef marrow, toasted crostini and parsley salad

Charboiled Slab of Bacon (P320) -- smoked bacon, pomegranate honey mustard and black pepper

Barbecued Pork Ribs (P625) -- smoked chopped baby back ribs with sweet Bourbon barbecue sauce

Everyone who got a taste of these treats were oohing and ahhing in delight though, so I guess they were really good. I guess this just gives me more reason to return to CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse. I must conquer these 3 sinful dishes soon!

THE VERDICT

Everything I got to try at CHOPS was of really good quality. And with its promise of both comfort and privacy, fast and free wi-fi and courteous service, I'd say CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse is one must-visit restaurant in Makati, especially for meat-lovers like me. Oh, and whether you're working in the area or just passing by, make sure to pay CHOPS a trip as its Executive Lunch Set is available all-week long. So CHOPS, till we meat again!

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 3.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5

CHOPS Chicago Steakhouse, Greenbelt 5
4/F Greenbelt 5, Legazpi St.,
Legazpi Village, Makati
Metri Manila, Philippines
(02) 945-8088
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