The Hard Rock Café has long been an international icon in the restaurant and music scene. The 50-year-old brand has rocked the Philippines with its live bands, delectable American dishes, and its overall atmosphere—all of which pay homage to the 90s rock n’ roll era. The brand welcomes all kinds of guests—be it lovers of the classics, or millennials, and all those in between and beyond—with a fresh yet nostalgic ambiance. Two years after its opening in Manila, Hard Rock Café finally returns to Glorietta with a Makati twist to its signature look and a hardcore menu!
Enter the restaurant, and you are welcomed by the Rock Shop. All sorts of collectible items are waiting for you: rock n’ roll t-shirts, guitar accessories, stuffed toys, and other merchandise reminiscent of 90s bands. The Lava Stairs, known for their red lights, show you to the 621 square meter 225-seater dining area. The interior, consistent with the Hard Rock brand, features classic and contemporary cultural icons. Plastered on the walls are posters of the likes of Aerosmith, Shakira, and other big names in the pop culture and rock n’ roll scene. Memorabilia are spread all around the café. You may find Carlos Santana’s very own guitar, John Tempesta’s drum set, and a polo shirt showing the 1969 Woodstock Festival crowd.
Lava Stairs
Move deeper into the dining area, and you will find the Philippine flag and some of Hard Rock Café’s very own motivational slogans such as “Love All, Serve All” and “Save the Planet.” The dining area is organized according to some famous names in music. There is a Rita Ora zone where you find one of her concert dresses. The Madonna zone features photos of the Queen herself. Other areas feature memorabilia of the Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake.
Every night, one may expect bands of all genres performing on the stage. Hard Rock Café sees to it that local music is featured. Performers like Bradley Homes, Blast, and Spirit of 67 have graced the stage with their presence.One does not visit the Hard Rock Café just for the bands and the nostalgic yet hip atmosphere. The Hard Rock experience is incomplete without the food, which would keep you coming back for more!
The new menu features several twists and changes. The creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip is fantastic with a playful mix of Romano and cheddar cheese. It is served with tortilla chips and pico de gallo (made by the house!). We all enjoyed this dip—even on top of pizza! It also seems to mix well with other items on the menu
Another welcome addition is the Three Cheese and Tomato Flatbread with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella on top. You can taste the fresh Roma tomatoes and basil, finished off with some cilantro pesto.
We all enjoyed the California Style Cobb Salad. It was very refreshing with its mix of vegetables, fruits, and grilled chicken. You get avocadoes, black beans, cheese, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas! The ranch dressing is also to-die-for!
Customers won’t forget Hard Rock Café’s most well-known main dishes: their signature burgers. Of all these burgers, the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Burger should be given the limelight. It has such a luxurious feel with its top-grade beef and—believe it or not—edible 24-karat gold leaf! It is the perfect new take on the regular burger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
If you’re going for a more classic burger, the Original Legendary Burger is for you. It is served with golden crispy fries and a thick slab of beef patty. Everyone loved this, and it is my favorite burger. You will be contented with even just the patty as it is super juicy and fried to perfection.
Another main dish deserving of praise is the new Truffle Mushroom Pasta. You guys know that I am a fan of truffle and would go for this. It is packed with shiitake mushrooms and truffle oil. Fellow truffle lovers would not be disappointed!
If you’re craving for pasta, the Spicy Vongole Pasta is an excellent option. The white wine mixed with chili flakes and lemon juice adds a nice kick to the clams and fresh vegetables. The pasta is also made fresh every day!
Don’t miss the Cookies and Cream, and Hot Fudge Milkshakes! Hard Rock Café is known worldwide for its milkshakes, so the quality of these drinks come to no surprise. Both milkshakes were lovely, but I’d have to say that the Hot Fudge milkshake is a favorite.
There are also several bold additions to the alcoholic beverage menu, such as the Tropical Margarita and Rhythm and Rose Mule. If you are looking for a zesty version of a red wine drink, try the Blackberry Sparkling Sangria. The yuppie in you would like the Espresso Martini, a fine combination of vodka and freshly-brewed espresso! For the lover of tropical paradises, the Classic Carribean Mojito is a pleasant surprise with its powdered sugar sprinkle, mint, and the tried but true Bacardi Superior Rum. There is something for every type of cocktail lover out there.
What is hard rock without rocking, drinking, and dancing? There’s a reason Hard Rock Café is able to maintain its status as a global cultural institution. Right here, the vintage atmosphere meets live local music, mixing genres from the classics, as well as modern pop. The menu offers plenty of choices for foodies and mixologists alike, showcasing phenomenal American dishes and adventurous cocktails. From the music to the food and drinks, you will definitely leave the café a legend.
You may visit both Hard Rock Café branches from Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. The Manila branch is found at Level 2, S’Maison at Conrad Manila. The Makati Branch is found at Glorietta 3. You may also visit its Facebook pages: facebook.com/HardRockCafeManila and facebook.com/HardRockCafeMakati. You may also contact Hard Rock Café at 8990-9809 (Manila branch) and 7900-3310 (Makati Branch).
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