Cowrie shells at the Cowrie Grill, Manila Hotel
This is a photo tribute to the Cowrie Grill of the Manila Hotel, one the metro’s enduring fine dining places which was opened in 1976 as a symbol of opulence of the (fill your own adjective here) Marcos era.
On a business lunch there recently, I couldn’t help but gape at the precious cowries on display. Cowrie curtains. Intricate cowrie wall accessories. And the grand centerpiece – a cowrie chandelier that is composed of 1,592 cowrie pieces stringed together (the figure is from hotel scion Emilio Yap III, hope I remembered the number right).
Hard-to-find cowries are prized by collectors from all over the world. They are also used in expensive jewelry, and even as currency in some parts. It is amazing that these gems exist in a place in Manila. I would put the Cowrie Grill on your must- go to list. If you plan to go on a date, the prices aren’t too bad either.
Blogging since 2004 and recently married to Mr Z. I can't live without coffee....and brown sugar.
Good luck with your entry 
Two of my officemates have just bought Satio last...
yummy steak!!!
mm.. steak.. is that the top blade?
yummy steak…. calorific pa.
I think so, Hiro. Have to brush up on the meat cuts
Marbee and Emil did reco this when I asked where the best steak is…
And sure enough – it has to be the best I’ve ever tasted here in Manila! Love it!
I loved the fresh scallops and escargot!
Will definitely come back!!
Salivating. Now.
wow, that’s an amazing assemblage of shells.