THE PICKIEST EATER IN THE WORLD: SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT MORGANFIELD'S BGC UPTOWN MALL

When asked what my favorite cuisine is, my stomach and I always reach an impasse. We're always torn between Chinese Food or good old fashioned American food. When I say American food, I usually pertain to stuff like Barbecues, Ribs and the like. Which is why my ears always seem to tingle when I hear about a new Rib joint opening up in Manila.

One of those places that caught my attention was Morganfield's that opened up late last year. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was able to make time to visit, and I must say, I kicked myself for not going sooner (Which wasn't easy to do mind you.. I have short legs)!

Morganfield's is known as the Home of the Sticky Bones, and has emerged as a legitimate restaurant force to be reckoned with. Morganfield's has several branches in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and China, and has now found a home in spanking new BGC Uptown Mall.

With its Rustic ambiance and Southern Hospitality, you would easily think that Morganfields was an American Franchise, but it's actually from an Asian Based group. I guess it's a testament to how effective they were in invoking the down South charm that the essence that Morganfield's was built on.

DRINKS

Morganfield's has a selection of refreshing cocktails and mocktails for you to choose from. Since it was lunchtime, my foodie friends who normally don't shy away from anything alcoholic, decided to play it safe and try some of the Mocktails, such as the Berry Easy (P195), The Begonia (P175), while I had the Agua Fresca (P195).

STARTERS

In case for some reason you insist on having greens before your meal, you may opt for the Sesame Shrimp Salad (P395). This was an intriguing salad, even for me, because it made predominately with Green Apple slices, Peeled Oranges, and a mix of Tomatoes, Sesame Seeds, Spring Onions, Red Chili, Blanched Juicy Shrimps, then served with Morganfield's Homemade Sesame Dressing.

If there was a dish I would believe was made in the kitchen of the Almighty himself, it would be the Bacon Wrapped Meatballs (P295). The Pinoy in me made me what to eat these delicious Pork Meatballs wrapped in bacon with Rice, but given that we had quite a few more entrees coming at us that day, I decided to treat it like the amazing appetizer that it is. The herbs in the ground pork invokes the flavor of Spanish Chorizo, and when wrapped in the wonderful smokiness of the bacon? Perfection.

ENTREES

The Sausage Platter (P465) has something for everyone's palate. You've got the Spicy Devil for those looking for a bit of heat, The Herby Hog for those who like a little fragrance in their bite, The Smokey Bandit for those that enjoy that char grilled flavor, and my favorite (Although clearly the most lazily named), the Cheesey Cheese! The sausages are perfectly paired with Coleslaw and Garlic Aioli.

If you've heard of Morganfield's, then most likely you've heard all about their amazing ribs, which has gotten the majority of the attention from the food loving public, and rightfully so. However it would be a travesty if in your fixation with the Ribs, you overlook the Pork Ham Chops (P585). The juicy Grilled Porkloin Chops, are smothered in two sauces.. Morganfields House Gravy and Cranberry Sauce, then served with a side of Red Skin Mashed potatoes.

As I said, the stars of the Morganfields show, are their different kinds of Ribs. Jack Daniels Glazed Iberico Baby Back Ribs (P950) looks like something straight out of the Flintstones. However I doubt our favorite caveman family could ever get their ribs to be this tender, with the meat tearing cleanly off the bone with a gentle tug of a fork. I'm a sweet meat kind of a guy, so this was the flavor that I would choose when I come back again. Also, the crispy onion rings were incredible, and a great side dish for your ribs.

Or if you like that good old fashioned BBQ Flavor, you can opt for the Hickory Smoked BBQ Spare Ribs (Full Slab P1,395/Half Slab P750). I wasn't sure if this was a slab of ribs or a battleship.

FOR SHARING

For Big groups.. And I mean BIG, there are Shareable Platters available that give you a taste of Morganfield's Greatest Hits, with the THE CARNIVORE PLATTER (P2,995). Choose a full slab from the varying flavors of Morganfield's Ribs, a half Chicken, either Roasted or Spiked Tequila, a Grilled Spicy Devil Sausage, a Herby Hog, a small Garden Salad, Grilled Corn on the Cob, French Fries, and their AMAZING Corn bread.

DESSERT

As I've mentioned time and time again, I have very high standards when it comes to Molten Lava cakes, because my brother makes the best ones you'll ever had. Although I have to admit, Morganfield's Volcanic Chocolate Lava Cake (P245) is among the better ones I've tried here in Metro Manila.

I distinctly remember letting out a few cuss words upon trying the Bread Pudding (P195). Yes, that's how good it was. A warm, buttery bread pudding is topped with Vanilla Ice Cream, and laid out on a pool of Morganfield's Special Whiskey Sauce. To me this is the must try dish dessert!

A photo posted by @spankyenriquez on Mar 5, 2016 at 2:09am PST

This was just my first of what is sure to be many visits to Morganfield's. I tried a good number of dishes from there menu which were all incredible, but there are still so many other items on their many that I can't wait to try, such as their Glam Burgers, Sandwiches, and their Steaks and Chops!