US Embassy Manila Celebrates The Great American Barbecue

The smell of smoky hickory grilled meat is filling up the air as I enter the US Ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park Makati last May 15. 

The place is all decked up in true blue American spirit- red, white and blue. Everyone’s excited as each guest gets his or her own cowboy hat and red bandana to imbibe the great American culture at the reception area. This is The Great American Barbecue Night!

So excited to receive an invitation courtesy of Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America Michael Klecheski and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this gastronomical event wherein amazing barbecue treats and popular American dishes are being served but the objective of The Great American Barbecue Night is to celebrate friendship among people in the trade industry that deal with the distribution of U.S. quality meats and other US made food and beverage products in the country.

I am so amazed to checkout various US meats being grilled at the barbecue station. From lamb chops, pork ribs to premium US Angus beef- all so juicy and yummy.

At the grilling station:

·       Grilled U.S. Tomahawk with Sea Salt and Black Pepper Rub

·       Barbecued Country Style U.S. Beef Back Ribs

·       Grilled U.S. Wagyu Steak with Black Pepper Gravy

·       U.S. Pork Kurobota Salpicao with Corn Salsa

·       U.S. Grilled Lamb Breast and Feta Kebabs

·       Grilled Rosemary Infused U.S. Lamb Shoulder

·       Grilled U.S. Lemon Marinated Lamb Spareribs

To complement the protein rich main grilled dishes, sides of potato salad, coleslaw, buttered vegetables and yogurt glazed corn on a cob (which is my favorite) are offered just across the grilling station at the outdoor garden at the US Ambassador’s residence. 

Sidings and other dishes:

· Potato, Green Beans and U.S. Johnsonville Sausage Casserole

·       Fish Kebabs

·       Sausage, Potato & Green Beans

·       Greek Yogurt & Parmesan Corn Cobs

·       Mini Beef Burgers

·       Buffalo Chicken Wings

·       Onion Rings

At the far end of the main buffet table, an array of desserts is being served such as Chilled Fresh Fruits Salad, Chocolate Lust and Key Lime Pie. 

The amazing buffet wouldn’t be complete without a good drink. So, I head over at the beverage station where various wine and cocktails are being serve. From quality California Wines, Cucumber Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Iced Tea to House Blend Iced Tea- wish I could try them all but I prefer the dark red wine from California. Cheers!

I am truly grateful and deeply honored to be part of The Great American Barbecue event which made realized the true American spirit when it comes to friendship celebrated over good food.

I am eager and excited for US Embassy Manila’s next event or party. See you soon!