Nothing special about it except that it only opens on Saturdays and that only the best of the best can be bought here at rock-bottom prices. Being in one of the country’s most expensive stretch of real estate, expect that it is also a good place for people-watching. I saw some relatives of the Zobel-Ayala clan, in simple everyday wear and without bodyguards (couldn’t take a picture, though. I don’t want to be sued or anything, hehe). Expatriates and their families frequented the specialty food shops to remind them of home. But my purpose in going there didn’t involve the fresh vegetables or the French quiches. It was the Wagyu burgers.

As I entered the market place, I immediately spied this innocent-looking stall beside the clinic (I wonder why it was beside the clinic) and quickly realized that this was the shop my friend had told me about.

Yup, it had Wagyu screaming from the signs. This was indeed the place.

The owner was nice enough to show me how Wagyu beef looks like raw.

Wagyu is defined as a breed of cattle, the meat of which is characterized by intense marbling. Wagyu beef produces high levels of unsaturated fat, meaning that this is fat that contains lesser calories compared to ordinary beef. This is why Wagyu is very soft, tender and expensive. A kilo, as sold in the groceries, range from P3,000 (US$73.00) to as high as P6,000 (US$146.00) depending on the freshness. It’s something I cannot afford to eat everyday being an ordinary salary man.

So I decided to settle for a quarter-pound Wagyu burger with everything on it (yum). I had mine medium rare, for fear that the meat might become too tough when it’s overcooked.

After five minutes or so, I am served my burger, for which I only paid P250.00 (US$6.00). It was slightly larger that the usual quarter-pounder. Grace, the lady who was doing all the cooking, emphasized that no extenders were added to the Wagyu patties. Their claim that it was pure beef and seasoned only with salt and pepper, was confirmed on the first bite.

I urge all of you to try this. You have to taste Wagyu beef at least once in your lifetime. The first bite left me with a blank stare. At that moment, I ran out of adjectives and expletives to express the emotion. All I can say is that please, do try it. Thank me later.