Cotton Bowl Grill reborn

When I was a youngster during the 70s, there was one special restaurant in downtown Dadiangas where my parents would take me whenever I or any of my younger siblings was declared among the Top of our classes.

That restaurant which stood beside the now defunct State Theater along Pioneer Avenue was the Cotton Bowl Grill. Owned by a former US Navy chef assigned on board US war ships during the WWII, it served the best steaks in GenSan, years before the old sleepy dusty city I call home was known by that name.

Steaks were not a common staple in most homes that time so every visit to Cotton Bowl Grill was indeed a special occasion.

Alas, the restaurant moved to a farther location along Aparente Avenue, lost most of its loyal clientele and consequently closed down. Shortly after, the name Cotton Bowl became only a memory among us baby boomers and children of the 60s and 70s.

But that was not to be the end of Cotton Bowl Grill. One of the daughters of the now gone owner-chef decided to resurrect it to continue her dad’s legacy. And so like a phoenix, in December 8, 2014, Cotton Bowl Grill rose from the ashes and opened in a bigger venue at a quiet vacant lot along San Pedro Extension, Barangay Lagao.

Since Day 1, the place has been packed with mostly old-timers who missed Cotton Bowl Grill’s iconic steaks. They brought with them their families and friends who have not even heard of the name. Shortly, these new customers became converts too.  Eventually, social media became flooded with photos of the great food and experience that diners were having on the city’s first steak house.

And why not? The steaks are still delectable and delicious, juicy and tender in the right parts as Cotton Bowl Grill is known for.

Not only do they serve beef but chicken (a certified best seller!) and bangus steaks (so soft it melts in your mouth) as well.

These offerings were mostly served on plates the first time I was there but now, my Porterhouse was presented to me on a customized wooden slab which made slicing it much easier.

Cotton Bowl is still reasonably priced and for starters, order a bowl of their famous mushroom soup. I suggest you get the Large T-Bone Steak or the Half-chicken Steak as these are their top sellers.

For the Lenten season, the Bangus Steak is a must.

The main dining area is airconditioned and spacious and could seat about 50-60 guests.

Outside is also an al fresco section for smokers and for people who’d rather dine with nature.

To find out for yourself how Cotton Bowl has easily returned into the consciousness of the generals, why not visit it yourself?

Cotton Bowl Grill is open all days of the week, from 11am to 10pm. On Sundays, it’s 10am to 9pm.

For reservations, call them at (083) 554-7455. Look for its Manager Ms. Yvette Laurente- Arreglado.

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