So sa-Rap!

By Jasmine Shewakramani

Anyone who knows me knows that I love food. More specifically, I love food that’s heartwarming and satisfying, but does not wage a war with the contents of my slowly-thinning wallet. Being a junior in college is not easy, physically, mentally, and financially, and the best way to relax after a thesis brainstorming session is with a good plate of comfort food.

Three years studying in a school along Taft Avenue has left my friends and I with so much knowledge about the best hidden eating places in the area, it’s surprising we haven’t written a guidebook yet. This is probably since new places keep sprouting up every few months. Even so, a permanent fixture along Taft— and one of its best-kept secrets— is Rap Steaks and Cakes.

Photo from clickthecity.com

Rap is a sunny orangey yellowy summery little nook located on Dagonoy Street beside Sinangag Express. It’s a one-floor haven of pure goodness, as Rap serves both familiar and foreign food that does not hurt the pocket.

The bestseller over here is, you guessed it, their steaks. They serve Porterhouse and T-Bone steaks that fill your plate, your stomach and your soul. The first time I ate at Rap, I ordered the regular Porterhouse (P130), and was shocked at the size of the juicy piece of meat that took up most of the space on the large dinner plate, leaving just enough room for a cup of rice beside it.

The steak was tender and juicy. I had ordered it medium rare and it was perfection that I began to see fairies dancing. Seriously. It was perfect paired with their special yellow gravy which is not like the regular mushroom gravy served in other establishments. Rap’s gravy is more buttery, silkier in taste, like mashed potatoes in liquid form. Nobody really knows what it’s made of, but it’s one of the reasons why Scholasticans, LaSallians and Benildeans keep coming back.

Other items on their menu worth trying more than once are the desserts. The Chocolate Mud Cake (P47) is a very moist, decadent cake oozing with rich chocolate icing. Their Brazo de Mercedes slice (P37) is light, but with a thick custard center. These can also be ordered to-go if you’d like to bring some home for someone special.

Rap is definitely not for the diet-conscious. The only bad thing about this place is probably the fact that it gets filled up so quickly, but that only strengthens its reputation of serving great food and great desserts at student-friendly prices. You’ll be full and happy with 200 pesos for a steak lunch, drinks and dessert.