Since I dedicated a few hours of my precious weekend writing about BGC restaurants that Toto and I didn't like (focusing my energy on negative things, I know), I figured it’d also be nice if I wrote about the ones that we did like.
Nope, you’re not gonna see the ‘next big thing’ or ‘the top 5 avant garde restos in NCR’ or ‘the new kids on the block you should all watch out for’ here. These are all just regular restos that have a special place in my tummy – so regular and common that other people might place them on the same tier as fast food chains. Yakimix, Racks, Café Mediterranean, and Chili’s. Ring a bell?
Nope, you’re not gonna see the ‘next big thing’ or ‘the top 5 avant garde restos in NCR’ or ‘the new kids on the block you should all watch out for’ here. These are all just regular restos that have a special place in my tummy – so regular and common that other people might place them on the same tier as fast food chains. Yakimix, Racks, Café Mediterranean, and Chili’s. Ring a bell?
So why am I wasting my bandwidth on them instead of writing generic reviews on TripAdvisor or Zomato? Because…just because, uhm, I have so much time in my hands. And I’ve got a fab blog that needs updating once in a while... Sue me.
Yakimix – Php558 to Php699 per person
Once upon a time when buffets weren’t as commonplace in the metro as it is now, a struggling fresh grad (a.k.a. me) working for the country’s biggest supermall got a taste of her first grill-all-you-can experience at Yakimix. For free. And not just once. Birthday celebration? Yakimix! Promotion? Yakimix! Christmas parties? Yakimix!! I was fairly lucky in the freebies and perks department, no? =))
I loved Yakimix and I still do now (I eat here like once a year HAHA) because of the wide selection of desserts. Yep, the desserts! If you must know, I have a gigantic sweet tooth that feels abandoned and lonely and excluded in most all-you-can-chow restaurants where only three [lifeless] varieties of dessert are served. So that’s where Yakimix stands out, in my opinion.
I loved Yakimix and I still do now (I eat here like once a year HAHA) because of the wide selection of desserts. Yep, the desserts! If you must know, I have a gigantic sweet tooth that feels abandoned and lonely and excluded in most all-you-can-chow restaurants where only three [lifeless] varieties of dessert are served. So that’s where Yakimix stands out, in my opinion.
Methinks that Yakimix was the Helen of Troy of buffet restaurants that launched a thousand other buffet restaurants. Okay, I may be biased, but Yakimix will always have a special place in my innards. Ahh, nothing really leaves an impression quite like the first time ;-)
Racks – Php1,000-1,500 for two
When they say their baby back ribs fall off the bone, they literally fall off the bone. I’m not really a baby back ribs kind of gal, but I always make sure to order it whenever we eat at Racks (which is like once every quarter :-p). Food is a bit expensive for regular juanas like me, but it’s great for family lunch-outs and mini reunions with friends. It’s got this familial and familiar feel that’s perfect for small group gatherings.
P.S. We also love their sides – mac & cheese, steamed veggies, and broccoli & cheese are our favorites!
Café Mediterranean – Php750-1,000 for two
Got introduced to Café Mediterranean at the same time as Yakimix. I was blown away. Maybe it was the novelty of eating something other than Pinoy and Chinese cuisines that got me hooked. Or the intricate design of their interior or the interesting ornaments that caught my eyes everywhere I looked. But their food is honest-to-goodness delicious. I don’t remember any instance when I didn't like anything that I ordered.
If you’re visiting for the first time, we highly recommend their kebabs. It’s a safe choice :) But if you’re a bit adventurous, please, please, puh-lease try their Turkish salad! It’s a firework of flavors and textures!
Chili’s – Php1000-1500 for two
Everybody’s been to Chili’s apart from me – well, until recently. I was finally able to understand the hype surrounding it. Big serving size – true! High-quality Tex-Mex food – true! Value for money – true! Tried it only once but it instantly became one of our faves. Comfort food at its finest (albeit a bit pricey as well).
These are all very mainstream, I know, but they're like bubblegum pop music - you cannot not like it! No matter how much you deny it ;-)
So what are your favorites in Metro Manila?
So what are your favorites in Metro Manila?