Get Hold of the Racks Card

When we hear RACKS, it's always about that mouthwatering, smoky, barbecued ribs and incomparable barbecue sauce that always makes us happy. I on the other hand adore and get slightly obsessed over their brick like serving of onion rings which just the sheer mention of it makes me want to fly and sit on their tables here in their Timog branch. They're found in major malls in the city and today, I got word that eating in this joint should and will be heavily rewarded. They just started churning out their very own RACKS Club Card.

What does this mean for the ordinary rib lover and consumer? Well for starters, they're going to have Buy One Take One offers on the menu. Those not in conjunction with other promos, that's a ton of savings especially on the proteins. (They've got a mean line of steak, ribs, chicken and pork chops). Aside from that, you get 20% off your bill for selected items on the menu. You can also earn points for things you buy because it's all for loyal club members. How can you not get these deals right? Plus more if it's your birthday too, ehh why wouldn't you get one if it's only Php 399. 

You don't have to suffer when you're craving for their food. Just take it out when you dine in or take out food from the joint because it's always nice to remember that same lovely flavor of RACKS. It's always good!

They are also opening a new branch in Tiendesitas so watch out for that as well! 

RACKS Launches Smoked Chipotle Ribs

I love racks a lot because of their mouthwatering smoky and savory ribs. It's a staple whenever I drop by their big branch here in Timog Avenue and I usually have it with a whole brick of Onion Rings which happens quite often in every visit I make, but I guess there had to be new things on the menu. 

This is the new RACKS Smoked Chipotle Ribs. It's a next level smokiness, it's a next level spice, one that makes these fall off the bone meat vessels an even better dish for those who want it a little more feistier than ever. Think of those chilies and how it's smoky intense flavor would permeate inside the meat and provide that extra kick you've always dreamed of even without the sauce that RACKS is known for. For an even greater, finger licking lunch or dinner, the Chipotle Barbecue sauce would definitely prove you that it's going to be better, so smother it all over!

Thing is, it's only going to be available for a limited time. You should defintely visit the nearest RACKS branch from today until November 5, 2017. I could imagine how much you want your lips to burn and experience this HOT and SMOKY version now. I'm trying it later at the RACKS Timog Branch, so see you!

KUMAGCOW

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Luna J Filipino Gastropub and the Wonders of Lee Kum Kee

I'm sure you still remember my little adventure down south when I judged the recent semi finals of Lee Kum Kee' s Big Grill Masters (remeber BAGA Manila?). Well apparently they're not stopping there. They're partnering with several restaurants now in hopes that they too would benefit from the lovely products that they have today. A stones throw away from my house is Luna J Filipino Gastropub in Sct. Madrinan corner Tomas Morato in Quezon City. They serve real deal Filipino comfort food dishes and I must say, their version of ribs just spoke to me. I wanted to whip out an ouijia board and some glasses so I could spread my mumbo jumbo, but it's not magic or incantation that was happening, the Baby Back Ribs was cooked with Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce.

It was savory as savory as can be. It was a little on the salty side as you'd probably have to pair it with rice. The sauce says it all, dabbing a few of it on the blanched vegetables, corn and carrots just made that perfect bite happen. 

It wasn't fall off the bone soft, but it had the right bite to it that you can still distinguish it as meat... as it should be. It was easy to bite off the bone, so if you're in Luna J, don't hesitate to get a little messy when you have to hold the ribs with your bare hands. Make sure the white rice is piping hot too because it really completes the experience!

Aside from those lovely ribs, they have other greats like this Bagnet Kare Kare. I've had several ABSCBN friends who swear by this as their favorite. They'd walk a couple of blocks just to have this for lunch and walk a couple of minutes back because they want it. It was pretty good! 

Now I adore crunchy veggies and this version of Bicol Express was just lovely. Aside from the finger chili, I think this has string beans, winged seguidillas beans and the oh so soft (binagoongan) shrimp paste laden pork. The coconut cream makes it creamy, hearty and lovingly perfect to pair with steaming hot white rice. This is joy!

To end our meal, we also had this plate full of Palitaw. It's rice cake formed and boiled til it floats. Then after that, rolled in coconut, sprinkled with sugar with roasted sesame seeds. It was nutty, sweet and so nice to have that afternoon. I almost finished the whole plate by myself but thought of the others who haven't had it yet LOL! This was really good, don't go out of the restaurant without ordering it!

While you have your old stuff in the kitchen, try something new like the Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce and maybe you, your friends and family would love it. I'm experimenting with their soy sauce in the kitchen too and getting great feedback with my steaks and sauces. There are going to be a few more restaurants that will try their hand on the Lee Kum Kee products, I'll keep you posted about that!

For more information about their products:

LeeKumKeePh

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://ph.lkk.com/

Take a Second Look at Racks

Racks Timog Avenue Branch (photo from Racks literature taken by my phone)

It's been a while since I visited Racks. The last time was with an event we had with a convenience store, and even then the food was awesome. A few days ago, we got word that they opened one of their newest branches over at Timog Avenue in Quezon City. I was thinking of the "all white" interior they had the last time... but it looks Racks has got a new look. Too bad I didn't get the chance to shoot the facade because I was rushing to another event, but I'm so glad we stayed for what seems to be the star of their new restaurant. Oh yes, they've got some of the best American country dishes. After all, RACKS stand for Real American Country Kitchen Style. I bet a lot of you didn't know that... but here's the thing, you'll have to agree with me if I say RACKS has got the Best Ribs in Town!

Onion Brick

This is their Onion Brick. I've seen these in US food shows, but I've never seen one in the Philippines, so for me this is a first. The verdict? Very good. The thing still tastes like onion, and the batter isn't that overwhelming. It's not like you're eating breading on each bite since the batter is nice and thin. They put just enough to keep it crispy. The brick is more like a basket because they probably had it on a fryer just like in the US. Would I order this if I go back there? Definitely.

Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips

The second one's pretty good too. This is Racks Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips. The fresh Caesar Salad is done quite remarkably although I have reservations with the chicken strips. The one that was served to us was coated with cajun spice (a thing that I use in the kitchen quite often because my family has a ton sent from Canada) but I felt that time it was slightly, no overly burnt. I suggested to have it lightly fried until brown because honestly, the burnt taste was overwhelming. Searing is okay but burning is another thing. It was kinda off, still, the salad was good. 

US Ribeye Steak

The presence of a US Ribeye Steak in Racks just made me wonder. How can a piece of meat this good be in Racks? Well my questions got answered. It's fate. However, the meat that was served to us that afternoon was already a bit cold which was probably because they prepared it ahead of time. I must say, you should only have this steak as soon as they take it out of the grill... and into your plate. Having it cold made me realize the necessity of prime meat to be eaten at the right time. It was still tender though, and the seasoned butter on top was delicious. I would order this on a date, or a regular manly meal because for the price, it's still worth it. If you see the price of this grade of steak in other establishments, you'll compare their rates quite fair. I would order this on a good day.

Racks Signature Baby Back Ribs

Piece de resistance? Of course it's the Baby Back Ribs! Racks has truly perfected the art of making this since they opened. They've impressed me of course and I think they're going to be the bar to measure the authenticity or goodness of ribs. It's really that good. They make it the ol American Country way so if you've dreamed of having the best ribs, sweet and savory, plus the thing just falls off the bones.. tender... mouthwatering meat when you see it on your plate. Just hold that thought, and take a good look at these bottles that will take you to heaven!

Racks Original Barbecue Sauce Regular and Extra Hot!

They make a mean barbecue sauce (available in Regular and Extra Hot!) to go with those ribs. I even thought they were holding back with the spicy version, but I'm glad I ate a ton of ribs with that smothered over it... it literally made me cry.. I was so glad, it was like the perfect way to have my taste of Baby Back Ribs. You should never let this experience pass and take your family, your friends and everybody else to a Racks branch near you. The Timog Avenue branch between Scout Tuazon and Scout Tobias was quite lovely though, I suggest you go there to experience the best ribs in town bar none! 

For more information about their restaurant:

Racks

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.racks.ph/

Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar by Chef Vince Rodriguez

It's been a while since I've tasted Chef Vince Rodriguez's delectable dishes so the moment I've heard he's got a new restaurant in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, we rushed to the doors as quick as lightning. Chef Vince is the man behind other great restaurants like Torch in UP, RED Garlic in Katipunan and Krave in Makati. He had several partners in those but decided to put up his own now (about time!).  I've raved so much with the dishes I tasted in Red Garlic but I'm so glad he'll be whipping up the favorites and MORE in Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar located at 205 Place One Bldg. Katipunan Ave. Quezon City. It's a stones throw away from popular Katips and in front of dessert mecca Banapple in that area.

The Interiors

The interiors are simple and tasteful. Sturdy wooden comfy chairs and faux leather upholstery. The arrangement is conducive to chat and feels quite homey on most occasions. It's walls are almost all glass so light from outside brightens it up whilst the one side is filled with mirrors making it look larger and spacious than the usual. The grass and the pepper mills are probably the hit of the show. It's all over the walls too and it brings in together the theme of the restaurant. You should see the BIG pepper mill in the counter, it's a conversation piece.

I couldn't even take a photo of that big pepper mill because it wouldn't fit my camera's frame. You can ask for salt and pepper if you prefer to have a more well rounded taste to your meals but I bet you'll already love what the chef has prepared for you bar none.

The Food

I wouldn't want to get ahead of you and tell you that if it's prepared by Chef Vince I'm 100% sure it's good but really, it is. I love what he had prepared for us in the other restaurants and since he's getting the best ones from those to this joint, how can he go wrong right? It's going to be perfect for family gatherings, dates, group dates and just plain hangouts. The place can have seating for around 50 but there's a function room on top of the building that can get around 300 people. 

Then it arrived!

I gasped at the sight of the first dish. This is Indonesia Mixed Satay. You've got pork, chicken and beef on skewers marinated in different spices from that region. What makes it more delectable is the Malaysian Peanut Sauce. It's so soft and I love the combination of the meat and that peanut sauce, it's sweet and savory. I love it so much I had seconds!

Homey Southern Cooking at Big D's Smokehouse

Maybe, just maybe, I might have just found your favorite hangout.

This place has been legendary to Ateneans and Katipunan based crowds. With real Southern Cooking as their stalwart, you can't just let this spot pass you by. They left Katipunan Avenue since the property was sold; and found a bright new spot in the 2nd level of POS Building. This is in Scout Madrinan corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City (right in front of IL TERRAZO).

 

This area as you may know is swarming with restaurants; and there are only a few who serve specialized menus that could battle the huge commercial ones. I already find the offerings in BIG D's quite awesome, but when I tasted their food... it's freakishly perfect for sitting down and having a pint of beer. You'll feel it's so good and comforting. It's amazingly done and cooked right. Let's check out the place shall we?!

The place can seat around 30-50 people on a regular day. They can accommodate more guests on the top floor if you wish to have events or special occasions done here. The interiors is more on an industrial - meat packing region feel (see the red bricks?). There's an area on the right that's got air conditioning but this place would probably be better visited in the evening for that al fresco dining - good for sub zero frozen beer bottle feel LOL. 

 

The kitchen is tucked away on the left side but they can always use the outdoor grill for your favorite steaks and show. The building also has an elevator so it is handicapped friendly. The nice thing about it is that the place is conducive for groups/barkadas. They also have special screenings when there are Pacquiao fights and things like that. Then we got ourselves busy with the food, here we go!