#BeerSaturday this flavor is really good. I'm totally glad I tried it. Engkanto Brewery is a local based brewery that makes specialty beers. This honey ale beer is so good with no hint of bitterness at all. I enjoyed this batch. Perhaps I will try their other flavors and varieties next time around.
There’s always a reason to celebrate at Applebee’s Grill & Bar, and this time it’s for their newly-revamped menu. To commemorate their second anniversary this September, Applebee’s Philippines is showcasing its new menu filled with new exciting appetizers, salads, pasta, chicken, seafood, burgers and desserts. They are also offering their new Local Favorites featuring classic Filipino dishes that we all love.
The Hungry Kat dropped by Applebee’s BGC a few weeks ago to try out some of these new dishes. This is Applebee’s first Philippine outlet located at W Global Building near the corner of 30th Street and 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City. I still remember their VIP event two years ago (Read: Applebee’s Set To Open Its First Philippine Branch) which introduced me to this well-loved international franchise. They have since opened their second branch in Eastwood City, Libis and are now expanding their offerings with more delicious items, including a local craft beer called Engkanto that is making waves throughout the city.
Applebee’s started its operations in the U.S. in 1980 and is currently the biggest casual dining restaurant chain in America. It now has over 2,000 outlets in 16 countries worldwide. Applebee’s was brought to the country by Global Restaurants Concepts, Inc., the same company that manages other popular brands such as California Pizza Kitchen and IHOP.
Accompanying me for lunch that afternoon was Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of Applebee’s Philippines who showed me how Applebee’s continues to provide a fun dining atmosphere where guests can #CelebrateEverything in the company of family and friends.
The restaurant is actually brandishing a new look for its menu which comes straight from the USA containing their new brand promise of Serving Up Good Times. It’s not just the menu cover, but also the delicious dishes inside which make each visit to Applebee’s a cherished occasion.
I started with a few of their new appetizers that can be shared and passed around the table while waiting for your main entrees.
The Spicy Shrimp Salad (Whole-₱765 / Half-₱445) is a healthy and tasty starter that will give salads a good reputation. It comes with fresh greens, cucumbers, feta cheese, toasted almonds, spicy grilled shrimp and grilled watermelon cubes in a creamy mint yoghurt dressing. The shrimps give it a savory taste while the grilled watermelon offer a smokey combination that is quite unique for a salad. This is just a half portion but it is good enough for two.
Another new appetizer is their Southern Beef Brisket Quesadilla (₱525) with its shredded slow-cooked seasoned beef brisket tossed in a chipotle lime salsa & jalapeno dressing then topped with assorted cheddar cheese. These are then placed inside a warm flour tortilla wrap and served with two kinds of sauces.
But this new pair at Applebee’s is destined to be a popular choice for those who want to have a great time bonding over good beer and good food.
The Fried Sweet and Spicy Pickles (₱195) are lightly breaded, crispy fried sweet and spicy pickled cucumber slices served with a jalapeno dip on the side. I think this is the first time for me to eat fried pickles but this was a big revelation. The thin slices are deep fried with a special batter that makes it very crunchy. It actually tastes similar to the Mojos from Shakey’s but with a sweet explosion coming from the pickles.
The best beverage to pair with the fried pickles would be a tall mug of lager from Engkanto Brewery. Led by its founder, Ian Paradies, who I also met that afternoon at Applebee’s, Engkanto Brewery is positioned to be one of the fastest growing local breweries with its commitment to provide Filipinos with a new generation of high-quality craft beer.
Applebee’s is partnering with Engkanto Brewery to offer these refreshing beverages on their new menu as well. Initially available only at their BGC branch, diners can order a glass of Engkanto Lager (₱180) with its 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) plus Cascade, El Dorado and Amarillo hops. Another stronger option is the Engkanto Pale with its 6% ABV.
If you are looking for more bar chows to go along with your Engkanto beers, the Calamari (₱395) is also a new item on the menu that will surely whet your taste buds. These lightly breaded crispy squid rings are served with lemon aioli on the side.
Applebee’s is also offering some new pasta dishes on the menu like the Grilled Sausage Marinara Pasta (₱495). This meaty dish come with grilled Schueblig sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes and spaghetti sauteed in a savory marinara sauce. Other new creamy pasta items you can try include the Spinach Artichoke & Grilled Chicken Cavatappi and the spicy Firecracker Shrimp pasta.
For ladies like me, Applebee’s new seafood creations are the perfect answer for a flavorful lunch while still watching the calories. The Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon (₱675) is a sweet and exciting rice dish with its Ocean fresh Norwegian Pink Salmon basted in a sweet teriyaki balsamic glaze. It is served with Mexi-rice and green bean crispers on the side.
For those who want to try something different, go for the Beetroot Curry Salmon (₱695) which has a more earthy and exotic taste with its predominant red beet root flavor and hints of curry. It is topped with colored tortilla strips and fried onions then served with dried fish coriander rice and Greek yoghurt.
Applebee’s is also launching its new line of Local Favorites featuring homegrown dishes that have become culinary favorites. The Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo (₱485) is highly recommended with its succulent pork belly steak drizzled in a tasty soy-vinegar sauce that Filipinos love, then topped with crispy fried onions. It even comes with almond rice that contains real almond bits. This ended up being my favorite dish of the afternoon and is great for that quick lunch meeting or for even a longer dinner with the family. Other Local Favorites include the Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo with a sweet and savory Asian barbecue sauce and the Grilled Chicken with its Pinoy style chicken barbecue.
Don’t forget about the burgers! I usually order their Triple Bacon All-In burger but Applebee’s latest burger creation is their meatiest burger yet! The Triple Meat All-in Burger (₱795) packs a big punch with its USDA beef burger patty that comes with double smoked bacon and shredded beef brisket. If those three meaty items are not enough, they are also combined with cheddar cheese and honey barbecue sauce all inside a toasted brioche bun then served with fries.
This giant burger will definitely satisfy even the biggest of carnivores. After all those treats, there’s still more waiting because Applebee’s also has a few new desserts items available. The Banofee Cheesecake (₱350) has a thick toffee cheesecake on a coffee graham cracker crust drizzled with dulce de leche and hot fudge sauces then topped with fried banana chips. You can also try their new Hot Fudge Sundae or the S’Mores Creme Brulee for a sweet ending.
There are definitely more reasons to come and celebrate everything at Applebee’s with these exciting new creations. I was only able to try less than half of the new items so I am surely coming back to Applebee’s for more Good Times.
APPLEBEE’S GRILL & BAR
30th Street corner 9th Avenue, W Global Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
