It was late last year when I heard that TGIFridays, one of my favorite American restaurants here in Manila opened another branch at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. In line with this opening, TGIFridays at Greenbelt 3 is already sporting a new look, different from the TGIF restaurants in Manila we all are used to.
This change, I was told is in compliance with the global revamp happening at all TGIFridays all over the world. Slowly but surely, every TGIFridays here in the Philippines will follow suit with the said change.
It is their branch at Robinsons Galleria that I usually frequent to, but I guess this new branch as well as the change is well worth checking out.
For a start, TGIFridays now welcomed an open kitchen policy wherein diners could actually see what is happening at the kitchen. Diners can now see the chefs behind the kitchen doing their service to provide great food that TGIF believes their diners deserve.
The roof is sporting an industrial flair which adds charm to the vibe of the area. There is a minibar inside the store peppered with different bottle of liquors. But the main bar is located at the large al fresco dining area. LCD TVs are still ever present, showcasing different sports show.
One side of the walls are peppered with TGIFridays photos and memorabillas in beautiful frames. It does exude a nostalgic feel to it, reminding people how long TGIF has been serving us Filipinos with great food in a good ambiance with impeccable service. On the other side is a decoration that features baseball bats lined and printed with New York skyline.
Aside from the store's new look, I was told that TGIFridays will soon be releasing new items on the menu. They are known for showcasing different promo and meal packages, hence these should also be expected in the coming days.
Checking out TGIFridays at Greenbelt 3 for its new look was not just the main goal of my day during my visit. of course I have to get my hands on some of their lovely and well executed food. I started it with their Shanghai Chicken Salad (Php495) which I deem a welcome respite from my usual Citrus Shrimp Summer Salad. A very filling dish especially for those who want to keep it to a low in terms if calories.
Queso Fondido is my usual appetizer when dining at TGIF but upon tasting TGIFridays Tostada Nachos (Php495) it was love at first bite. It was like eating pizza sans the crust. The spicy jalapenos I didn't care that much but the shredded lettuce was a delightful addition especially when mixed with salsa and sour cream.
You would not want to visit TGIFridays and skip their downright flavorful and fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs (Php695/half slab), hence this was gladly devoured too. There are a lot of restaurants in Manila that serves mean baby back ribs which I love, and TGIF is definitely one of them.
There could not be a good way to end the meal than a to devour a great dessert like TGIF Mocha Mud Pie (Php295). Chocolate almond mousse and coffee ice cream sandwiched in between chocolate crumb crust topped with chocolate syrup and slivers of almond, this dessert is definitely my new favorite at TGIF aside from my usual Oreo Madness.
If you would also notice, TGIFridays logo has also changed. No apostrophe, no period, straight to the point. TGIFridays. Easier to write especially for hashtag purposes on Instagram, if I do say so my self.
This new look of TGIFridays restaurant and its opening at Greenbelt 3 in Manakati City is indeed a great way for this all time favorite American restaurant in Manila to welcome 2014. The style is sleek and modern, just the way I like it. The food and service, as always are great. I just could not wait to try some of their new dishes, so I guess I should be back. Visit them too and check out their new look and enjoy the good food that only TGIFridays can offer.
TGIFridays
Level 3 (Near Siklab)
Greenbelt 3,
Ayala Center, Makati City
Facebook page: /welovefridays
Twitter: @Fridaysphil
