It was only recently that I visited the newest TGIFridays Philippines’ branch located at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City to check the new look it is sporting. Weeks after that visit, I found myself at the same TGIFridays branch to try their take on Tex-Mex dishes. TGIFridays is one of the restaurants I have high respect for since the way they execute Western dishes, not to mention the impressive line of cocktail drinks, is well suited to my liking. Now that they are taking their game on a different level by giving highlight on Texas-Mexican dishes, I deem that my visit with few friends must happen.
“The Taste of Texas. The Passion of Mexico.” Is the tag line that is suggestive of how seriously TGIFridays Philippines takes Tex-Mex dishes. It also holds the promise of what their patrons must expect should they opt to pay a visit and indulge themselves with the goodness of these two cultures merged into one by means of gastronomical feast.
TGIFridays Tex-Mex Menu is simple and straightforward. There are only five dishes but these five are the some of the well known Tex-Mex dishes that most of us, Filipinos like.
Slices of smoked salmon, pico de gallo, tart appleas, and Monterrey Jack cheese in between crisp tortilla flour, TGIFridays Smoked Salmon Quesadilla (Php345) is welcome break from the usual plain and pork quesadilla I normally enjoy. The salmon flavor I found very apparent, a good sign that no scrimping of ingredients transpired. The mango lemon slaw served on the side can easily be passed off as mere decoration but try eating it with the quesadilla; you would know that you struck a gold mine in your plate.
TGIFridays Tostada Nachos (Php495) wasn’t really new to me. I’ve had it during my first visit at their Greenbelt branch and I remember mentioning it was love at first bite. Imagine eating a pizza but with tortilla as it base instead of the usual pizza crust. The shredded cabbage with sour cream even on my second visit was stilla delightful addition.
Shaved Pork Tenderloin is the main star of BBQ Pork Tacos (Php475), but the flavor that it transmits when combined with all the other component (such as pepper jack cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, and soft flour tortilla) of this dish made everything shine on its own. Unity in diversity, I must say. TGIFridays signature BBQ sauce helped in providing this dish its distinct flavor while the frizzled onion did a great job in elevating the experience as well.
Fridays Chili Ball Park Nachos (Php395/small, Php650/to share) is also included on TGIFridays Tex-Mex menu, one of which I couldn’t get myself enough of especially when served with the downright delicious cheese sauce on top of the usual salsa that any nachos can not do without.
The Ranchero Chicken Enchiladas (Php495) is the only item on the Tex-Mex menu that has rice on it, hence, it can be a good option for rice loving crowd. Soft corn tortilla packed with tender slow cooked chicken breasts, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and spicy ranchero sauce, this dish is a tad too spicy for my taste but I found it enjoyable after slathering extra cheese sauce on it. The toppings of cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro, and sour cream completed the flavor profile of this dish. I can eat it on its own with lots of cheese but the chorizo rice it was served with was too delicious not to even notice.
Although limited in options, I thought that TGIFridays Tex-Mex menu is something I would recommend to friends if they are craving for such dish. The flavor remained loyal to the cultures it hopes to represent without sacrificing the distinct taste known for TGIFridays. The serving portion was very generous; after all, it’s TGIFridays we are talking about. These Tex-Mex dishes are best enjoyed with a bottle of beer or two and thanks to TGIFridays Philippines because they do have this on-going buy 1 take 1 beer promo which diners could avail if they purchase any of these Tex-Mex dishes.
TGIFridays Philippines
Greenbelt 3
Level 3 (Near Siklab Restaurant)
Ayala Center, Makati City
Contact no.: 950-9079
Website: www.fridays.com.ph
Facebook page: /welovefridays
Twitter: @Fridaysphil
Instagram: @tgifridaysph
