Together We Chili’s

It’s the 247th day of quarantine period in our region and as I said last time, we were able to visit Manila for three days due to business-related activities. But aside from getting our ice machine done, we did a lot of eating in the metro. A lot! 

It has been a stressful month for us since we’re having problems with our ice business so when we went to Manila, we just released the stress away by eating here and there. We didn’t mind how much it would cost us. So yep! Surprisingly, we had the guts to eat at this quite expensive restaurant called Chili’s, not to mention that we also dined in Breakfast at Antonio’s, a fine dining restaurant at Tagaytay, the next day.

Anyway, I guess everyone is familiar with Chili’s. It is one of the most popular casual dining restaurants in America. This restaurant is kinda different from others because it specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine. Thankfully, we also have it in the Philippines.

Clam Chowder

You can order Chili’s Clam Chowder in different sizes. We tried both in different times and I must say that the solo is small for a single tummy. I recommend ordering the bowl even if you’re alone because with this creaminess, you would surely ask for more. It has this rich flavors of the clam yet the overall taste was just mild. I’m also surprised to find bits of potatoes and veggies. It’s great starter for a meal. 

Crispy Bacon Salad

This was my mom’s order. I wasn’t able to try it but as i look at it, it’s a mountain of vegetables. Everything here is crispy because aside from the crunchy greens, the salad is also topped with bacon and tortilla chips, which makes it unique. Mom seems to be enjoying it. The bacon was just minimal but its saltiness is enough to make the salad tasty. It is served with vinaigrette but my mom chose to add it on the salad.

White Spinach Queso

Oh my gosh! The cheese dip was still bubbling when served. How can a dip be this good? Queso is already heavenly on its own. What more when spinach, guacamole, pico de gallo and cilantro were added? Irresistible! I guess the tortilla chips were homemade because they were warm and freshly fried when served. It was thin but crispy. The salsa was also great. I thank God I got to discover this combo before I die.

Smothered Beef Burrito 

Wow! This is gigantic! The size was the first thing we noticed. Obviously, this is filled with some goodies. I could easily tell from its smell. The beef may take the smallest portion among the fillings but its flavor is overflowing. The rice successfully got the Tex-Mex vibe. It was served with black beans but I’m not a fan. The staff were recommending the Smothered Chicken Burrito but we didn’t regret choosing the beef.

Baby Back Ribs

I think Chili’s only offer one cut of ribs but they have three sauces to choose from. The Chili’s Classic BBQ Sauce was good but the Honey BBQ was the best choice. The sauce was just a thin layer but it was recognizable. Plus, the rub they used does the magic. The meat was soft that it falls right off the bone but sadly, it was thin that in this half rack, we only collected a few. But still, getting messy with this ribs is really worth it.

Salt & Pepper Dusted Sirloin Steak

I requested for a medium rare doneness but I think I got a medium well steak. It’s alright. The sirloin still tastes luscious and natural. It is served with mashed potato, which I think, has a hint of smoke flavors. The Salt & Pepper Dusted Sirloin Steak is among their featured menu so perhaps, you won’t see this available next time. Among the regulars, the Classic Ribeye is mu favorite. Absolutely, nothing beats the classic. 

Mango Tilapia

It was years ago when I had this Mango Tilapia and I couldn’t find it in their today’s menu. I was searching badly because I would like to try this incredible fusion of mango, avocado and tilapia again. I didn’t know that mango salsa would be a great dressing for tilapia. The salsa was sweet and tangy at the same time. The fish sides were crispy and the fish flesh was juicy which makes it exciting to devour. 

Molten Chocolate Cake

It was Chili’s who first introduced lava cakes to me. It has become my standard and I wouldn’t end my meal in this restaurant without having their Molten Chocolate Cake as my dessert. It’s cakey on the outside with an tempting center of warm dark chocolate flowing through the middle. It’s like magic, actually. I admire that even though I tried this in different branches at different times, the structure remained consistent.