the bistro group – Jellybeans in the City

Sunday Family Brunch at Denny’s Estancia Mall

After attending Sunday mass, our family always looks forward to a hearty meal in a comfortable setting. One particular weekend, we decided to try Denny’s at Estancia Mall, a choice that perfectly fit our needs for good food and a cozy atmosphere.

A Brief History of Denny’s

Denny’s, originally opened as Danny’s Donuts in Lakewood, California, has grown from a small coffee shop into a global diner chain known for its 24/7 service. Founded in 1953 by Harold Butler and Richard Jezak, the restaurant was built on a promise to serve the best coffee, donuts, and service around the clock. Over time, Danny’s Donuts evolved into Denny’s, with over 1,700 locations worldwide. The brand’s reputation for always being open and ready to serve meals at any time of day has made it a go-to spot for diners across the globe.

In the Philippines, Denny’s has expanded its presence under The Bistro Group, a company known for bringing popular international casual dining brands to the country. With its consistent quality, Denny’s has become a favorite for those seeking a taste of American diner classics.

Convenient Location and Welcoming Ambiance

Denny’s Estancia Mall branch is conveniently located on the ground floor of the mall’s East Wing, making it an easy stop for families, especially on Sundays. The location is particularly appealing to the post-church crowd, who often look for a place to gather for lunch or brunch after mass.

The restaurant’s interiors reflect the classic Denny’s vibe, blending a retro diner feel with modern elements. Spacious booths, comfortable chairs, and well-spaced tables provide a relaxed environment for diners. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere during the day. The warm color palette, combined with modern artwork, adds to the overall 1950s diner ambiance, making it an inviting place to enjoy a leisurely meal.

A Family Feast at Denny’s

Our Sunday brunch at Denny’s Estancia Mall did not disappoint. With a menu that caters to all ages, each member of the family found something to enjoy.

First off, we got started on the complementary appetizers that consisted of crackers served with a tangy dip while we waited for our orders.

My son opted for Mom’s Spaghetti (Php295), a saucy pasta dish made with sweet and meaty spaghetti sauce, served with a side of garlic toast. The generous portion and rich flavors made it an instant hit.

To complement his meal, he ordered a Chocolate Milkshake (Php260). Made with premium chocolate ice cream and topped with whipped cream, the milkshake was creamy, indulgent, and everything a chocolate lover could hope for.

My daughter chose the Banana Hazelnut Waffle (Php275), a delightful combination of a classic waffle topped with banana slices, chocolate hazelnut spread, and zesty cream. The waffle was light and crisp, and the toppings added just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect choice for her.

My husband, a fan of hearty breakfasts, went for the All-American Slam (Php525). This dish included scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, bacon strips, sausage, toast, hash browns, and seasonal fruits. The variety on his plate ensured that he had a bit of everything, from savory to sweet.

As for me, I decided on Grammy’s Kitchen Tenders (Php375). The buttermilk chicken tenders were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a side of honey mustard dressing, microgreens, and French fries. The dish was satisfying and flavorful, offering a nice balance of textures and tastes.

What Makes Denny’s Stand Out

Denny’s is more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s a diner that prides itself on consistency and comfort. What sets Denny’s apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of diners, from those looking for a quick bite to families wanting to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal together. The 24/7 service offered at some locations is a testament to the brand’s commitment to being there for its customers whenever hunger strikes.

At the Estancia Mall branch, the family-friendly environment, combined with a diverse menu that has something for everyone, makes it an excellent choice for weekend brunches. The quality of food, the comfortable setting, and the welcoming service all contribute to a dining experience that feels both familiar and special.

Final Thoughts

Denny’s at Estancia Mall was quite a great choice for my family’s Sunday brunch. Its convenient location, inviting ambiance, and satisfying menu offerings make it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal together. If you’re in the area and in need of a place to relax and refuel, Denny’s Estancia Mall might just be the perfect spot for your next family outing.

This Denny’s branch is located at the Ground Floor, East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, 1605 Meralco Avenue, Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 7am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 5245058.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Denny’s:

Holiday Get-together with Friends at Denny’s BGC

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Denny’s

Taste the Perfect Pairings: Legendary combos at Texas Roadhouse, Evia Lifestyle Center

If you’re a meat lover, then Texas Roadhouse in Evia Lifestyle Center is a haven for your taste buds. Known for its mouthwatering steaks and southern hospitality, Texas Roadhouse offers a wide range of delicious options on its menu.

Texas Roadhouse has humble beginnings that trace back to 1993 when it was founded by Kent Taylor in Clarksville, Indiana, USA. Taylor’s vision was to create a casual dining restaurant that offered high-quality, hand-cut steaks at an affordable price, served in a fun and lively atmosphere. With his experience in the restaurant industry and a passion for providing excellent food and service, Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse location, which quickly gained popularity for its delicious food, warm hospitality, and distinctive Western-themed decor.

Taylor’s commitment to “Legendary Food, Legendary Service” soon earned Texas Roadhouse a loyal following, and the brand began to expand rapidly across the United States. Today, Texas Roadhouse has become a well-known and beloved chain of restaurants with locations in multiple countries, including the Philippines, where the Evia Lifestyle Center branch showcases the same commitment to quality and hospitality that started it all.

Among the standout offerings are its legendary combos, featuring perfectly grilled steaks and succulent seafood. Two combos that are sure to make your taste buds sing are the Rib-Eye & Grilled Shrimp combo and the New York Strip & St. Louis Ribs combo. Let’s dive into the flavors of these legendary combos that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

The Rib-Eye & Grilled Shrimp Combo (Php2,585) is a match made in heaven for seafood and steak enthusiasts alike. The 300-gram Rib-Eye steak is a cut known for its rich marbling, which gives it a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and intense flavor. Cooked to perfection, the Rib-Eye steak at Texas Roadhouse is seasoned with their signature blend of spices and then seared on an open flame grill to lock in the juices. The result is a steak that is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Complementing the Rib-Eye steak is the Grilled Shrimp, which adds a delightful seafood twist to the combo. The shrimp are marinated in a special blend of spices and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and succulent flavor that pairs perfectly with the Rib-Eye steak. The combination of the juicy steak and the tender shrimp creates a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

If you’re looking for a combo that offers a variety of meats, the New York Strip & St. Louis Ribs Combo (Php1,995) is a winner. The 240-gram New York Strip steak is a classic cut that is known for its bold and robust flavor. The steak is seasoned with Texas Roadhouse’s unique blend of spices and grilled to perfection, creating a steak that is both tender and full of flavor. The New York Strip is a favorite among steak connoisseurs for its well-marbled texture and exceptional taste.

But that’s not all! The St. Louis Ribs are another highlight of this combo. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a smoky, savory flavor. The ribs are then slathered with Texas Roadhouse’s tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, which adds an extra layer of deliciousness. The combination of the New York Strip and the St. Louis Ribs creates a mouthwatering medley of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Aside from the incredible taste, what sets Texas Roadhouse apart is its commitment to quality. All their generously portioned steaks are hand-cut in-house to ensure freshness and tenderness. Both combos are also accompanied by a side serving of made-from-scratch coleslaw, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steaks and seafood.

The atmosphere at Texas Roadhouse is also noteworthy. The Evia Lifestyle Center location boasts a rustic and cozy interior, reminiscent of an old-fashioned Texas roadhouse, complete with country music playing in the background. The staff is welcoming and cheerful (and can even be entertaining!), creating a warm and inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home.

Texas Roadhouse takes pride in its made-from-scratch appetizers that are perfect for whetting your appetite before diving into the main course.

The Loaded Baked Potato (Php40) is a Texas-sized baked potato loaded with all the fixings, including bacon bits, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives, creating a heavenly side dish that is rich and flavorful.

On the other hand, the Steak Rice (Php40) is a unique and flavorful side dish that showcases Texas Roadhouse’s commitment to quality cuts of meat. Tender pieces of steak are cooked to perfection and then tossed with seasoned rice, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, resulting in a dish that is packed with savory flavors.

No visit to Texas Roadhouse is complete without mentioning their famous complimentary dinner rolls and toasted peanuts. As soon as you’re seated, you’ll be greeted with a basket of warm, freshly baked rolls that are soft and fluffy, accompanied by a generous serving of creamy cinnamon butter for spreading. The combination of the warm rolls and the sweet butter is simply irresistible, and it’s easy to see why these rolls have become a legendary staple at Texas Roadhouse.

In addition to the delicious rolls, you’ll also served a bucket of complimentary toasted peanuts. These peanuts are the perfect snack to munch on while you wait for your meal to arrive. Crack open the shells to reveal the crunchy, salty peanuts inside, which are a great way to whet your appetite before diving into the main course.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having a family dinner, or simply indulging in a craving for a perfectly cooked steak and seafood, Texas Roadhouse in Evia Lifestyle Center is the place to go. So gather your friends and family, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the flavors of these legendary combos that are sure to leave you craving for more.

This Texas Roadhouse branch is located at Ground Floor North Wing, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 926 9112533.

Other branches may be found at:

4th floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Level 3 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
Robinsons Place Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City
G/F S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Blvd, Pasay City
Coral Wing Upper Ground Floor, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City
Level 2 Midtown Wing, Robinson’s Place Manila, Malate, Manila
Level 6, Main Wing, EDSA Shangri La Plaza, Mandaluyong City
Ground floor East Wing, Estancia Capitol Commons, Oranbo, Pasig City

Texas Roadhouse also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Know more about its menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

The Bistro Group launches Bistro Delivers, its on-demand delivery app

With the shift to instant commerce brought by the pandemic, The Bistro Group launched the Bistro Delivers app to help customers get their favorite food on their terms.

The Bistro Delivers app, which houses all 17 Bistro Group restaurant brands, aims to make life for urban dwellers just a little bit easier. Offering on-demand delivery and take-out options, the app bridges decades of the company’s food and operational expertise with the convenience of today’s technology.

For those who want to order in—whether it be to binge while watching the latest Netflix show or partake in an intimate dinner with family and friends, the Bistro Delivers app is the perfect way to get food anytime, anywhere. From pasta and wings to sushi and paella, the app allows customers to order their favorite food safely and conveniently from any of The Bistro Group’s wide roster international and homegrown brands.

To give customers even more options, customers can order from multiple brands in the same vicinity, so they no longer have to choose between two good things. With a delivery radius of 8-km, customers can also enjoy access to restaurants that have typically been out of reach.

For those craving savings, discounts and offers will be exclusively available for redemption within the app. “BFFs,” members of The Bistro Group’s loyalty program, can also expect to enjoy special privileges and perks.

Through the launch of Bistro Delivers, The Bistro Group hopes to elevate its high standards of customer satisfaction even further—giving customers a hassle-free way to get the food they love from the convenience of their phones.

Bistro Delivers can be downloaded in the Play Store/Google Play and App Store.

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Modern Shanghai

Who can say no to delicious Chinese food?

Not me, definitely!

Chinese food lovers north of the metro sure are lucky to have a place to go to for a delectable feast: Modern Shanghai at Trinoma Mall.

Modern Shanghai, managed by The Bistro Group, brings the rich flavors and authenticity of home cooking from Sichuan, Beijing and Shanghai in a casual, family-style restaurant setting.

In response to the need of the times, The Bistro Group has instituted safety protocols for safe dining-in at its restaurants. These include: regular health checks for all its personnel, compliance of all outdoor and indoor seating to physical distancing guidelines, hand sanitizers available at the entrance and on every table, as well as contactless menu ordering and payment.

These protocols require diners to submit to temperature checks, provide contact tracing details and using the hand sanitizers and sanitation mats prior to entering the restaurant premises, as well as wearing their personal protective equipment (PPEs) while inside. Would-be diners who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to people who do, have underlying health conditions or have concerns about contracting the disease when dining out are advised to stay home and avail of the restaurant’s contactless delivery options.

Together with my foodie friends, I was able to have a safe dining experience at Modern Shanghai, third stop of our epic food crawl at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. The mood was light and celebratory, as we sampled mouthwatering dishes such as:

Premium Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siomai (Php338/6 pieces). Traditional pork and shrimp dumpling best enjoyed dipped in toyo-mansi (soy sauce with calamansi juice) with just a bit of chili paste.

Signature Xiao Long Bao (Php258/6 pieces). The classic dumpling made from a savory meat filling and a fragrant soup wrapped together in a delicate bao wrapper.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php388, good for sharing among three to four people). Always present in my Chinese meals, this wok-fried rice is a delicious mixture of flavors and textures that go so well with other Chinese dishes.

Birthday Noodles (Php498, good for sharing among three to four people). Noodles are generally eaten on someone’s birthday as a way wishing them long life. Noodles, chopped meat, hard-boiled quail eggs and veggies are tossed together in a wok to make a flavorful noodle dish.

Wok-Fried Sliced Beef with Broccoli (Php648). Tender slices of beef sauteed with ginger and broccoli.

Deep-Fried Pork Ribs with Spicy Salt and Pepper (Php498). Tender pork ribs seasoned with salt, pepper and spices, deep-fried and topped with sauteed garlic.

These rich flavors and hearty servings are best enjoyed with family and friends.

Dine in at Modern Shanghai and enjoy more of these sumptuous Chinese food plus great savings with Modern Shanghai’s irresistible offers:

BFF Bundle (Php1,298, good for three to four persons): Signature Shanghai Mien, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Yang Chow Fried Rice and Braised Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce
Buy One Take One Everyday: Wok-Fried Sliced Beef with Brocolli + Signature Xiao Long Bao (Php648), Sauteed Tenderloin Beef with Scallions + Steamed Hakaw Shrimp Dumplings (Php648), Birthday Noodles + Steamed Buns with Preserved Egg Yolk (Php498), Signature Shanghai Mien + Pan-Fried Shanghai Pork Buns

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

30% off on Mondays
20% off on Tuesdays
Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
Online seats reservation
Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Modern Shanghai is located at Fourth Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79162028 or +63 977 2414903.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Second Floor, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City
Ground Floor, AllHome, C-5 Road Extension, Manuyo, Las Piñas City

Modern Shanghai also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group:

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Fish & Co.

Truth be told: Fish & Co. was not among my go-to restaurants. Being a carnivore, I gravitated to restaurants centered on steaks, ribs and meat. And boy, have I been missing out on quite a lot!

This I discovered when my foodie friends and I went on an epic food trip at Trinoma Mall of which Fish & Co. was the second stop.

Fish & Co. is a casual dining restaurant that serve fresh seafood in a pan. Drawing inspiration from the practices of Mediterranean fishermen who cooked their freshly caught seafood on board their boats and ate directly off the pans where they cooked their food to ease their hunger pangs while they’re at sea.

The restaurant prides itself on offering the freshest seafood, prepared with natural and wholesome ingredients and served in generous portions.

Fish & Co. is one of the restaurants managed by The Bistro Group, a collection of international and local hospitality brands.

With safety concerns adequately addressed, diners can fully get down to getting hooked by Fish & Co.’s sumptuous dishes such as:

Ceasar Salad with Ramen Egg (Php295/Php495). Romaine lettuce tossed with croutons and parmesan cheese in house Caesar dressing and topped with marinated egg.

Crispy Fish Skin (Php195). Deep-fried salmon skin served with cocktail vinegar and spicy mango vinaigrette.

Singaporean Fried Chicken (Php795). Deep-fried marinated chicken served with house gravy.

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (Php355/Php595). Clams, prawn and fish cubes, tossed in our homemade tomato-basil sauce.

The Best Fish in Town (Php395/Php525). A slab of lightly battered fish deep-fried to a beautiful and crispy golden brown and served with tartar sauce.

At Fish & Co., you get a delicious taste of the sea’s bounty and more!

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

30% off on Mondays
20% off on Tueadays
Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
Online seats reservation
Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Fish & Co. branch is located at Fourth Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79162028, +63 2 7916 0105 or +63 977 2414903.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Upper Mckinley Road, Taguig City
4th Floor, The Deck, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
G/F Entertainment Mall, MOA Complex, Pasay City

Fish & Co. delivers via FoodPanda.

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group: